Idaho Skies Transcript for September 26th and 27th

PAUL

Welcome to Idaho Skies for September 26^th and 27^th. We’re your hosts, Paul…

RACHEL

…and Rachel.

PAUL

On the morning of the 26^th, the Beehive star cluster is visible 6.5 degrees to moon’s upper left.

RACHEL

Even closer to the moon’s right is M-67, although it’s a smaller star cluster than the Beehive.

PAUL

Both star clusters belong to the constellation Cancer the Crab.

RACHEL

To find the Beehive, point your binoculars at the moon and shift your gaze nearly straight up.

PAUL

Soon after the moon leaves, a tight bundle of stars will enter from the top.

RACHEL

The other star cluster, M-67 is easier to find, but more difficult to see on account of its smaller size.

PAUL

Again point your binoculars at the moon, but this time, don’t move them.

RACHEL

Just off the right edge of the moon, you’ll see M-67.

PAUL

It should appear as a small fuzzy spot.

RACHEL

The very thin crescent moon picks up a companion star on the morning of the 27^th.

PAUL

The star’s name is Regulus and it’s located at the moon’s lower left.

RACHEL

Stargazers might remember Regulus from last spring.

PAUL

It’s the brightest star of Leo the Lion.

RACHEL

Its color and position means its represents the heart of Leo.

PAUL

Use your binoculars and see if you can detect Earthshine.

RACHEL

If you can, then see if you can detect some of the lunar seas on the dark portion of the moon.

PAUL

If you where an astronaut on the moon, you would see the nearly full Earth overhead.

RACHEL

And it would be four times larger and about 16 times brighter than the moon appears to us.

PAUL

That’s Idaho Skies for the 26^th and 27^th of September.

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.