Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for April 2 to the 8th.
The full moon for the month of April is late in the evening of the 7th in the central time zone. This moon is known as the Grass Moon or the Egg Moon.
Saturn and Jupiter are now heading towards the western horizon at sunset. Saturn sets at 11:00 p.m this week, with Jupiter following around midnight. The famous shape of the constellation Orion the Hunter also sets around midnight now as the winter constellations begin to make way for the summer ones. By 11, Hercules and it's famous globular cluster are just starting to rise over the eastern horizon. Mars rises at about 1:30 a.m. this week heading towards a brilliant show this summer.
Last week saw one of the largest sunspot groups of the past decade and a large amount of solar activity. To follow the active sun during this peak of it's 11 year cycle, check out www.spaceweather.com
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore hall is now open to the public on Wednesday nights at 8:30 p.m. The building is located on the southeast corner of 26th and Speedway. Take the elevator to the 17th floor and follow the signs to the telescope.
The telescope at Painter hall is open on Fridays for UT students, faculty and staff from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays are open to the general public from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about half way between Speedway and Guadalupe.
All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Observing events are weather permitting.
