texas

skywatchers report


Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for November 1st through the 7th.

The moon is at third quarter in the early morning hours of Friday the 5th.

The two brightest planets in our sky, Venus and Jupiter, are moving close to one another each morning until they are less than a degree apart on Thursday and Friday mornings.

Saturn is finally starting to swing back into the evening skies, rising at about 10:45 p.m. this week. Last week the Cassini spacecraft, currently in orbit around Saturn, made its first close approach to the giant moon Titan. For images and early science results, go to saturn.jpl.nasa.gov

Photographs of last week's total lunar eclipse have been posted to spaceweather.com. Observers from around the world captured the event.

For more skywatching tips for the week, check out stardate.org

The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is open to the public on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 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 Painter Hall telescope is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 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. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 232-4265 for weather cancellation information. Note that star party times and availability change throughout the year. Please call this recording before planning a visit to the telescopes.

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