texas

skywatchers report


Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for February 28th through March 6th.

The moon is at third quarter on Thursday March 3rd. Early in the morning hours of the third, the moon will occult, or pass in front of, the bright star Antares in the constellation Scorpius. Unlike several of the bright occultations so far this year, this one will be visible in most of North and Central America.

Jupiter is rising at about 9 p.m. this week. Saturn is close to overhead as the sky darkens after sunset. Mars rises at about 4 a.m. and Venus is too close to the sun to be observed.

For more skywatching tips for the week, check out stardate.org

Saturday March 5th is the annual Explore UT open house. The Astronomy Department and McDonald Observatory will be hosting several tables and events throughout the day. For more information on the open house, log on to www.utexas.edu/events/exploreUT.

The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is open to the public on Wednesday  nights from 7 to 9 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 Painter Hall telescope is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights  from 7 to 9 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe.

All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Note that star party times and availability change throughout the year. Please call this recording before planning a visit to the telescopes. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 232-4265 for weather cancellation information, which is updated 30 to 60 minutes before viewing start time only on nights when star parties are cancelled.

Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.