texas

skywatchers report


Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for October 3rd to the 9th.

The moon is new on Monday the 3rd. For some observers, the moon eclipsed the sun, but was not close enough to the earth to completely block the sun, so it left a ring of sunlight in what is called an annular eclipse. Look for a gallery of eclipse images from Europe, Asia and Africa at spaceweather.com

When the moon re-emerges into the evening skies, it will pass close to several planets. On the 4th, it will be close to the horizon after sunset with Mercury and Jupiter. On the 6th, it will be below Venus, which is still shining brightly in the west as the evening star.

Mars is rising a little after 9 p.m. this week as it heads towards its closest approach to the earth at the end of the month. Look for the Pleiades star cluster to the left of Mars.

Wednesday night viewing on the Robert Lee Moore Hall will be delayed at least one more week due to continuing construction. Please call this recording for updated information each week.

The Painter Hall telescope is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 to 10 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe.

All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Note that star party times and availability change throughout the year. Please call this recording before planning a visit to the telescopes. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 232-4265 for weather cancellation information, which is updated 30 to 60 minutes before viewing start time only on nights when star parties are cancelled.

Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.