texas

skywatchers report


Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers Report for Monday February 3rd through Sunday February 9th.

The moon is at first quarter on Thursday February 6th, so we'll start the week with a waxing crescent moon and finish with a waxing gibbous moon.

Mercury is still visible low in the west after sunset and is now slowly working its way back towards the sun. Mercury is setting at 7:20 p.m. at midweek.

Jupiter is high in the east as the evening twilight ends and is still near the stars Castor and Pollux of the constellation Gemini. Jupiter is visible most of the night and sets at 5:15 a.m.

Mars is rising at 11:10 p.m. and is near the bright star Spica in the constellation Virgo. Saturn is rising at 1:25 a.m. in the constellation Libra. Venus is rising at 5:00 a.m., about 80 minutes before the sun.

Public viewing at the 16-inch reflector on top of Robert Lee Moore Hall is on Wednesday nights currently from 7 to 9 p.m. RLM is located on the southeast corner of Dean Keeton and Speedway. Take the elevator to the 17th floor and follow the signs to the telescope.

Public viewing at the 9 inch refractor at Painter Hall is on Friday and Saturday nights currently from 7 to 9 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe and is northeast of the UT Tower. To get to the telescope, take the elevator to the 5th floor and exit to the left. Follow the 5th floor hallway to the end and take the staircase through the double doors on the left. Once you reach the 6th floor, go to your right and follow the signs up to the telescope.

All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Note that viewing times and availability change throughout the year so please check the schedule before planning a visit. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 512-232-4265 for weather cancellation information, which is updated 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled viewing start time.

Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers Report.