Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for November 5th through the 11th.
The moon is at third quarter on Thursday the 8th.
Saturn rises around 7:30 this week, with Jupiter rising a little after 9:30. Mars is still in the south at sunset. The moon will pass less than two degrees from Jupiter late in the evening of the 5th. You can still catch Mercury and Venus together very low in the morning sky before dawn.
The 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft sent back its first photo of the Red Planet last week. The picture is a thermal infrared image of the southern polar region. You can see this image and future pictures one the web at https://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/odyssey
Also last week, the International Space Station celebrated its first year of continuous human habitation. You can keep up with activity on the station at https://spaceflight.nasa.gov/
Wednesday night star parties at Robert Lee Moore Hall start at 7 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. There will be no public viewing on Wednesday November 21st.
Painter Hall public viewing is on Saturday evening and starts at 7 p.m. Friday nights are open to UT students, faculty and staff at 7 p.m. The building 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.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' report.
