Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for June 17th through the 23rd.
The first quarter moon is on Monday the 17th.
For the northern hemisphere, summer officially arrives this Friday on the 21st at 8:24 a.m. Central Daylight Time. The summer solstice occurs with the sun hits its highest point above the celestial equator and for us, this will be the longest day of the year. On Friday we will see the sun rise at its farthest point north of due east and set at its farthest point north of due west. Of course, the opposite is true for folks in the Southern Hemisphere, who will have their winter solstice and their shortest day of the year on Friday.
Observers on about half of the globe were able to see at least a partial solar eclipse last Monday. Many have posted their photographs on the web and a gallery of eclipse images can be seen at www.spaceweather.com.
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. The building is located on the southeast corner of Dean Keeton (formerly 26th street) 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 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays are open to the general public from 9:00 to 11:00 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.
