Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for March 22nd through the 28th.
The moon is at first quarter on Sunday the 28th.
Starting this week at sundown, observers will have a chance to see all five of the naked eye planets in the evening skies. Mercury will be the lowest of the bunch just a little above the western horizon at twilight. On Monday and Tuesday, look for a slim crescent moon below Venus, the bright planet in the west. On the 24th, the moon will be alongside Venus. Mars is a little above Venus and near the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. The moon will join Mars and the Pleiades on the 25th. Saturn is nearly overhead at 7:30 p.m. The first quarter moon will move alongside Saturn on Sunday. The last of the naked eye planets is Jupiter which is on the opposite side of the sky in the east.
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.
