Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for July 14th through the 20th.
The moon will be waning from full to third quarter phase all week, although it will not actually reach last quarter until Monday the 21st.
Sunday the 20th is the34th anniversary of the first manned moon landing. For a look back at the Apollo program and other milestones of spaceflight, check out the NASA History Office's website at history.nasa.gov
Some observers will be able to see the moon occult, or move in front of, Mars on the morning of the 17th. For North America however, skywatchers will see Mars and the Moon separated by just a few tenths of a degree.
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights starting at 9:00 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 telescope at Painter hall is open on Fridays for UT students, faculty and staff from 9 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays for the general public from 9 to 11 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.
