Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for June 26th through July 9th.
The moon is at first quarter on Monday, July 3rd.
Mercury, Saturn and Mars are all still visible in the west for a short while after sunset, but are sinking a little lower each night. The moon will pass by these three planets from the 26th to the 28th. Mercury is the lowest of the trio, with Saturn the brightest and in the middle, and Mars up above.
Jupiter is high in the south at 9:30 p.m. at the end of June. Look for the moon to the right of Jupiter while you’re enjoying the July 4th fireworks. The moon will be below Jupiter on the 5th.
On the night of the 7th the moon will pass through the heart of Scorpius the Scorpion. If you are in Northern and Eastern Australia, New Guinea or New Zealand you will see the moon occult Antares, the brightest star in the constellation.
Public viewing at the Painter Hall telescope is on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 p.m. this summer. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe. Painter viewing will run through August 12th.
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights from 9 to 10:30 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. Wednesday night viewing will run through July 26th.
All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Note that star party times and availability change throughout the year. Please call this recording before planning a visit to the telescopes. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 232-4265 for weather cancellation information, which is updated 30 to 60 minutes before viewing start time only on nights when star parties are cancelled.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report and have a happy and safe Independence Day holiday.
