"Heads-Up"
Information for the Astronomically Observant

Welcome to Heads-Up, the Mayborn Planetarium’s informal, yet in depth look at tracking the constellations, planets and all things galactic. The report is written each month by our resident astronomer, Warren Hart. A former U.S. Air Force navigator, an astronomical guide on cruise ships and for the Texas Parks and Wildlife, Warren has an extensive background in astronomy. Follow his report for each day’s occurrences or click on a specific day on the calendar link to the right.

Astronomy question for the month of December
What is the name of the distant object in space a person can see from Earth with the unaided eye (not using binoculars or telescope)?

Answer: The Andromeda Galaxy (also known as M31) is 2.5+ million light years from Earth. Where to find it is included in the midnight January 1 section. For more information, go to the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andromeda_Galaxy

Astronomy question for the month of January 2009
Which planet in our solar system has the highest surface temperature?

All times, angles and distances to view the celestial objects are based on observing the sky from the Mayborn Planetarium and Space Theater’s location at 31˚ 07’ 08.50” North latitude; 097˚ 48’ 18.40” West longitude; 950 feet / 290 meters elevation [UTM 14R 613.9kmE 3,443.4kmN].

Please note:
Central Standard Time (CST) will then be in effect until 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, 2009.

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"Heads-Up" Information for the Astronomically Observant

"Heads-Up"
Information for the Astronomically Observant