Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers Report for Monday September 8th through Sunday September 14th.
The moon is at third quarter on the morning of Sunday September 14th, so we’ll have a waning gibbous moon most of the week.
Mercury is in superior solar conjunction when it will pass behind the Sun from the Earth’s perspective and will move from our morning skies into our evening skies.
Mars is low in the west at sunset and is very close to the bright star Spica in the constellation Virgo this week. Mars is setting at 9:15 p.m. at midweek.
Saturn is rising at 8:10 p.m. and is heading towards opposition next week so it is up nearly the entire night. Look for Saturn next to the moon on Monday night.
In the morning skies, Jupiter is rising at 2:35 a.m. and is still near the stars Castor and Pollux in the constellation Gemini.
Venus is rising at 5 a.m., still over two hours before sunrise.
In space anniversaries this week, Tuesday September 9th marks 50 years since the launch of the Viking 2 orbiter and lander mission to Mars. The spacecraft entered into orbit on August 7th, 1976, a few weeks after its twin, Viking 1, and the lander touched down at Utopia Planitia on September 3, 1976. The orbiter was turned off in July 1978 and the lander operated until April 12, 1980, when its batteries failed.
Public viewing at the Physics, Math, and Astronomy building is on Wednesday nights currently from 8 to 10 p.m. PMA is located on the southeast corner of Dean Keeton and Speedway. Take the elevator to the 17th floor and follow the signs to the telescope.
Public viewing at the 9-inch refractor at Painter Hall is on Friday and Saturday nights currently from 8 to 10 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe and is northeast of the UT Tower. Take the elevator to the 5th floor then take the stairs up to the 6th floor and follow the signs up to the telescope.
All events are free and open to all ages, and no reservations are required. Note that viewing times and availability change throughout the year so please check the schedule before planning a visit. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 512-232-4265 for weather cancellation information, which is updated 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled viewing start times.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers Report.
