Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for September 16th through the 22nd.
The full moon for the month of September is on Saturday the 21st. Since this is the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox, it is traditionally referred to as the Harvest Moon. The name comes from the time before the electric light when farmers would take advantage of the bright moonlight to extend their time to harvest their crops.
The autumnal equinox occurs at 11:55 p.m. Central Daylight Time on Sunday the 22nd. The equinox is the point when the sun crosses the celestial equator and moves into the southern celestial hemisphere. On this date, the day and night are of roughly equal length, with the sun rising due east and setting due west.
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. The building 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.
The telescope at Painter hall is open on Fridays for UT students, faculty and staff from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays are open to the general public from 8:00 to 10:00 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.
