Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for October 31st to November 6th.
The New Moon for the month of November is late on the night of the 1st.
Although there won’t be moonlight for trick-or-treaters on Halloween, there will be the bright orange glow of Mars up all night. Mars will rise a little after six on Monday and will shine brightly in the east as the ghosts and goblins make their way from door to door. If you have a chance to see Mars in a relatively large telescope, you may be able to see details of the Red Planet’s surface, including new dust storms that started in mid-October.
Venus is still shining brightly in the southwestern skies for a few hours after sunset. On November 5th the crescent moon will appear alongside Venus. Mercury is at greatest elongation on the 3rd. Use a very thin slice of the moon to help you find it low in the southwest that evening.
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. Our current estimate is that we will be able to open in mid-November.
The Painter Hall telescope is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe. Please note the new times because of the change back to standard time last weekend.
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.
