Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for February 9th through the 15th.
The moon is at third quarter on Friday February 13th.
February's evening skies feature four of the five naked eye planets. Venus is the brightest of the bunch in the west at sundown. Mars is a bit above Venus and has faded substantially from closest approach last August. Saturn is high in the east, still to the left of Orion and Jupiter is rising at due east around 8 p.m.
The twin Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity continue to send back dazzling images of the red planet. To see the latest pictures and follow the news from Mars, log on to jpl.nasa.gov
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.
Due to a technical problem at the Painter Hall telescope, the Friday and Saturday 8 to 10 p.m. night public viewing has been temporarily moved to Robert Lee Moore Hall's telescope.
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.
Please note that star party times change throughout the year. Please call this recording to check times before planning a visit to the telescopes.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.
