Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for August 11th through the 17th.
The moon is full in the morning hours of Tuesday August 12th. The full moon for the month of August is called the Grain Moon or the Green Corn Moon.
The Perseid meteor shower peaks in the morning hours of Wednesday the 13th, unfortunately just one day after the full moon. This shower usually produces bright meteors, sometimes at a rate of as much as 100 an hour. Even with the moonlight's interference, it's worth giving the shower a look. Try to get to a dark location away from city lights and if possible try to block the moon with a tree or building to cut out some of its direct light. The Perseid meteor shower is caused by the Earth passing through the debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle.
Mars rises at about 9:30 p.m. this week. Look for it along side the waning gibbous moon on the night of the 13th.
For more skywatching tips for the week, check out stardate.org
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 RLM will be open on August 27th for Mars observations.
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.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.
