Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for July 7th through the 13th.
The full moon for the month of July is on Sunday the 13th. This full moon is known as the Hay Moon or the Thunder Moon.
On the night of the 10th, the moon will be near the bright orange star Antares in the constellation Scorpius.
Early risers on the 8th will be able to catch Venus and Saturn less than a degree apart very low in the east shortly before sunrise.
The launch of the second Mars Exploration Rover was delayed once again last week, pushing the new launch date to this week. To learn more about the mission go to the Mars Exploration Rover website at mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mer/
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights starting at 9:00 p.m. RLM is located on the southeast corner of Dean Keeton and Speedway. Take the elevators 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 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays for the general public from 9 to 11 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.
