Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for September 23rd to the 29th.
Depending on your time zone, either Monday or Tuesday is the first full day of autumn. The equinox occurred at 11:55 p.m. for the Central Time zone on Sunday night, making Monday the first full day of fall for those of us in Austin.
The moon is at third quarter on Sunday the 29th.
On Thursday Venus will reach its greatest brightness, although it will be low to the western horizon. Venus sets a little before 9 p.m. this week, so you will need to find a place with a good view of the western sky and look shortly after sunset.
Saturn will be rising near the moon around midnight on Saturday the 28th into the morning hours of the 29th. Jupiter rises around 3 a.m. this week.
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.
