Welcome to Idaho Skies for the last week of November. We’re your hosts, PAUL…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
Are you a morning person? Well here’s a reason to be one.
Are you a morning person? Well here’s a reason to be one.
RACHEL
For several mornings prior to and after the 27th, Venus and Saturn will approach each other. On
the morning of the 27th, Venus and Saturn will appear the closest together in the sky.
For several mornings prior to and after the 27th, Venus and Saturn will approach each other. On
the morning of the 27th, Venus and Saturn will appear the closest together in the sky.
PAUL
The planets are too small to show detail in your binoculars, but if you have a small telescope,
turn it towards Saturn, the fainter of the pair.
The planets are too small to show detail in your binoculars, but if you have a small telescope,
turn it towards Saturn, the fainter of the pair.
RACHEL
Even at a low magnification of 25 power, you can see the planet’s rings.
Even at a low magnification of 25 power, you can see the planet’s rings.
PAUL
The rings are made up of billions of snowballs. Each snowball is only about one yard across.
The rings are made up of billions of snowballs. Each snowball is only about one yard across.
RACHEL
The rings are about 150,000 miles across, with a thickness about the size of a football field.
The rings are about 150,000 miles across, with a thickness about the size of a football field.
PAUL
If all the material were gathered into a single snowball, it would only be about 60 miles across.
If all the material were gathered into a single snowball, it would only be about 60 miles across.
RACHEL
Saturn is very cold and very distant from the sun.
Saturn is very cold and very distant from the sun.
PAUL
The temperature at its cloud tops is minus 280 degrees Fahrenheit.
The temperature at its cloud tops is minus 280 degrees Fahrenheit.
RACHEL
It takes light from Saturn about 85 minutes to reach us on Earth.
It takes light from Saturn about 85 minutes to reach us on Earth.
PAUL
Don’t forget that the Cassini spacecraft is still in orbit around Saturn. This spacecraft, built by
the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has been exploring the planet since 2005.
Don’t forget that the Cassini spacecraft is still in orbit around Saturn. This spacecraft, built by
the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has been exploring the planet since 2005.
RACHEL
On the 28th, there are four items worth mentioning.
On the 28th, there are four items worth mentioning.
PAUL
First, Jupiter appears as a bright star near the moon in the evening.
First, Jupiter appears as a bright star near the moon in the evening.
RACHEL
Get your binoculars out and look for its four largest satellites.
Get your binoculars out and look for its four largest satellites.
PAUL
If you prop your binoculars so they remain steady, you will probably see Europa, Io, Jupiter, and
Callisto in your field of view from left to right.
If you prop your binoculars so they remain steady, you will probably see Europa, Io, Jupiter, and
Callisto in your field of view from left to right.
RACHEL
Second, the moon is full. The full moon in November is called the Beaver Moon.
Second, the moon is full. The full moon in November is called the Beaver Moon.
PAUL
Third, you can view a lunar eclipse in the morning. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes
through the Earth’s shadow.
Third, you can view a lunar eclipse in the morning. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes
through the Earth’s shadow.
RACHEL
The eclipse begins at 5:55 AM and reaches its peak, or the deepest portion of Earth’s shadow, at
7:33 AM.
The eclipse begins at 5:55 AM and reaches its peak, or the deepest portion of Earth’s shadow, at
7:33 AM.
PAUL
The eclipse won’t be the best kind because the moon won’t travel through the central portion of
Earth’s shadow from our perspective.
The eclipse won’t be the best kind because the moon won’t travel through the central portion of
Earth’s shadow from our perspective.
RACHEL
In addition, we will only be able to observe the eclipse as the moon sets around 7:55 AM. This
means we will see the first half of the eclipse, but in brightening skies.
In addition, we will only be able to observe the eclipse as the moon sets around 7:55 AM. This
means we will see the first half of the eclipse, but in brightening skies.
PAUL
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to look at with your eyes. However, a pair of
binoculars can make viewing it better.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to look at with your eyes. However, a pair of
binoculars can make viewing it better.
RACHEL
Finally, the moon is at apogee, or the farthest point in its orbit around Earth.
Finally, the moon is at apogee, or the farthest point in its orbit around Earth.
PAUL
The moon will therefore appear a bit smaller.
The moon will therefore appear a bit smaller.
RACHEL
In fact, this will be the smallest full moon of the year.
In fact, this will be the smallest full moon of the year.
PAUL
If you have a camera and tripod, try taking a picture of the full moon. Use your camera’s largest
zoom optical setting. Avoid using the digital zoom, as it makes the picture quality poor.
If you have a camera and tripod, try taking a picture of the full moon. Use your camera’s largest
zoom optical setting. Avoid using the digital zoom, as it makes the picture quality poor.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the last week of November. Next week, Mercury, Venus, and Saturn are
aligned in the morning sky.
That’s Idaho Skies for the last week of November. Next week, Mercury, Venus, and Saturn are
aligned in the morning sky.
PAUL
Follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For the Idaho Skies, this is PAUL…
Follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For the Idaho Skies, this is PAUL…
RACHEL
and Rachel.
and Rachel.
Idaho Skies is a production of NearSys and Boise Radio 89.9 FM Caldwell/Boise and 93.5 FM
downtown K228EK Garden City.
downtown K228EK Garden City.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Dark skies and bright stars.
