Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for December 1st through the 7th.
The moon was at first quarter on the last day of November and won't reach full until next week.
The moon will pair up with Mars on Monday the 1st. Mars is now twice as far away as it was at closest approach in late August.
Saturn rises at about 7:45 p.m. this week, visible to the left of Orion. Jupiter rises at around 12:45 a.m. in the constellation Leo. Venus is visible as the "evening star" right now, low in the west at sunset. Mercury is visible to the lower right of Venus and will be rising a little higher each evening until greatest eastern elongation next week.
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. This week will be the final viewing nights for the fall semester. Viewing will resume in January with the start of the UT spring semester.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.
