Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers Report for Monday February 3rd through Sunday February 9th.
The moon is at first quarter early on Wednesday the 5th, so we’ll start the week with a waxing crescent moon and then we’ll have a waxing gibbous moon for the remainder for the remainder of the week.
Saturn is still visible low in the west-southwest after sunset and is setting at 8:30 p.m. at midweek.
Venus continues to shine very brightly in the west-southwest at sunset and is setting at 9:35 p.m. A look at Venus in a telescope shows that it is now only one third illuminated.
Jupiter is high in the south-southeast at nightfall and is setting at 3:00 a.m. Look for Jupiter near the moon on Thursday night.
Mars is up in the east in the early evening and is setting at 6:00 a.m. Mars has decreased a little in size and brightness since its closest approach last month. Look for Mars next to the moon on Sunday night.
Mercury is in superior conjunction with the sun on Sunday the 9th when it will pass behind the sun from the Earth’s perspective and move from our morning skies into our evening skies.
Public viewing at the 16-inch reflector on top of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy building is on Wednesday nights currently from 7 to 9 p.m. PMA 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. Take the elevator to the 5th floor then take the stairs up to the 6th floor 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.
