Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for September 20th through the 26th.
The moon is at first quarter phase on Tuesday the 21st. also that day, Jupiter is in conjunction with the sun and will pass from the evening skies to the morning, joining Mercury, Venus, Mars and Saturn, leaving Uranus as the brightest planet in the evening skies.
The Fall, or Autumnal Equinox occurs at 11:30 a.m. central daylight time on Wednesday the 22nd. On this day, the day and night are equal. After the fall equinox, the days will start to grow shorter than the nights as we head to the winter solstice. Also on the equinox, the sun will rise due east and set due west.
For more skywatching tips for the week, check out stardate.org
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall will be open on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 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 Painter Hall telescope is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 to 10 p.m. Painter Hall is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe.
All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Observing events are weather permitting. Please call 232-4265 for weather cancellation information. Note that star party times and availability change throughout the year. Please call this recording before planning a visit to the telescopes.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report.
