Daylight Savings Time | November Sky Happenings

Editor’s Note: HMNS Astronomer James Wooten reminds us to adjust our clocks as Daylight Savings Time ends this month. Saturn is an evening object.  Look in the southeast at dusk on Nov. 1, closer to the south by Thanksgiving.    Venus is also in the evening sky.  Look low in the west-southwest at dusk, near […]

Celebrating 35 years of the Cockrell Sundial

At 7:44 am on Sunday, September 22, 2024, the Sun is overhead at the equator, marking the autumnal (fall) equinox. Also, October 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of our Cockrell Sundial.  Here at the Museum, we’ll mark the occasion with a special event on Saturday, September 21, brought to you by Rice University along with […]

Summer Meteor Shower | August 2024 Sky Happenings

Editor’s Note: The month of August brings the Perseid meteor shower. HMNS Astronomer James Wooten explains what to expect with upcoming sky happenings. Saturn is now a late evening object!  It rises in the east-southeast by 10:11 pm on August 1 and by 8:15 (during twilight) on August 31.  Saturn is up literally all night […]

June brings the Summer Solstice

Editor’s Note: Summer Solstice is upon us this month and HMNS Astronomer James Wooten points to the Sun’s highest point in our sky. Saturn is in the southeast at dawn.    Mars is also in the morning sky, in the east at dawn.  Mars and Saturn easily outshine the very dim stars around them.  Venus […]

Eclipse Mania | April 2024 Sky Happenings

Editor’s Note: The Total Solar Eclipse is emerging over Texas and HMNS Astronomer James Wooten is giving us the details down to the minute. Jupiter is low in the west at nightfall.  No star at night is as bright. Watch as Jupiter appears slightly lower in the sky each April evening until it sets in […]

New Year, Clear Skies | January Sky Happenings 2024

Editor’s Note: We are looking up as HMNS Astronomer James Wooten jumps into the new year with January sky happenings, including perihelion. Saturn is well placed for observing in early evening.  Face south-southwest at dusk to observe it. Jupiter is prominent high in the sky, almost overhead at nightfall.  No star at night is as […]

Earth’s Aphelion | July 2023 Sky Happenings

Editor’s Note: We are looking up as HMNS Astronomer James Wooten explains the sky happenings for the month of July, Earth’s aphelion and the sweltering Texas heat. Venus remains in the evening sky for one more month.  It is high in the west at dusk as July begins.  However you can watch as Venus appears slightly […]

New Moon Marks End of Ramadan | April 2023 Sky Happenings

Editor’s Note: We are looking up as HMNS Astronomer James Wooten explains the sky happenings for the month of April and a New Moon that helps mark the ending of the celebration of Ramadan. Venus is even higher in the evening sky this month.  It is slightly higher in the west at dusk each evening.  […]

Indigenous Cowboys: The Living History of Native Americans in Rodeo

Editor’s Note: Anna Dean, Collections Technician, highlights the Indigenous influences found in a cultural phenomenon known as the rodeo. It’s Rodeo season in Houston, which means that dozens of athletes from across the United States and Canada will be competing in events like steer wrestling, barrel racing, and bull riding. Among these contestants are three […]


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