Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for July 22nd through the 28th .
The full moon for the month of July is on the 24th. This full moon is sometimes called the Hay Moon or the Thunder Moon.
Venus continues to dominate the western sky at sundown. The bright planet sets around 10:45 this week.
The only other relatively bright planet in our night skies this week is Uranus, which rises around 9:45 p.m. in the east-southeast. The 7th planet lies on the boundary between the constellations Aquarius and Capricornus. At magnitude 5.7, Uranus is right at the limit of what the naked eye can see under very dark sky conditions. Otherwise you will need at least binoculars or a small telescope, as well as a finder chart, to see the planet. Be sure to try to look for Uranus' unique turquoise color.
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.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatcher's Report.
