Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for October 18th through the 24th.
The moon is at first quarter on Wednesday the 20th.
The morning planets are slowly changing positions over the next few weeks. If you go out before dawn this week and look to the east, you will see a very bright Venus above Jupiter, which is also quite bright. If you have a good view of the horizon, you may also see Mars peaking out from the twilight. Over the next few weeks, Jupiter and Mars will get higher each day while Venus is sinking lower. In early November Venus and Jupiter, the two brightest planets in our skies, will be less than a degree apart.
Last week's partial solar eclipse was captured on film by skywatchers across and around the northern Pacific Ocean. To see some of the fascinating images, log on to spaceweather.com and scroll down to the solar eclipse photo gallery.
For more skywatching tips for the week, check out stardate.org
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore Hall is open to the public 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.
