Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for September 27th to October 3rd.
The full moon for the month of September occurs on Tuesday the 28th. Because this is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, it is traditionally known as the Harvest Moon.
All of the bright planets continue to dominate the morning skies before sunrise. On Sunday morning Venus and Regulus, the brightest star in Leo the Lion, will be separated by less than two tenths of a degree.
On Wednesday asteroid 4179 Toutatis will pass about one million miles from the earth. There is no chance of this asteroid hitting the earth anytime in the near future, although uncertainties in the orbit make its position hard to predict into the distant future. For more information on the asteroid, follow the links at spaceweather.com
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.
