Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for June 24th through the 30th .
The full moon for the month of June is on the 24th. This full moon is known as the Flower Moon, Rose Moon, Strawberry Moon or the Honey Moon.
Venus is the dominant object in the western skies during evening twilight. Jupiter is very low to the horizon during twilight and sets less than an hour after sunset.
The familiar shapes of the summer constellations are rising earlier and earlier each evening now. Scorpius, the Scorpion, hangs in the southern sky around 11:00 p.m. this week. This constellation is one of the few that doesn't require much imagination to see how it got its name. The top of the scorpion is a line of several bright stars, with the bright orange Antares down and to the left. Following the trail of stars from Antares down and to the left, you should be able to pick out the sweeping curve of the scorpion's tail. In the area of the tail, and continuing into the neighboring constellation of Sagittarius are several wonderful deep sky objects. To get the best view of the clusters and nebulae in this region, find a dark location away from city lights. A telescope isn't necessary to enjoy many of the summer sights, a good pair of binoculars will go just fine in clear dark skies.
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. The building is located on the southeast corner of Dean Keeton (formerly 26th street) and Speedway. Take the elevator to the 17th floor and follow the signs to the telescope.
The telescope at Painter hall is open on Fridays for UT students, faculty and staff from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays are open to the general public from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about half way between Speedway and Guadalupe.
All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Observing events are weather permitting.
Please note that star party times change throughout the year. Please call this recording to check times before planning a visit to the telescopes.
