Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for October 25th through the 31st.
The moon is full on Wednesday the 27th. This full moon is called the Hunter's Moon, since it is the full moon after the Harvest Moon.
This Wednesday's full moon will also be partially or totally eclipsed for many observers on the planet. Only eastern Asia and Australia won't see at least some part of the eclipse. Most of the North America, all of South America and Western Europe and Western Africa will see the entire event.
Here in Austin, the first contact of the Earth's shadow will be at 8:14 p.m. and totality will begin at 9:23. The moon will begin to leave the Earth's shadow at 10:45 and the eclipse will be complete just before midnight.
Lunar eclipses don't require any special equipment to view. Binoculars and telescopes can show some detail of the shadow across lunar features, but the full effect of the eclipse can be seen with the unaided eye.
This weekend we will return to standard time and gain an extra hour early in the morning hours of the 31st. Officially, it is the 1 to 2 a.m. hour that is repeated.
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. Note that the star party times will move one hour early starting next week due to the time change.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report and have a Happy and Safe Halloween.
