Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for June 16th through the 22nd.
The moon is at third quarter on Saturday June 21st.
Also on the 21st is the official start to summer with the summer solstice, which will occur at 2:10 in the afternoon Central Daylight Time. The summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its furthest point north of the celestial equator. Because this is the day that the sun cuts its largest arc through the sky, it is the longest day of the year. In the southern hemisphere it will be their winter solstice and shortest day of the year.
In addition to these events, in the morning hours of the 21st, you can catch the two inner most planets less than half a degree apart from one another low in the east before sunrise.
The moon and Mars will pair up on the night of the 18th and into the morning hours of the 19th.
Jupiter is now setting a little after 11:30 p.m. this week.
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights starting at 9:00 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.
The telescope at Painter hall is open on Fridays for UT students, faculty and staff from 9 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays for the general public from 9 to 11 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.
Please note that star party times change throughout the year. Please call this recording to check times before planning a visit to the telescopes.
