Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for June 21st through the 27th.
The moon is at first quarter phase on Friday June 25th. The moon and Jupiter will make a nice pairing in the western sky on the night of Wednesday the 23rd.
The summer solstice occurred on the night of Sunday the 20th here in Austin, although it was the 21st using the standard Universal Time. This is the point where the sun hits its farthest point north of the celestial equator and for the northern hemisphere it marks the longest day of the year.
The recently active June Bootid meteor shower is due to peak Saturday night. This shower was dormant for 70 years and then became active again in 1998. Look to the northwest for the point from where the meteors will appear to come.
For more skywatching tips for the week, check out stardate.org
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall will be open on Wednesdays from 9 to 11 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 Painter Hall telescope is open to the public on Fridays from 9 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 11 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe.
All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 232-4265 for weather cancellation information. Note that star party times and availability change throughout the year. Please call this recording before planning a visit to the telescopes.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.
