Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for July 5 through the 18th.
The moon is at last quarter on Friday the 9th and new on Saturday the 17th.
Early risers can catch a very bright Venus in the east before dawn. The red star visible near the planet is Aldebaran, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus.
Jupiter is the bright object in the west after sunset.
The summer triangle stars of Deneb (in Cygnus), Altair (in Aquila) and Vega (in Lyra) are high in the east by 10 p.m. now. The constellation Scorpius the Scorpion is roughly due south at 10 p.m. at mid-month.
Last week Cassini-Huygens became the first spacecraft to enter orbit around Saturn and is already sending back amazing images and science data. To follow the mission log on to saturn.jpl.nasa.gov
For more skywatching tips for the week, check out stardate.org
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is 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.
