Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for July 8th through the 14th .
The moon is new on Wednesday the 10th.
The bright object in the western sky is Venus, which sets around 11 p.m. this week. If you are able to see Venus in a telescope this week, you might be able to detect that it is not a circle, but looks more like a waxing gibbous moon.
Venus and the moon will pair up on the evenings of the 12th and 13th. On the 12th, the two day old moon will be to the right of brilliant Venus in the west after sunset. On the 13th, a slightly larger moon will be above Venus. The two will be separated by about four degrees on Sunday.
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.
