RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 23rd, 24th, and 25th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
The moon, Jupiter, and Spica form an astronomical trio on the morning of the 23rd.
PAUL
Earthshine should be easier to see the morning of the 23rd than it was a day ago.
RACHEL
You’ll need to be outside some time between 4:30 AM and 7:00 AM.
PAUL
That’s between the time of moonrise and the break of dawn.
RACHEL
Zubenelgenubi is a double star that appears as a single star to most people.
PAUL
Stargazers with binoculars won’t be tricked however.
RACHEL
That’s because it takes only a little magnification to split the star into two companions.
PAUL
Stargazers can find this double star for themselves on the morning of the 24th.
RACHEL
It’s easier that morning because Zubenelgenubi is the star below the crescent moon at 6:00 AM.
PAUL
You’ll find that the moon and Zubenelgenubi so close enough together, that you can see both at the same time in binoculars.
RACHEL
But just barely.
PAUL
Did you get a telescope on Christmas Eve or very early Christmas morning?
RACHEL
Then put a low power eyepiece into the telescope and point it at the thin crescent moon at 6:00 AM on the 25th.
PAUL
By the way, a low power eyepiece is one with a large focal length.
RACHEL
So a 25 or 50 mm eyepiece would be ideal.
PAUL
Stargazers will see earthshine illuminating the dark portion of the moon.
RACHEL
And sunlit craters nearly edge-on.
PAUL
Their shadows will be cast long...
RACHEL
...but those shadows are pointing towards Earth so we see them strongly foreshortened.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Transcript for December 21st and 22nd
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 21st and 22nd. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Winter begins on the morning of the 21st.
RACHEL
So give a warm welcome to the winter solstice.
PAUL
Wait, solstice?
RACHEL
The word solstice means sun standing still.
PAUL
Standing still?
RACHEL
Sure. It refers to the fact that the sun’s point of rising on the horizon doesn’t appear to shift for several days.
PAUL
Oh I see. Normally, stargazers would notice the sun rises in a more northerly point during the winter and spring.
RACHEL
And rising more southerly point during the summer and fall.
PAUL
So on the first day of winter, that motion temporarily halts.
RACHEL
Hence the name, solstice.
PAUL
Early risers will find three astronomical treats in the low southeast on the morning of the 22nd.
RACHEL
First is a very bright Jupiter below the second treat, the crescent moon.
PAUL
The third treat is a slightly fainter star below Jupiter, the star Spica.
RACHEL
Spica is the brightest star of Virgo the Maiden.
PAUL
Finally, earthshine or the faint illumination on the dark portion of the moon may also be visible that morning.
RACHEL
A pair of binoculars will come in handy for seeing earthshine.
PAUL
Which is actually sunlight, but reflected from Earth first.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 21st and 22nd of December.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 21st and 22nd. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Winter begins on the morning of the 21st.
RACHEL
So give a warm welcome to the winter solstice.
PAUL
Wait, solstice?
RACHEL
The word solstice means sun standing still.
PAUL
Standing still?
RACHEL
Sure. It refers to the fact that the sun’s point of rising on the horizon doesn’t appear to shift for several days.
PAUL
Oh I see. Normally, stargazers would notice the sun rises in a more northerly point during the winter and spring.
RACHEL
And rising more southerly point during the summer and fall.
PAUL
So on the first day of winter, that motion temporarily halts.
RACHEL
Hence the name, solstice.
PAUL
Early risers will find three astronomical treats in the low southeast on the morning of the 22nd.
RACHEL
First is a very bright Jupiter below the second treat, the crescent moon.
PAUL
The third treat is a slightly fainter star below Jupiter, the star Spica.
RACHEL
Spica is the brightest star of Virgo the Maiden.
PAUL
Finally, earthshine or the faint illumination on the dark portion of the moon may also be visible that morning.
RACHEL
A pair of binoculars will come in handy for seeing earthshine.
PAUL
Which is actually sunlight, but reflected from Earth first.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 21st and 22nd of December.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Transcript for December 19th and 20th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 19th and 20th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Stargazers going outside after midnight on the 19th will find Leo the Lion sitting on top of the moon.
PAUL
Leo is one of the original 48 constellations recorded by the ancient astronomer Ptolemy.
RACHEL
Ptolemy was a Greek astronomer living in Alexandria, Egypt in the 2nd century AD.
PAUL
Leo was an ancient constellation for Ptolemy because the Mesopotamians recognized it as a lion 4,000 years earlier.
RACHEL
Residing inside the boundary of Leo is a star that astronomer Max Wolf listed as the 359th star in his catalog.
PAUL
He was developing a catalog of stars that were moving quickly across the sky.
RACHEL
This movement is called proper motion and a good way to detect stars that are close to the solar system.
PAUL
Today astronomers call the star Wolf 359.
RACHEL
At a distance of 8 light years, Wolf 359 is the fifth closest star to the solar system.
PAUL
The star appears in several science fiction stories, including Star Trek the Next Generation.
RACHEL
The star is so faint that a large amateur telescope is needed to see it.
PAUL
Why is it so faint if it’s so close to the solar system?
RACHEL
That’s because it’s a low mass red dwarf star.
PAUL
Astronomers discovered early last century that the lower the mass, the fainter the star.
RACHEL
In the case of Wolf 359, it only has 9% of the mass of the sun.
PAUL
That low mass comes with a benefit however.
RACHEL
Astronomers calculate that the star will continue to shine until a ripe old age of 8 trillion years.
PAUL
Which is almost 800 times longer than the sun.
RACHEL
So when the sun is long gone, Wolf 359 won’t even be 1% older.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 19th and 20th of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 19th and 20th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Stargazers going outside after midnight on the 19th will find Leo the Lion sitting on top of the moon.
PAUL
Leo is one of the original 48 constellations recorded by the ancient astronomer Ptolemy.
RACHEL
Ptolemy was a Greek astronomer living in Alexandria, Egypt in the 2nd century AD.
PAUL
Leo was an ancient constellation for Ptolemy because the Mesopotamians recognized it as a lion 4,000 years earlier.
RACHEL
Residing inside the boundary of Leo is a star that astronomer Max Wolf listed as the 359th star in his catalog.
PAUL
He was developing a catalog of stars that were moving quickly across the sky.
RACHEL
This movement is called proper motion and a good way to detect stars that are close to the solar system.
PAUL
Today astronomers call the star Wolf 359.
RACHEL
At a distance of 8 light years, Wolf 359 is the fifth closest star to the solar system.
PAUL
The star appears in several science fiction stories, including Star Trek the Next Generation.
RACHEL
The star is so faint that a large amateur telescope is needed to see it.
PAUL
Why is it so faint if it’s so close to the solar system?
RACHEL
That’s because it’s a low mass red dwarf star.
PAUL
Astronomers discovered early last century that the lower the mass, the fainter the star.
RACHEL
In the case of Wolf 359, it only has 9% of the mass of the sun.
PAUL
That low mass comes with a benefit however.
RACHEL
Astronomers calculate that the star will continue to shine until a ripe old age of 8 trillion years.
PAUL
Which is almost 800 times longer than the sun.
RACHEL
So when the sun is long gone, Wolf 359 won’t even be 1% older.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 19th and 20th of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Idaho Skies Transcript for December 16th to 18th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 16th, 17th, and 18th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The moon and Beehive star cluster are visible together in binoculars on the night of the 16th.
RACHEL
The Beehive star cluster is one of the few star clusters recorded by ancient civilizations.
PAUL
However, they didn’t know they consisted of stars.
RACHEL
That’s right. They could only see the them as fuzzy patches in the sky.
PAUL
Kind of like an out of focus star.
RACHEL
However, modern stargazers can easily see star clusters like the Beehive with their binoculars.
PAUL
First, aim your binoculars at the moon.
RACHEL
Then place the moon in the lower right edge of your binoculars.
PAUL
As you shift your binoculars, the Beehive star cluster will enter your view from the upper left edge.
RACHEL
Now the moon is going to be bright.
PAUL
That means its light will wash out many of the stars filling the Beehive.
RACHEL
So shift you binoculars away from the moon a bit more until only the Beehive remains.
PAUL
How many stars can you see in the Beehive?
RACHEL
In dark skies, you should see about a dozen stellar members of this cluster.
PAUL
To get an even better view, use averted vision.
RACHEL
That means shift your eyes to look away from the cluster slightly.
PAUL
That way the more sensitive part of your retina is focused on the star cluster.
RACHEL
This is an old trick that stargazers use to detect faint object.
PAUL
But it doesn’t let you see sharp details.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 16th, 17th, and 18th of December.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 16th, 17th, and 18th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The moon and Beehive star cluster are visible together in binoculars on the night of the 16th.
RACHEL
The Beehive star cluster is one of the few star clusters recorded by ancient civilizations.
PAUL
However, they didn’t know they consisted of stars.
RACHEL
That’s right. They could only see the them as fuzzy patches in the sky.
PAUL
Kind of like an out of focus star.
RACHEL
However, modern stargazers can easily see star clusters like the Beehive with their binoculars.
PAUL
First, aim your binoculars at the moon.
RACHEL
Then place the moon in the lower right edge of your binoculars.
PAUL
As you shift your binoculars, the Beehive star cluster will enter your view from the upper left edge.
RACHEL
Now the moon is going to be bright.
PAUL
That means its light will wash out many of the stars filling the Beehive.
RACHEL
So shift you binoculars away from the moon a bit more until only the Beehive remains.
PAUL
How many stars can you see in the Beehive?
RACHEL
In dark skies, you should see about a dozen stellar members of this cluster.
PAUL
To get an even better view, use averted vision.
RACHEL
That means shift your eyes to look away from the cluster slightly.
PAUL
That way the more sensitive part of your retina is focused on the star cluster.
RACHEL
This is an old trick that stargazers use to detect faint object.
PAUL
But it doesn’t let you see sharp details.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 16th, 17th, and 18th of December.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Idaho Skies Transcript for December 14th and 15th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 14th and 15th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
For stargazers trying to identify Gemini the Twins, your friend is the moon on the 14th.
PAUL
That’s because it passes through the feet of Gemini the Twins that night.
RACHEL
The stars in Gemini form two horizontal rows of stars in the low east at 9:00 PM.
PAUL
The moon will be at located at the right end of the bottom row.
RACHEL
This row represents Pollux, the immortal half of the twins.
PAUL
The row of stars above the moon represents Castor, Pollux’s mortal brother.
RACHEL
In Greek mythology, the mother of Gemini Twins was Leda.
PAUL
But they had different fathers.
RACHEL
The father of Castor was Leda’s husband, Tyndareus, king of Sparta.
PAUL
But the father of Pollux was Zeus, king of the Greek pantheon of gods.
RACHEL
The Gemini Twins are considered protectors of sailors.
PAUL
And they are associated with St. Elmo’s Fire.
RACHEL
For listeners unfamiliar with St. Elmo’s fire, it’s a glowing electrical discharge from sharp-pointed objects.
PAUL
Sailors have observed St. Elmo’s fire emanating from the masts of sailing ships as they sailed through thunderstorms.
RACHEL
It occurs when the voltage difference between the sea and the clouds is great enough to turn the atmosphere around the mast into a plasma.
PAUL
Which is the same thing occurring in fluorescent lights when they glow.
RACHEL
There’s another way to picture Gemini, as the legs of a soccer player.
PAUL
The bright stars of Gemini then represent the hips of the soccer player.
RACHEL
And that means the moon is a soccer ball that Gemini is about to kick on the 14th.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 14th and 15th of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 14th and 15th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
For stargazers trying to identify Gemini the Twins, your friend is the moon on the 14th.
PAUL
That’s because it passes through the feet of Gemini the Twins that night.
RACHEL
The stars in Gemini form two horizontal rows of stars in the low east at 9:00 PM.
PAUL
The moon will be at located at the right end of the bottom row.
RACHEL
This row represents Pollux, the immortal half of the twins.
PAUL
The row of stars above the moon represents Castor, Pollux’s mortal brother.
RACHEL
In Greek mythology, the mother of Gemini Twins was Leda.
PAUL
But they had different fathers.
RACHEL
The father of Castor was Leda’s husband, Tyndareus, king of Sparta.
PAUL
But the father of Pollux was Zeus, king of the Greek pantheon of gods.
RACHEL
The Gemini Twins are considered protectors of sailors.
PAUL
And they are associated with St. Elmo’s Fire.
RACHEL
For listeners unfamiliar with St. Elmo’s fire, it’s a glowing electrical discharge from sharp-pointed objects.
PAUL
Sailors have observed St. Elmo’s fire emanating from the masts of sailing ships as they sailed through thunderstorms.
RACHEL
It occurs when the voltage difference between the sea and the clouds is great enough to turn the atmosphere around the mast into a plasma.
PAUL
Which is the same thing occurring in fluorescent lights when they glow.
RACHEL
There’s another way to picture Gemini, as the legs of a soccer player.
PAUL
The bright stars of Gemini then represent the hips of the soccer player.
RACHEL
And that means the moon is a soccer ball that Gemini is about to kick on the 14th.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 14th and 15th of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Idaho Skies Transcript for December 12th and 13th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 12th and 13th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
After it gets dark on the 12th, point your binoculars at the moon.
RACHEL
You’ll find it’s slowly drifting through the Hyades star cluster.
PAUL
The brightest star appearing in the Hyades is Aldebaran and it’ll be located to the left of the moon before 8:00 PM.
RACHEL
However, the moon is on the move, so it covers up Aldebaran a short time later.
PAUL
When one astronomical body covers up another, it’s called an occultation.
RACHEL
And the occultation of Aldebaran begins at 8:12 PM on the 12th.
PAUL
You’ll want to start watching a good five minutes earlier.
RACHEL
That way, you have time to locate Aldebaran near the bright moon.
PAUL
Watch Aldebaran carefully, it will wink out before reaching the bright limb of the moon.
RACHEL
The disappearance of Aldebaran will be instantaneous, as the star is only 150 thousandths of a degree across.
PAUL
Its reappearance will be equally abrupt at 9:12 PM.
RACHEL
Except this time, Aldebaran reappears along the bright edge of the lunar limb.
PAUL
The bright edge of the moon will make it more difficult to detect the initial reappearance of Aldebaran.
RACHEL
So carefully watch the upper right edge of the moon before 9:10 PM.
PAUL
Stargazers will find two helpful star charts on the Idaho Skies blog and Twitter account.
RACHEL
The moon is full the next day on the 13th.
PAUL
Or the day it’s opposite the sun in the sky.
RACHEL
Meaning it rises at sunset and sets at sunrise.
PAUL
The full moon in November is called the Cold Moon by some Native American cultures.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 12th and 13th of December.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 12th and 13th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
After it gets dark on the 12th, point your binoculars at the moon.
RACHEL
You’ll find it’s slowly drifting through the Hyades star cluster.
PAUL
The brightest star appearing in the Hyades is Aldebaran and it’ll be located to the left of the moon before 8:00 PM.
RACHEL
However, the moon is on the move, so it covers up Aldebaran a short time later.
PAUL
When one astronomical body covers up another, it’s called an occultation.
RACHEL
And the occultation of Aldebaran begins at 8:12 PM on the 12th.
PAUL
You’ll want to start watching a good five minutes earlier.
RACHEL
That way, you have time to locate Aldebaran near the bright moon.
PAUL
Watch Aldebaran carefully, it will wink out before reaching the bright limb of the moon.
RACHEL
The disappearance of Aldebaran will be instantaneous, as the star is only 150 thousandths of a degree across.
PAUL
Its reappearance will be equally abrupt at 9:12 PM.
RACHEL
Except this time, Aldebaran reappears along the bright edge of the lunar limb.
PAUL
The bright edge of the moon will make it more difficult to detect the initial reappearance of Aldebaran.
RACHEL
So carefully watch the upper right edge of the moon before 9:10 PM.
PAUL
Stargazers will find two helpful star charts on the Idaho Skies blog and Twitter account.
RACHEL
The moon is full the next day on the 13th.
PAUL
Or the day it’s opposite the sun in the sky.
RACHEL
Meaning it rises at sunset and sets at sunrise.
PAUL
The full moon in November is called the Cold Moon by some Native American cultures.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 12th and 13th of December.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Transcript for December 9th to 11th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 9th, 10th, and 11th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
The solar system’s 7th planet is just under 5 degrees from the moon on the 9th.
PAUL
That means stargazers can see it and the moon at the same time through binoculars.
RACHEL
To find Uranus, point your binoculars at the moon on the evening of the 9th.
PAUL
Then shift your view to the upper right until the moon is located in the lower left edge of your field of view.
RACHEL
Uranus will be the star in the upper right edge of the view.
PAUL
You can confirm it’s Uranus if it appears as the lower left corner of a triangle of stars.
RACHEL
For additional confirmation, the star at the top of the triangle will be about twice as bright as Uranus.
PAUL
Stargazers will find a helpful star chart on the Idaho Skies blog and Twitter account.
RACHEL
Stargazers wanting to locate Aries the Ram will appreciate the moon on the 10th.
PAUL
That because it’s located below the constellation that night.
RACHEL
Aries consists of four stars arranged in a slightly curved line.
PAUL
However, only three of them are immediately obvious.
RACHEL
The brightest star of Aries is named Hamal.
PAUL
And it’s the bright star located on the left end of the constellation.
RACHEL
In Greek mythology, Aries represented the Ram with the Golden Fleece.
PAUL
Stargazers should start taking some time to look for Mercury after sunset.
RACHEL
It reaches peak elevation above the horizon in a couple of days.
PAUL
Mercury appears as the only star in the low southwest at 6:00 PM.
RACHEL
Binoculars will help in locating Mercury.
PAUL
But don’t use them until after the sun has set.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 8th, 9th, and 10th of December.
PAUL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 9th, 10th, and 11th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
The solar system’s 7th planet is just under 5 degrees from the moon on the 9th.
PAUL
That means stargazers can see it and the moon at the same time through binoculars.
RACHEL
To find Uranus, point your binoculars at the moon on the evening of the 9th.
PAUL
Then shift your view to the upper right until the moon is located in the lower left edge of your field of view.
RACHEL
Uranus will be the star in the upper right edge of the view.
PAUL
You can confirm it’s Uranus if it appears as the lower left corner of a triangle of stars.
RACHEL
For additional confirmation, the star at the top of the triangle will be about twice as bright as Uranus.
PAUL
Stargazers will find a helpful star chart on the Idaho Skies blog and Twitter account.
RACHEL
Stargazers wanting to locate Aries the Ram will appreciate the moon on the 10th.
PAUL
That because it’s located below the constellation that night.
RACHEL
Aries consists of four stars arranged in a slightly curved line.
PAUL
However, only three of them are immediately obvious.
RACHEL
The brightest star of Aries is named Hamal.
PAUL
And it’s the bright star located on the left end of the constellation.
RACHEL
In Greek mythology, Aries represented the Ram with the Golden Fleece.
PAUL
Stargazers should start taking some time to look for Mercury after sunset.
RACHEL
It reaches peak elevation above the horizon in a couple of days.
PAUL
Mercury appears as the only star in the low southwest at 6:00 PM.
RACHEL
Binoculars will help in locating Mercury.
PAUL
But don’t use them until after the sun has set.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 8th, 9th, and 10th of December.
PAUL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Transcript for December 7th and 8th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 7th and 8th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The moon reaches the first quarter phase on the 7th.
RACHEL
First quarter is a good time to take a gander at the moon through binoculars or small telescope.
PAUL
That’s because lots of craters will be visible along the terminator or boundary between the lunar day and night.
RACHEL
However, there will be even more craters scattered across the moon’s southern hemisphere.
PAUL
Lunar craters were discovered by Galileo in 1609.
RACHEL
Prior to that time, most people believed the moon had a smooth and perfect surface.
PAUL
Imagine Galileo’s surprise when he discovered the moon was covered with bowl-like depressions.
RACHEL
He gave the depressions the name crater, which was a shallow bowl used to mix wine and water.
PAUL
More than 60 years ago, it was difficult for people to accept the notion that rocks fell out of the sky.
RACHEL
So lunar craters were originally thought to result from volcanic explosions on the moon.
PAUL
Between World War 1 and World War 2, there was even a suggestion that craters were created by lunar glaciers.
RACHEL
One reason it was difficult to square craters with meteorite impacts is that scientists were unfamiliar with the effects of hypersonic impacts.
PAUL
One person instrumental in getting to the bottom of this in the 1960s was Gene Shoemaker.
RACHEL
He literally did get to the bottom of things by hiking to the bottom of Meteor crater in Arizona.
PAUL
His explorations taught him that the rim of meteor craters are flipped over, but not from a volcanic explosion.
RACHEL
It’s flipped over because a hypersonic impact creates an explosion beneath the ground at the impact site.
PAUL
His observations about craters taught the Apollo astronauts about the lunar terrain before their flights to the moon.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 6th and 7th of December.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter @IdahoSkies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 7th and 8th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The moon reaches the first quarter phase on the 7th.
RACHEL
First quarter is a good time to take a gander at the moon through binoculars or small telescope.
PAUL
That’s because lots of craters will be visible along the terminator or boundary between the lunar day and night.
RACHEL
However, there will be even more craters scattered across the moon’s southern hemisphere.
PAUL
Lunar craters were discovered by Galileo in 1609.
RACHEL
Prior to that time, most people believed the moon had a smooth and perfect surface.
PAUL
Imagine Galileo’s surprise when he discovered the moon was covered with bowl-like depressions.
RACHEL
He gave the depressions the name crater, which was a shallow bowl used to mix wine and water.
PAUL
More than 60 years ago, it was difficult for people to accept the notion that rocks fell out of the sky.
RACHEL
So lunar craters were originally thought to result from volcanic explosions on the moon.
PAUL
Between World War 1 and World War 2, there was even a suggestion that craters were created by lunar glaciers.
RACHEL
One reason it was difficult to square craters with meteorite impacts is that scientists were unfamiliar with the effects of hypersonic impacts.
PAUL
One person instrumental in getting to the bottom of this in the 1960s was Gene Shoemaker.
RACHEL
He literally did get to the bottom of things by hiking to the bottom of Meteor crater in Arizona.
PAUL
His explorations taught him that the rim of meteor craters are flipped over, but not from a volcanic explosion.
RACHEL
It’s flipped over because a hypersonic impact creates an explosion beneath the ground at the impact site.
PAUL
His observations about craters taught the Apollo astronauts about the lunar terrain before their flights to the moon.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 6th and 7th of December.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter @IdahoSkies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Transcript for December 5th and 6th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 5th and 6th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Hey, Neptune is going to be much easier to find on the night of the 6th.
PAUL
That’s because the moon is very close to the planet that night.
RACHEL
In fact, the nearly first quarter moon is only 2 degrees away from Neptune.
PAUL
Stargazers will recall that the field of view of binoculars is five degrees.
RACHEL
So to find Neptune, stargazers need to aim their binoculars at the moon.
PAUL
And then look a bright star just above and left of the moon.
RACHEL
There are two fainter stars forming a slightly bent line to the right of this star.
PAUL
The rightmost star in that bent line is Neptune.
RACHEL
You’ll know its Neptune because it appears brighter than the star in the middle.
PAUL
Another way to confirm you’re looking at Neptune is to put the moon in the center left of your binoculars.
RACHEL
Then Neptune will appear in the center right.
PAUL
Stargazers will find a helpful star chart on the Idaho Skies blog and Twitter account.
RACHEL
After viewing Neptune, put down your binoculars and tell me what you see.
PAUL
Why it’s a bright star way below the moon and near the horizon.
RACHEL
Yep, and the star’s name is Fomalhaut.
PAUL
It’s the brightest star in the constellation of Piscis Austrinus, or the Southern Fish.
RACHEL
Astronomers know it’s a relatively young star because it’s still surrounded in a disk of dust and gas.
PAUL
That’s the dust and gas that the star formed from and what appears to be forming planets now.
RACHEL
The dust is easy to see because Fomalhaut is only 25 light years away from the solar system.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 4th and 5th of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog at idahoskies.blogspot.com for additional information.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 5th and 6th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Hey, Neptune is going to be much easier to find on the night of the 6th.
PAUL
That’s because the moon is very close to the planet that night.
RACHEL
In fact, the nearly first quarter moon is only 2 degrees away from Neptune.
PAUL
Stargazers will recall that the field of view of binoculars is five degrees.
RACHEL
So to find Neptune, stargazers need to aim their binoculars at the moon.
PAUL
And then look a bright star just above and left of the moon.
RACHEL
There are two fainter stars forming a slightly bent line to the right of this star.
PAUL
The rightmost star in that bent line is Neptune.
RACHEL
You’ll know its Neptune because it appears brighter than the star in the middle.
PAUL
Another way to confirm you’re looking at Neptune is to put the moon in the center left of your binoculars.
RACHEL
Then Neptune will appear in the center right.
PAUL
Stargazers will find a helpful star chart on the Idaho Skies blog and Twitter account.
RACHEL
After viewing Neptune, put down your binoculars and tell me what you see.
PAUL
Why it’s a bright star way below the moon and near the horizon.
RACHEL
Yep, and the star’s name is Fomalhaut.
PAUL
It’s the brightest star in the constellation of Piscis Austrinus, or the Southern Fish.
RACHEL
Astronomers know it’s a relatively young star because it’s still surrounded in a disk of dust and gas.
PAUL
That’s the dust and gas that the star formed from and what appears to be forming planets now.
RACHEL
The dust is easy to see because Fomalhaut is only 25 light years away from the solar system.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 4th and 5th of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog at idahoskies.blogspot.com for additional information.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
December's Star is Polaris
December’s star is Polaris, or the lucida of Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. Polaris is also known as Alpha Ursae Minoris, the North Star, and the Lode Star. It’s the guide to true north (as opposed to magnetic north) and appears almost straight up to anyone standing on the North Pole. Polaris is not the brightest star in the sky nor is it exactly true north. Polaris is the 40th brightest star in the sky and ¾ of a degree (1-1/2 moon diameters) away from the point of true north in the sky. In long duration photographs, Polaris makes a tiny little circle around the true North Pole. Polaris is an easy star to find since most people can locate the Big Dipper in the sky. The two stars at the end of the Big Dipper’s bowl are called the Pointers. A line drawn up from the Pointers just about runs into Polaris, which is why the stars are called the Pointers. Polaris is the star that marks the end of the Little Dipper’s handle.
Polaris is classified as an F star, which means it’s a bit hotter than our sun. But it’s an old F star, meaning it has started fusing the helium in its core (hydrogen is still being fused, but this takes place in a shell surrounding the core). At 430 light years away, you’re seeing light from Polaris that was emitted in the year 1588.
Idaho Skies Newsletter for December 2016
December 1 – 7
The month opens with brilliant Venus visible in the
Southwest. To the upper left of Venus is far less brilliant Mars shining in its
pale yellow-orange light.
The thin crescent moon appears to the right of Venus on the
evening of the 2nd. The moon is only three days old that night,
meaning earthshine should be easily visible, especially in binoculars.
The moon continues its journey across the sky and passes
close to Mars on the evening of the 4th. Mars will be the pale orange-yellow
star to the moon’s left. Mars will not show detail through binoculars, however,
stargazers will see craters along the edge of the moon.
Put down your binoculars and you’ll see there’s a bright
star way below the moon. The star’s name is Fomalhaut. It belongs to the
constellation of Piscis Austrinus, or the Southern Fish. It’s a relatively
young star and only 25 light years away from the solar system.
The moon reaches the first quarter phase on the 7th.
This is a good time to take a gander at it through your binoculars or small
telescope. Lots of craters will be visible along the terminator or boundary
between day and night. However, most of the craters will be scattered across the
moon’s southern hemisphere.
December 8 – 14
The 7th planet is just under 5 degrees from the
moon on the 9th. That means you can see it and the moon at the same
time through your binoculars, but just barely. To find Uranus, point your
binoculars at the moon and then shift them until the moon is located in the
lower left edge of your field of view. Uranus will be the star in the upper
right edge of the view. You can confirm its Uranus if it appears as the lower
left corner of a triangle of stars. The star at the top of the triangle will be
about twice as bright as Uranus.
Stargazers wanting to locate Aries the
Ram will appreciate the moon on the 10th. That night, the moon is
located below the three brightest stars forming the constellation. The
brightest star of Aries is named Hamal and it’s located on the left end of the
constellation.
Stargazers’ best view of Mercury this
month is the evening of the 12th. Mercury will appear low in the
southwest horizon as its getting dark at 6:00 PM. The low altitude of Mercury
means binoculars will be helpful to stargazers searching for the planet.
Equally important is having a clear and low southwest horizon. Mercury is 4
degrees above the horizon, or just less than the width of a binoculars’ field
of view above the horizon.
After it gets dark on the 12th, point your
binoculars at the moon. You’ll find it’s slowly drifting through the Hyades
star cluster. The majority of the star cluster will be located above and to the
upper right of the moon while Aldebaran, the brightest star in the Hyades, is
located to the left. This makes an attractive sight for binoculars. Even better,
the moon will occult, or cover up Aldebaran a little later.
The occultation of Aldebaran begins on the 12th at
8:12 PM and ends at 9:11 PM. You’ll want to start watching a good five minutes before
the disappearance of Aldebaran so that you won’t miss it. You’ll notice that
the star quickly winks out when it’s covered by the moon. Its reappearance will
be equally abrupt. Since the moon is still not full on the 12th, the
disappearance of Aldebaran will occur along the dark edge of the moon. The
reappearance may be difficult to detect initially since it occurs on the
illuminated hemisphere of the moon. So start watching the upper right edge of
the moon before 9:10 PM to catch Aldebaran’s reappearance.
For beginning new stargazers who are interested in learning
to identify Orion the Hunter, your best opportunity this month is the 13th.
That night, the moon will be located above the constellation. Orion is the tall
rectangle of stars below the moon. You’ll know you’re looking at Orion if you also
see a row of three bright stars forming a horizontal line through the middle of
the rectangle. These stars are nearly the same brightness and represent Orion’s
Belt.
By the way, the moon is also full on the 13th.
The full moon in December is called the Cold Moon.
The moon passes through the feet of Gemini the Twins on the
14th. The stars in Gemini form two horizontal rows of stars and the
moon will be at the right end of the bottom row. That row represents Pollux,
the mortal brother of the twins. Another way to picture Gemini is as the waist
and legs of a soccer player. That makes the moon a soccer ball that Gemini is
about to kick.
December 15 – 21
The moon and Beehive star cluster are visible together in
binoculars on the night of the 16th. To see this very attractive
star cluster, place the moon in the lower right edge of your binoculars. The
Beehive star cluster will then appear at the upper left edge. Shift you
binoculars to Beehive and get the moon out of view for better images of the star
cluster. How many stars can you see in the Beehive?
If you go outside after midnight on the 19th,
you’ll find Leo the Lion sitting on top of the moon. Leo is an old
constellation; it was one of the original 48 constellations recorded by the
ancient astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD. However, its
history is ancient even for Ptolemy because the Mesopotamians recognized it as
a lion 4,000 years earlier.
The moon is in the last quarter phase on the 20th.
Third quarter means stargazers will need to go outside after midnight to see
it. They’ll be rewarded for their effort by the excellent views of its heavily
cratered southern hemisphere that binoculars will show.
Winter begins on the morning of the 21st. So welcome
winter solstice. The word solstice means sun standing still and refers to the
fact that the sun’s point of rising on the horizon doesn’t appear to shift
north or south for several days. Normally, stargazers notice that the sun rises
in a more northerly point during the winter and spring, and a more southerly
point during the summer and fall. On the first day of winter that motion
temporarily halts, hence the name, solstice.
December 22 – 31
Early risers will find a very bright star
below the crescent moon on the morning of the 22nd. The star won’t
twinkle like other stars because it’s actually the planet Jupiter. The slightly
fainter star below Jupiter is a real star and its name is Spica. Spica is the
brightest star of Virgo the Maiden. Finally, earthshine or the faint
illumination on the dark portion of the moon may also be visible that morning.
A pair of binoculars will come in handy for seeing it. You’ll find the moon in
the low southeast on the morning of the 22nd.
The moon, Jupiter, and Spica form a trio on the morning of
the 23rd. Earthshine should be easier to see that morning than it
was a day ago. You’ll need to go outside after 4:30 AM and before 7:00 AM when the
light of dawn will begin washing out the stars in the east.
Zubenelgenubi is a double star that appears as a single star
to most people. Stargazers with binoculars won’t be tricked however. You can
find this double star for yourself on the morning of the 24th. It’s made
easy because Zubenelgenubi is the star below the crescent moon at 6:00 AM. The
moon and Zubenelgenubi are so close enough together that they can be seen at
the same time in binoculars (just barely). In binoculars, you’ll see that
Zubenelgenubi is really two stars next to each another.
Did you get a telescope on Christmas Eve or Christmas
morning? Then point it at the very thin crescent moon at 6:00 AM on the 25th.
You’ll see earthshine illuminating the dark portion of the moon and craters
nearly edge-on.
It’ll be a little tough, but stargazers can see a very thin
crescent moon on the morning of the 26th. Look very low in the
southeast at 7:00 AM to glimpse the moon in the light of dawn.
The moon is new late on the 28th, so you might be
able to see it when it reappears on the 30th in the evening sky. The
moon will be two days old, which is younger than most people have seen it
without making a serious effort. To see the moon, scan the southwest horizon at
around 6:30 PM. The moon is located to the lower right of brilliant Venus.
If you can’t find the moon on the 30th,
then try again on the 31st. The moon will appear higher above the
southwest horizon at 7:00 PM. The sky is darker, making the moon easier to see
than it was at 6:30 PM a day earlier.
Mars passes 1/12th of a
degree from Neptune on the night of the 31st.
So point your binoculars at Mars, which appears as the yellow-orange star in
the low west-southwest. Once you center Mars in your binoculars, Neptune will be the faint star straight up and slightly
left of Mars. Since they’re only 1/12th of a degree apart, the
distance between Mars and Neptune are only 60th of the way across
your binocular field of view. So we’re talking about them being very close
together.
This Month’s Sources
Astronomical Phenomena of the Year 2016, The Nautical
Almanac Office and Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office
Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events for Calendar Year
2016, http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calender-2016.html
Night Sky Explorer
Dark Skies and Bright
Stars,
Your
Interstellar Guide
Monday, November 28, 2016
Transcript for December 2nd to 4th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. We’re hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
The moon is located to the left of Venus on the 2nd.
PAUL
It’s still a very thin crescent, but much easier to see than yesterday.
RACHEL
To see the crescent moon, stargazers need to look in the low southwest at around 6:30, or as soon as it gets dark.
PAUL
Binoculars won’t show much lunar detail yet, there just isn’t enough illuminated moon.
RACHEL
The moon continues its eastward trek and on the 4th, it’s just right of a pale orange star.
PAUL
The star is actually Mars, the solar system’s fourth planet.
RACHEL
Although Mars appears star-like, it’s actually twice the size of the moon.
PAUL
It’s just their distances form Earth that makes them appear this way.
RACHEL
For stargazers curious to know, Mars is 134 million miles away while the moon is only 236 thousand miles away.
PAUL
The surfaces of Both Mars and the moon are rich in basalt, or lava rock.
RACHEL
Why the difference in color if they primarily consist of the same rock type?
PAUL
Well, basalt is a dark gray or black rock, but only as long as it’s not oxidized.
RACHEL
And since the moon has no atmosphere, it remains dark gray to this day.
PAUL
But when the iron in basalt becomes oxidized, it turns rust orange.
RACHEL
Which is the case with Mars, since it has an atmosphere.
PAUL
Well, not much of an atmosphere, but probably a more substantial one billions of years ago.
RACHEL
And planet color may be a good way to tell if an exoplanet is potentially habitatable.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. We’re hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
The moon is located to the left of Venus on the 2nd.
PAUL
It’s still a very thin crescent, but much easier to see than yesterday.
RACHEL
To see the crescent moon, stargazers need to look in the low southwest at around 6:30, or as soon as it gets dark.
PAUL
Binoculars won’t show much lunar detail yet, there just isn’t enough illuminated moon.
RACHEL
The moon continues its eastward trek and on the 4th, it’s just right of a pale orange star.
PAUL
The star is actually Mars, the solar system’s fourth planet.
RACHEL
Although Mars appears star-like, it’s actually twice the size of the moon.
PAUL
It’s just their distances form Earth that makes them appear this way.
RACHEL
For stargazers curious to know, Mars is 134 million miles away while the moon is only 236 thousand miles away.
PAUL
The surfaces of Both Mars and the moon are rich in basalt, or lava rock.
RACHEL
Why the difference in color if they primarily consist of the same rock type?
PAUL
Well, basalt is a dark gray or black rock, but only as long as it’s not oxidized.
RACHEL
And since the moon has no atmosphere, it remains dark gray to this day.
PAUL
But when the iron in basalt becomes oxidized, it turns rust orange.
RACHEL
Which is the case with Mars, since it has an atmosphere.
PAUL
Well, not much of an atmosphere, but probably a more substantial one billions of years ago.
RACHEL
And planet color may be a good way to tell if an exoplanet is potentially habitatable.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Transcript for November 30th and December 1st
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 30th and December 1st. We’re your hosts, Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
Take a look at the southeast at 6:15 PM on December 1st.
RACHEL
Brilliant Venus will be easy to see, but can you see the moon?
PAUL
The moon appears as an extremely thin crescent and it’s located to the lower right of Venus.
RACHEL
And that means it’s much closer to the horizon.
PAUL
If you can’t see the moon by eye, then try using your binoculars.
RACHEL
However, don’t start scanning the horizon until after the sun has safely set.
PAUL
It might be difficult to see the moon in the valley considering the mountains on the horizon.
RACHEL
That means that searching for the moon from the Bogus Basin parking might be really helpful.
PAUL
The moon will be 55 hours old on the 1st.
RACHEL
Most people never notice the moon until it closer to 72 hours old.
PAUL
So if you can see it on the 1st, you’ll be part of a select group of humans.
RACHEL
The moon will be easier to see from high elevations.
PAUL
That’s where the air is clearer and the sky darker.
RACHEL
It’s even more helpful if the moon is near perigee, or its closest distance from Earth.
PAUL
Unfortunately, the moon is very close to its apogee, or its greatest distance from Earth on the 1st.
RACHEL
Oh well, there’s always next month.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 30th of November and 1st of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 30th and December 1st. We’re your hosts, Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
Take a look at the southeast at 6:15 PM on December 1st.
RACHEL
Brilliant Venus will be easy to see, but can you see the moon?
PAUL
The moon appears as an extremely thin crescent and it’s located to the lower right of Venus.
RACHEL
And that means it’s much closer to the horizon.
PAUL
If you can’t see the moon by eye, then try using your binoculars.
RACHEL
However, don’t start scanning the horizon until after the sun has safely set.
PAUL
It might be difficult to see the moon in the valley considering the mountains on the horizon.
RACHEL
That means that searching for the moon from the Bogus Basin parking might be really helpful.
PAUL
The moon will be 55 hours old on the 1st.
RACHEL
Most people never notice the moon until it closer to 72 hours old.
PAUL
So if you can see it on the 1st, you’ll be part of a select group of humans.
RACHEL
The moon will be easier to see from high elevations.
PAUL
That’s where the air is clearer and the sky darker.
RACHEL
It’s even more helpful if the moon is near perigee, or its closest distance from Earth.
PAUL
Unfortunately, the moon is very close to its apogee, or its greatest distance from Earth on the 1st.
RACHEL
Oh well, there’s always next month.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 30th of November and 1st of December.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Transcript for November 28th and 29th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 28th and 29th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
The moon is new on the 29th.
PAUL
That means stargazers can’t expect to see it in the evening again for a couple of days.
RACHEL
Did you know that the moon takes 27 days to orbit Earth?
PAUL
I did. Did you know that it takes between 29 and 30 days for the lunar phase to go from new moon to new moon?
RACHEL
Wait, it takes the moon over two days longer to go through its phases than it takes to orbit Earth?
PAUL
That’s right.
RACHEL
Where are those additional two days coming from? Does the moon take a rest for two nights?
PAUL
Nope. By the time the moon completes one orbit, Earth and the moon has traveled 1/12th of the around the sun.
RACHEL
Oh I see. Because the sun no longer appears in the same location in the sky, the moon must travel two additional days to catch up with the sun.
PAUL
And therefore, two additional days to reach the same phase.
RACHEL
And during that time, we never see the far side of the moon.
PAUL
That’s right. Because the moon is so close to Earth, it’s tidally locked.
RACHEL
The same process that tidally locked the moon is happening to Earth.
PAUL
However, because of the low mass of the moon, the process may take 50 billion years to tidally lock Earth to the moon.
RACHEL
By then, the sun will be long gone.
PAUL
And depending on the breaks, Earth may even not even exist.
RACHEL
That’s because the sun must expand into a Red Giant star first.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 28th and 29th of November.
RACHEL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 28th and 29th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
The moon is new on the 29th.
PAUL
That means stargazers can’t expect to see it in the evening again for a couple of days.
RACHEL
Did you know that the moon takes 27 days to orbit Earth?
PAUL
I did. Did you know that it takes between 29 and 30 days for the lunar phase to go from new moon to new moon?
RACHEL
Wait, it takes the moon over two days longer to go through its phases than it takes to orbit Earth?
PAUL
That’s right.
RACHEL
Where are those additional two days coming from? Does the moon take a rest for two nights?
PAUL
Nope. By the time the moon completes one orbit, Earth and the moon has traveled 1/12th of the around the sun.
RACHEL
Oh I see. Because the sun no longer appears in the same location in the sky, the moon must travel two additional days to catch up with the sun.
PAUL
And therefore, two additional days to reach the same phase.
RACHEL
And during that time, we never see the far side of the moon.
PAUL
That’s right. Because the moon is so close to Earth, it’s tidally locked.
RACHEL
The same process that tidally locked the moon is happening to Earth.
PAUL
However, because of the low mass of the moon, the process may take 50 billion years to tidally lock Earth to the moon.
RACHEL
By then, the sun will be long gone.
PAUL
And depending on the breaks, Earth may even not even exist.
RACHEL
That’s because the sun must expand into a Red Giant star first.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 28th and 29th of November.
RACHEL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Transcript for November 18th to 20th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 18th, 19th, and 20th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
The Beehive star cluster is just over a binocular view away from the moon on the 18th.
PAUL
The Beehive is located almost exactly dead center of the constellation of Cancer the crab.
RACHEL
Cancer has very few stars and what it has are pretty faint.
PAUL
That means in dark skies, you’re more likely to see the Beehive rather than the constellation.
RACHEL
Prior to 1609, humans only knew the Beehive as a fuzzy spot in the sky.
PAUL
Galileo was the first to point a telescope at the Beehive and realize it was actually a cluster of stars.
RACHEL
To see the Beehive on the 18th, point your binoculars at the moon at around 11:30 PM.
PAUL
Then shift your binoculars slightly left and down.
RACHEL
Shortly after the moon leaves your binocular view, the Beehive star cluster will enter.
PAUL
Through binoculars, the Beehive appears as a nice clustering of stars.
RACHEL
Its diameter is three times larger than the moon’s apparent diameter.
PAUL
And the cluster contains around 1,000 member stars.
RACHEL
Unfortunately, you binoculars will only show a small percentage of them.
PAUL
None of the stars appear particularly bright, but they are packed together.
RACHEL
That uniform grouping of stars gives the star cluster the same appearance as a swarm of bees.
PAUL
Hence its more popular name, the Beehive star cluster.
RACHEL
Before Galileo, it was called the Praesepe, or the manager.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 18th, 19th, and 20th of November.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 18th, 19th, and 20th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
The Beehive star cluster is just over a binocular view away from the moon on the 18th.
PAUL
The Beehive is located almost exactly dead center of the constellation of Cancer the crab.
RACHEL
Cancer has very few stars and what it has are pretty faint.
PAUL
That means in dark skies, you’re more likely to see the Beehive rather than the constellation.
RACHEL
Prior to 1609, humans only knew the Beehive as a fuzzy spot in the sky.
PAUL
Galileo was the first to point a telescope at the Beehive and realize it was actually a cluster of stars.
RACHEL
To see the Beehive on the 18th, point your binoculars at the moon at around 11:30 PM.
PAUL
Then shift your binoculars slightly left and down.
RACHEL
Shortly after the moon leaves your binocular view, the Beehive star cluster will enter.
PAUL
Through binoculars, the Beehive appears as a nice clustering of stars.
RACHEL
Its diameter is three times larger than the moon’s apparent diameter.
PAUL
And the cluster contains around 1,000 member stars.
RACHEL
Unfortunately, you binoculars will only show a small percentage of them.
PAUL
None of the stars appear particularly bright, but they are packed together.
RACHEL
That uniform grouping of stars gives the star cluster the same appearance as a swarm of bees.
PAUL
Hence its more popular name, the Beehive star cluster.
RACHEL
Before Galileo, it was called the Praesepe, or the manager.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 18th, 19th, and 20th of November.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Transcript for November 16th to 17th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 16th and 17th. We’re your hosts, Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
An easy way to learn how to identify Gemini the Twins is to wait until the moon appears near it…
RACHEL
…which happens on the 16th this month.
PAUL
Stargazers will find the moon located between the feet of Gemini.
RACHEL
The rest of Gemini appears as a row of two stars…
PAUL
…and the rows appear to the left of the moon.
RACHEL
A good time for stargazers to look for Gemini is around 10:00 PM.
PAUL
Hey, what’s that bright star below the moon on the 17th?
RACHEL
Why it’s Procyon, the brightest star in Canis Minor, or the Little Dog.
PAUL
Canis Minor is one of Orion’s faithful hunting dogs.
RACHEL
Wow, Procyon is a very bright star.
PAUL
Yes, but it appears that way only because it’s one of the closest stars to the solar system and not because its one of the brightest stars in the galaxy.
RACHEL
Did you know that a nearly invisible companion star orbits Procyon?
PAUL
Yes I did. It’s nearly invisible because it’s a white dwarf.
RACHEL
White dwarf stars have intensely bright surfaces, but they’re only the size of Earth.
PAUL
So even though their surfaces are blindingly bright, they’re too small to generate a lot of light.
RACHEL
When the sun runs out of hydrogen fuel in five billion years, it too will become a white dwarf star.
PAUL
And its gravity will crush it down by a factor of 100.
RACHEL
Then a sugar cube sized piece of the sun will weigh as much as a car on Earth.
PAUL
That just goes to show that atoms are mostly empty space.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 16th and 17th of November.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 16th and 17th. We’re your hosts, Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
An easy way to learn how to identify Gemini the Twins is to wait until the moon appears near it…
RACHEL
…which happens on the 16th this month.
PAUL
Stargazers will find the moon located between the feet of Gemini.
RACHEL
The rest of Gemini appears as a row of two stars…
PAUL
…and the rows appear to the left of the moon.
RACHEL
A good time for stargazers to look for Gemini is around 10:00 PM.
PAUL
Hey, what’s that bright star below the moon on the 17th?
RACHEL
Why it’s Procyon, the brightest star in Canis Minor, or the Little Dog.
PAUL
Canis Minor is one of Orion’s faithful hunting dogs.
RACHEL
Wow, Procyon is a very bright star.
PAUL
Yes, but it appears that way only because it’s one of the closest stars to the solar system and not because its one of the brightest stars in the galaxy.
RACHEL
Did you know that a nearly invisible companion star orbits Procyon?
PAUL
Yes I did. It’s nearly invisible because it’s a white dwarf.
RACHEL
White dwarf stars have intensely bright surfaces, but they’re only the size of Earth.
PAUL
So even though their surfaces are blindingly bright, they’re too small to generate a lot of light.
RACHEL
When the sun runs out of hydrogen fuel in five billion years, it too will become a white dwarf star.
PAUL
And its gravity will crush it down by a factor of 100.
RACHEL
Then a sugar cube sized piece of the sun will weigh as much as a car on Earth.
PAUL
That just goes to show that atoms are mostly empty space.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 16th and 17th of November.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Transcript for November 14 to 15
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 14th and 15th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Stargazers will find the moon swimming through the Hyades star cluster on the 15th.
PAUL
This is a morning event, so look for it before you leave for work.
RACHEL
Aldebaran, a bright orange star in Hyades is just 3.5 degrees away from the moon.
PAUL
So your binoculars will show you the moon and Aldebaran at the same time.
RACHEL
The Hyades represent the face of Taurus the Bull…
PAUL
…and Aldebaran represents his eye.
RACHEL
Although it appears in the Hyades, Aldebaran is not a member of this star cluster.
PAUL
In fact, Aldebaran is only half as far away from the solar system as the star cluster.
RACHEL
When watched for many years, astronomers see that the apparent position of Aldebaran within the Hyades changes.
PAUL
That’s because Aldebaran and the Hyades have different proper motions.
RACHEL
Proper motion?
PAUL
Yes. It’s the apparent motion of a star across the sky.
RACHEL
And it’s the product of the motion of the star and the sun around the center of the galaxy.
PAUL
Proper motion is one tool that astronomers can use to determine which stars appearing within a star cluster actually belong to the star cluster.
RACHEL
As its getting dark on the 15th, look in the low west for Mercury.
PAUL
Mercury, Venus, and Mars will form a straight line spanning 45 degrees.
RACHEL
Remember that 45 degrees is one quarter of the way across the sky.
PAUL
The line begins in the southwest and tilts to the upper left.
RACHEL
And brilliant Venus is nearly dead center of the line.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 14th and 15th of November.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 14th and 15th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Stargazers will find the moon swimming through the Hyades star cluster on the 15th.
PAUL
This is a morning event, so look for it before you leave for work.
RACHEL
Aldebaran, a bright orange star in Hyades is just 3.5 degrees away from the moon.
PAUL
So your binoculars will show you the moon and Aldebaran at the same time.
RACHEL
The Hyades represent the face of Taurus the Bull…
PAUL
…and Aldebaran represents his eye.
RACHEL
Although it appears in the Hyades, Aldebaran is not a member of this star cluster.
PAUL
In fact, Aldebaran is only half as far away from the solar system as the star cluster.
RACHEL
When watched for many years, astronomers see that the apparent position of Aldebaran within the Hyades changes.
PAUL
That’s because Aldebaran and the Hyades have different proper motions.
RACHEL
Proper motion?
PAUL
Yes. It’s the apparent motion of a star across the sky.
RACHEL
And it’s the product of the motion of the star and the sun around the center of the galaxy.
PAUL
Proper motion is one tool that astronomers can use to determine which stars appearing within a star cluster actually belong to the star cluster.
RACHEL
As its getting dark on the 15th, look in the low west for Mercury.
PAUL
Mercury, Venus, and Mars will form a straight line spanning 45 degrees.
RACHEL
Remember that 45 degrees is one quarter of the way across the sky.
PAUL
The line begins in the southwest and tilts to the upper left.
RACHEL
And brilliant Venus is nearly dead center of the line.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 14th and 15th of November.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Transcript for November 11th to 13th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 11th, 12th, and 13th. We’re your hosts, Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
On the 13th, stargazers will find the moon passing close to the Pleiades star cluster.
RACHEL
The Pleiades are also called the Seven Sisters.
PAUL
The cluster appears as a small and bright star cluster on the moon’s left.
RACHEL
If you aim your binoculars at this star cluster, you’ll see around 24 member stars.
PAUL
Of course, a telescope with mirror or lens larger than two inches will show more member stars.
RACHEL
In binoculars and to the eye, the star cluster forms a tiny dipper shape.
PAUL
This confuses some people into thinking the Pleiades is the Little Dipper.
RACHEL
The star cluster is 444 light years away from the solar system.
PAUL
And astronomers believe it’s only 100 million years old.
RACHEL
That makes them only 1.5% as old as the solar system.
PAUL
Earth formed within 10 million years of the solar system’s origin, so we can expect stars in the Pleiades to have planets also.
RACHEL
Unfortunately, at 100 million years old, any planets in the Pleiades star cluster are still far from being able to support life.
PAUL
In fact, they are probably experiencing bombardment from the planetesimals still swarming in each nascent solar system.
RACHEL
What a sight the night sky would be however.
PAUL
The sky would be filled with lots of stars as bright as Sirius, the brightest star in Earth’s sky.
RACHEL
Perhaps our eyes would even be sensitive enough to see the dust and gas cloud wrapped around the stars of the Pleiades.
PAUL
It might be what it looks like when you’re inside a diamond.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 11th, 12th, and 13th of November.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 11th, 12th, and 13th. We’re your hosts, Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
On the 13th, stargazers will find the moon passing close to the Pleiades star cluster.
RACHEL
The Pleiades are also called the Seven Sisters.
PAUL
The cluster appears as a small and bright star cluster on the moon’s left.
RACHEL
If you aim your binoculars at this star cluster, you’ll see around 24 member stars.
PAUL
Of course, a telescope with mirror or lens larger than two inches will show more member stars.
RACHEL
In binoculars and to the eye, the star cluster forms a tiny dipper shape.
PAUL
This confuses some people into thinking the Pleiades is the Little Dipper.
RACHEL
The star cluster is 444 light years away from the solar system.
PAUL
And astronomers believe it’s only 100 million years old.
RACHEL
That makes them only 1.5% as old as the solar system.
PAUL
Earth formed within 10 million years of the solar system’s origin, so we can expect stars in the Pleiades to have planets also.
RACHEL
Unfortunately, at 100 million years old, any planets in the Pleiades star cluster are still far from being able to support life.
PAUL
In fact, they are probably experiencing bombardment from the planetesimals still swarming in each nascent solar system.
RACHEL
What a sight the night sky would be however.
PAUL
The sky would be filled with lots of stars as bright as Sirius, the brightest star in Earth’s sky.
RACHEL
Perhaps our eyes would even be sensitive enough to see the dust and gas cloud wrapped around the stars of the Pleiades.
PAUL
It might be what it looks like when you’re inside a diamond.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 11th, 12th, and 13th of November.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Transcript for November 9th and 10th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 9th and 10th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Carl Sagan’s birthday is on the 9th.
PAUL
Sagan graduated from the University of Chicago with a PhD in astronomy in 1960.
RACHEL
In 1968, he moved to Cornell University and became a full professor in 1970.
PAUL
At Cornell, he worked at the Laboratory of Planetary Studies.
RACHEL
Sagan is also famous for his work promoting science and skepticism.
PAUL
He published books for the public like The Cosmic Connection, the Dragons of Eden, and Broca’s Brain.
RACHEL
However, he’s probably best known for his 1980 television series, Cosmos.
PAUL
At the time, it was the most expensive program created for public television and the most watched.
RACHEL
One of Sagan’s early astronomy successes was predicting that Venus had a hot and dry atmosphere based on the radio emissions of the planet.
PAUL
He cautioned the effects of increased carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere could lead to a run away greenhouse effect like that affecting Venus.
RACHEL
Following the footstep of Harold Urey, Sagan began researching the effects of energy sources like lightening on primordial gases like nitrogen, hydrogen, and methane.
PAUL
The results were the creation of dark red liquids he called Tholins.
RACHEL
Astronomers and biologists believe that Tholins might be the precursors of life.
PAUL
And Tholins are believed to make Titan’s atmosphere orange-red.
RACHEL
Sadly, Carl Sagan died on December 20th, 1996.
PAUL
But a part of him lives on in the plaques and records launched onboard four spacecraft that escaped the solar system.
RACHEL
Perhaps in a billion years, an alien civilization will find Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, Voyager 1, or Voyager 2 and learn about Earth.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 9th and 10th of November.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 9th and 10th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Carl Sagan’s birthday is on the 9th.
PAUL
Sagan graduated from the University of Chicago with a PhD in astronomy in 1960.
RACHEL
In 1968, he moved to Cornell University and became a full professor in 1970.
PAUL
At Cornell, he worked at the Laboratory of Planetary Studies.
RACHEL
Sagan is also famous for his work promoting science and skepticism.
PAUL
He published books for the public like The Cosmic Connection, the Dragons of Eden, and Broca’s Brain.
RACHEL
However, he’s probably best known for his 1980 television series, Cosmos.
PAUL
At the time, it was the most expensive program created for public television and the most watched.
RACHEL
One of Sagan’s early astronomy successes was predicting that Venus had a hot and dry atmosphere based on the radio emissions of the planet.
PAUL
He cautioned the effects of increased carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere could lead to a run away greenhouse effect like that affecting Venus.
RACHEL
Following the footstep of Harold Urey, Sagan began researching the effects of energy sources like lightening on primordial gases like nitrogen, hydrogen, and methane.
PAUL
The results were the creation of dark red liquids he called Tholins.
RACHEL
Astronomers and biologists believe that Tholins might be the precursors of life.
PAUL
And Tholins are believed to make Titan’s atmosphere orange-red.
RACHEL
Sadly, Carl Sagan died on December 20th, 1996.
PAUL
But a part of him lives on in the plaques and records launched onboard four spacecraft that escaped the solar system.
RACHEL
Perhaps in a billion years, an alien civilization will find Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, Voyager 1, or Voyager 2 and learn about Earth.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 9th and 10th of November.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Transcript for November 7th and 8th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 7th and 8th. We’re your hosts, Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
The moon reaches first quarter on the 7th.
RACHEL
At first quarter, the moon appears half full.
PAUL
This will be a fine time for stargazers to observe the moon through binoculars.
RACHEL
It’s shadows cast by the rising sun that makes lunar features visible through binoculars.
PAUL
And these shadows are most visible along the line delineating the boundary day and night.
RACHEL
Astronomers call the boundary between day and night the terminator.
PAUL
During the first quarter phase, the terminator is face-on to Earth…
RACHEL
…which means the shadows of sunrise are perpendicular to Earth.
PAUL
When they’re perpendicular, changes in elevations stand out with stronger relief…
RACHEL
…and that allows stargazers to see more craters and mountains.
PAUL
The Solitary One, a star named Fomalhaut is the only bright star below the moon on the 8th.
RACHEL
Fomalhaut really does stand out, doesn’t it?
PAUL
That’s because it’s the only bright star in a region occupied by faint stars.
RACHEL
This part of the night sky is called the Heavenly Waters.
PAUL
And it’s associated with the Mesopotamian god Ea who was a god of the waters, among other things.
RACHEL
The Sumerians placed most of the water-based constellations here.
PAUL
That includes constellations like Capricornus the Sea-goat, Pisces Austrinus the Southern Fish, Aquarius the Water-bearer, and Cetus the Whale.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 7th and 8th of November.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 7th and 8th. We’re your hosts, Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
The moon reaches first quarter on the 7th.
RACHEL
At first quarter, the moon appears half full.
PAUL
This will be a fine time for stargazers to observe the moon through binoculars.
RACHEL
It’s shadows cast by the rising sun that makes lunar features visible through binoculars.
PAUL
And these shadows are most visible along the line delineating the boundary day and night.
RACHEL
Astronomers call the boundary between day and night the terminator.
PAUL
During the first quarter phase, the terminator is face-on to Earth…
RACHEL
…which means the shadows of sunrise are perpendicular to Earth.
PAUL
When they’re perpendicular, changes in elevations stand out with stronger relief…
RACHEL
…and that allows stargazers to see more craters and mountains.
PAUL
The Solitary One, a star named Fomalhaut is the only bright star below the moon on the 8th.
RACHEL
Fomalhaut really does stand out, doesn’t it?
PAUL
That’s because it’s the only bright star in a region occupied by faint stars.
RACHEL
This part of the night sky is called the Heavenly Waters.
PAUL
And it’s associated with the Mesopotamian god Ea who was a god of the waters, among other things.
RACHEL
The Sumerians placed most of the water-based constellations here.
PAUL
That includes constellations like Capricornus the Sea-goat, Pisces Austrinus the Southern Fish, Aquarius the Water-bearer, and Cetus the Whale.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 7th and 8th of November.
PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.
For Idaho Skies this is Paul…
RACHEL
…and Rachel.
PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Alpheratz is November's Star
This month look for the star, Alpheratz, the lucida of
Andromeda. Alpheratz is one of only a
few stars that connect two constellations together; in this case, Andromeda and
Pegasus. Alpheratz passes just south of
the overhead position at 9:00 PM in early November and about two hours earlier
in late November. Alpheratz is 97 light
years, so if you were born in 1919, Alpheratz is your birthday star this
year.
Alpheratz is classified as a “B” star, which is the second
hottest class of star (only “O” is hotter).
The surface temperature of Alpheratz is approximately 13,000 degrees C,
or about 23,000 degrees F. The total amount of radiation produced by the
surface of Alpheratz is 200 times greater than our Sun. To be a main sequence star that’s hotter than
our Sun, Alpheratz must also be more massive than out Sun. Therefore Alpheratz will live a shorter life
than our Sun.
Alpheratz is our jumping off point to find the Andromeda
Galaxy. In dark skies you can see
Andromeda Galaxy without optical aid. In
moderately lit skies, it can easily be found with a pair of binoculars. Andromeda Galaxy has also been given the name
of M-31. Centuries ago, people had
noticed the fuzzy looking star in the constellation of Andromeda. Little did they know that it was a great
island of over 100 billion stars, located some 2,500,000 light years away.
To find M-31, begin at Alpheratz. The bottom three stars of Andromeda are her
brightest and form a gentle arc. The
star closest to Alpheratz is not particularly bright, but the next star,
Mirach, is. Locate Mirach in your
binoculars and put it in the lower right side of the binoculars (7X50’s) as
illustrated below. In the middle of the field
of view will be the fainter Mu Andromedae and above that, Nu Andromedae will be
close to the opposite edge of the binoculars.
Look next to Nu and note the fuzzy looking star. This is the Andromeda Galaxy. Once you have located it in binoculars, try
locating it using just your eyes. You’ll
need reasonably dark skies to see M-31.
Idaho Skies Newsletter for November 2016
November 1 – 7
Look for Saturn now while you have the chance to see it. The
ringed world leaves the evening sky this month and won’t be visible again for several
months. You’ll find it in the low west-southwest as it’s getting dark.
See if you can detect earthshine starting on the 3rd
and running for several more days. Earthshine is the faint illumination on the
dark portion of the moon and it’s easier to see through binoculars. Two other
names for Earthshine are the old moon in the arms of the young moon and ashen
light.
By the evening of the 4th,
the moon will shift it’s located between Venus (to the moon’s lower left) and
Mars (to the moon’s upper right). Venus is brilliant white in color while Mars
appears a fainter yellow-orange at best.
The moon passes its closest to Mars for November on the
evening of the 5th. Mars is the star directly left of the moon. Below
the moon is the constellation of Sagittarius the Archer. Its brightest stars create
the shape of a teapot tilting over to pour a cup of tea.
The moon reaches first quarter on the 7th. This
will be a fine time for stargazers to observe the moon through binoculars.
Because the lunar shadows cast by sunrise are face on to Earth, you’re
binoculars will let you see more craters and in better relief.
November 8 – 14
The Solitary One, a star named Fomalhaut is the only bright
star below the moon on the 8th. The reason Fomalhaut appears so
prominent is that there only faint stars in this part of the sky. The constellations around Fomalhaut are
water-based. These constellations include Capricornus the Sea-goat and Pisces
Austrinus the Southern Fish.
On the 13th, stargazers will find the moon passing
it closest to the Pleiades star cluster. The Pleiades is a small and bright
star cluster located 444 light years away and located to the moon’s left on the
13th. Aim binoculars at this star cluster and stargazers will see
around 24 member stars swarming around a brighter tiny dipper shape.
Above the
moon is the constellation of Aries the Ram. The Ram appears as a small grouping
of three stars.
The moon is full on the 14th. The full moon in
November is called the Beaver Moon. During the full moon, binoculars do not
show very many craters because shadows cast by the sun are located on the rim
of the moon. Instead, albedo features, or variations in the reflectivity of the
moon stand out the best in binoculars.
November 15 – 21
 |
| Opps! I meant to add the 15th at 1:00 AM, not the 13th at 1:00 AM |
It’s an early morning event, but in the morning of the 15th,
stargazers will find the moon drifting through the Hyades star cluster.
Aldebaran, a bright orange star in Hyades is just 3.5 degrees away from the
moon. That means stargazers can see the moon and Aldebaran together in
binoculars.
As its getting dark on the 15th, look in the low
west for Mercury. That’s because Mercury, Venus, and Mars will form a straight
line spanning 45 degrees. The line begins in the southwest and tilts to the upper
right. brilliant Venus will be nearly dead center of the line.
After finding all three planets in the southwest, turn your
attention toward the southeast. There, stargazers will find the moon above
Orion the Hunter.
An easy way to learn how to identify Gemini the Twins is to
wait until the moon passes close to the constellation. That happens on the 16th
this month. Stargazers will find the moon located between the feet of Gemini. A
good time to look for Gemini is around 10:00 PM.
Hey, what’s that bright star below the moon on the 17th? Why
it’s Procyon, the brightest star in Canis Minor, or the Little Dog. Canis Minor
is one of Orion’s two faithful hunting dogs; the other is Canis Major the Big
Dog. Procyon appears bright not because it’s intrinsically bright, but because
it’s one of the closest stars to the solar system. Even more interesting is
that Procyon has a companion white dwarf star. White dwarf stars are stars once
like the sun that have run out of hydrogen fuel to support their bulk against
gravity. As a result, gravity crushes them down by a factor of 100. That shrinking
increases their density by a factor of 100 cubed, or by a million. A sugar cube
sized piece of white dwarf would weigh as much as a car on Earth.
The Beehive star cluster is just past binocular distance from
the moon on the 18th. In binoculars, the Beehive appears as a nice sprinkling
of stars. None of the stars appear particularly bright, which gives the star
cluster the same appearance as a swarm of bees. To see the Beehive, point your
binoculars at the moon at around 11:30 PM and then shift your binoculars left
and slightly down. Shortly after the moon leaves your view, the Beehive star
cluster will enter.
Regulus, the brightest star of Leo the Lion is only two
degrees above the moon on the morning of the 21st. Since binoculars
have a field of view equal to five degrees, stargazers will see the entire moon
and Regulus together in their binoculars. You’ll need to go outside after 1:30 AM
to see this pairing.
The moon reaches the last quarter phase on the 21st.
That means the moon will rise right around midnight for stargazers who want to
take a look at the moon. Through binoculars, lots of craters are visible strewn
across the lunar southern hemisphere. And large lunar seas are visible in the
north. Located almost dead center of the illuminated half of the moon is a large
crater named Copernicus. Its diameter is 58 miles, although it appears larger
because of the apron of impact debris blanketing the crater’s rim.
November 22 – 31
As you drive to work on the 22nd,
you’ll find Leo the Lion crouched on top of the moon. Leo’s brightest star,
Regulus is located to the left of the moon and Leo’s second brightest star,
Denebola is located to the left. Above Regulus is Leo’s famous backwards
question mark pattern of stars.
Begin looking for earthshine on the morning of the 23rd.
You’ll have several days to observe it and stargazers will find a pair of
binoculars handy.
If you’re out and about at 5:00 AM on the 24th, look
for the moon in the low east-southeast. The bright star below the moon is the
planet Jupiter. Stargazers with binoculars will see at least two of Jupiter’s
largest satellites. From the bottom up, the satellites are Io, Europa, Jupiter,
and then Ganymede. Its possible Europa will be too close to the glare of
Jupiter for a pair of binoculars to cleanly separate the two.
On the morning of the 25th, you’ll find the moon
is sandwiched between Jupiter above and Spica below. The distance between upper
Jupiter and lower Spica is too great for binoculars to see them at the same
time. Spica by the way is the brightest star of Virgo the Maiden.
Your last chance to see earthsine in November is the morning of the 26th.
The moon is new on the 29th, so don’t expect to
see it in the evening again for a couple of days.
This Month’s Sources
Astronomical Phenomena of the Year 2016, The Nautical
Almanac Office and Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office
Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events for Calendar Year
2016, http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calender-2016.html
Night Sky Explorer
Dark Skies and Bright
Stars,
Your
Interstellar Guide
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