Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for November 17th through the 23rd.
The moon is at third quarter early in the morning hours of Monday the 17th. The moon is new on Sunday the 23rd. There is a total solar eclipse with this new moon, but it will only be visible from Antarctica. Australia will see a partial eclipse.
The Leonid meteor shower peaks this week on the night of the 18th into the morning hours of the 19th. Although a storm isn't expected like the past few years, the shower is still expected to produce around a meteor a minute for some locations. The best time to view the Leonids is starting at around 1 a.m. on the 19th and watching through to dawn. The Leonid meteor shower occurs when the earth passes through debris left in our orbit by the comet Tempel-Tuttle.
For more skywatching tips for the week check out stardate.org
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights starting at 7:00 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 and Saturdays are open for the general public, both currently running from 8 to 10 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. Call 232-4265 for up-to-date cancellation information.
Note that star party times and availability change throughout the year. Please call this recording to check times before planning a visit to the telescopes. There will be no viewing on UT campus telescopes next week due to the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.
