Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for October 22nd through the 28th.
The moon is at first quarter late in the evening of the 23rd.
The moon will pass close to Mars also on the 23rd. On some parts of the Earth, folks will see the Moon move in front of Mars in what is known as an occultation.
Also on the 23rd, the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft is set to enter orbit around the Red Planet. To follow the mission, see mars.jpl.nasa.gov. Odyssey will join the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft which has been sending back photographs since 1997.
This coming weekend the clocks fall back an hour and we return to standard time. The hour that we officially repeat is 1-2 am Sunday morning.
Wednesday night star parties at Robert Lee Moore Hall start at 8 p.m. The building is located on the southeast corner of Dean Keeton (formerly 26th street) and Speedway. Take the elevator to the 17th floor and follow the signs to the telescope. We will be open next Wednesday on Halloween if weather permits.
Painter Hall public viewing is on Saturday evening and starts at 8:30 p.m. Friday nights are open to UT students, faculty and staff at 8:30 p.m. The building is located on 24th street about halfway between Speedway and Guadalupe.
Star party times will change next week due to the switch back to standard time from daylight saving time.
All events are free and open to all ages and no reservations are required. Observing events are weather permitting.
