Welcome to the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report for November 25th through December 1st.
The moon is at last quarter phase on Wednesday the 27th.
On Monday night into Tuesday morning, the moon and Jupiter will make a nice pairing in the sky, rising a little before 11:00 p.m. Early in the morning hours of Sunday December 1st the very small crescent moon will rise with the brilliant planet Venus and the planet Mars. Saturn is now rising around 7:00 p.m. making it well placed for evening observing.
The Space Shuttle Endeavour successfully launched over the weekend on a mission to the International Space Station. The shuttle will deliver and activate another truss for the space station, as well as the Expedition Six crew. The Expedition Five crew, which have been aboard the station since June, will return home. To follow the mission, logon to spaceflight.nasa.gov.
The telescope at Robert Lee Moore hall is open to the public on Wednesday nights starting at 7 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. Next week will be the final Wednesday night star party for the fall semester. Viewing will resume in January.
The telescope at Painter hall is open on Fridays for UT students, faculty and staff from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays are open to the general public from 7:00 to 9:00 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.
Thank you for calling the University of Texas Skywatchers' Report and have a great Thanksgiving Holiday!
