Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers Report for Monday June 10th through Sunday June 16th.
The moon is at first quarter to start the week early on Monday morning, so we'll have a waxing gibbous moon for the whole week.
Mercury is visible low in the west at sunset and is setting at 10:15 p.m. at midweek, over an hour and a half after sunset, so you should be able to see the innermost planet if you have a good view of the western horizon.
Mars is near Mercury in the west shortly after sunset and is setting at 10:25 p.m. The two planets will move closer to one another over the course of the week.
Jupiter is at opposition on Monday the 10th so the Sun, Earth, and Jupiter are aligned, and Jupiter is at its closest point to us this year. The giant planet will rise at sunset and set at sunrise and be visible all night long on Monday. While that is the day that Jupiter will technically be at its best, it will actually be great evening viewing all summer. Jupiter and the nearly-full moon will pair up on Sunday night.
Saturn is rising at 10:15 p.m. so it is visible for most of the night.
Venus is up in the morning at 5:25 a.m., about an hour before sunrise.
Public viewing on UT campus telescopes for the summer sessions resumes this week!
Public viewing at the 16-inch reflector on top of Robert Lee Moore Hall is on Wednesday nights from 9:00 to 10:30 p.m. this summer. RLM is located on the southeast corner of Dean Keeton and Speedway. Take the elevator to the 17th floor and follow the signs to the telescope.
Public viewing at the 9-inch refractor at Painter Hall is on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:30 p.m. this summer. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe and is northeast of the UT Tower. Take the elevator to the 5th floor and then take the stairs up to the 6th floor and follow the signs to the telescope.
Please arrive at RLM or Painter Hall before 10 p.m. to ensure access to the buildings.
All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Note that viewing times and availability change throughout the year so please check the schedule before planning a visit. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 512-232-4265 for weather cancellation information, which is updated 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled viewing start time.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers Report.
