Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for May 21st to the 28th.
The new moon for the month of May is late in the evening of Tuesday the 22nd
This week is the last chance to see Jupiter before it disappears behind the sun. You can catch the largest of our planets very low in the west just after sunset.
A little above Jupiter, Mercury is still fairly easy to see in the hour or so after sunset. A good clear western horizon will allow you see the innermost planet and the two day old moon on the 24th.
Mars rises at about 10:30 at midweek. Venus rises a little past 4:00 in the morning as is shining high in the east shortly before dawn.
The sun continues to be moderately active. Two months ago, a large sunspot group appeared on the sun and managed to remain long enough to cross the sun's face a second time about a month later. Last week, some of the remnants of this sunspot came over the sun's limb for an extremely rare third appearance. The sunspot group is much smaller than when it originally formed back in March, but some small spots are still visible.
To follow the sun's activity on a daily basis, go to www.spaceweather.com
Summer public viewing on University campus telescopes will resume in June. Stay tuned for further details.
