texas

skywatchers report


Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for March 8th through the 14th.

The moon is at third quarter on the night of the 13th.

Jupiter is rising in the east at about 6 p.m. this week, making it will placed for early evening observing. Nature's Lord of the Rings, the planet Saturn, is visible close to straight overhead at about 7:45 this week. Look for the distinctive shape of the constellation Orion nearby.

Venus is still shining brightly in the west at sun down. If you know exactly where to look, Venus can actually be seen with the naked-eye in the daylight.

In space news, the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity continue to dazzle scientists and the public alike with fantastic images and data. Last week project scientists announced that Opportunity has found strong evidence that the Meridiani Planum was once soaking wet. For more information on the mission, check out 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. There will be no viewing next week due to Spring Break.

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