RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 3rd, 4th, and 5th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Venus appears next to the star Spica on the morning of the 3rd.
PAUL
To find Venus and Spica, look in the low east at around 6:00 AM.
RACHEL
Venus will be brilliant, so you can’t miss seeing it.
PAUL
Spica will be the fainter star to the right of Venus.
RACHEL
The two have nearly the same color, but dramatically different brightness.
PAUL
Astronomers call the brightness of an astronomical object its magnitude.
RACHEL
In astronomical terms, Venus is magnitude negative four and Spica is only magnitude one.
PAUL
So you can see that brighter stars as having a lower or more negative magnitude than fainter stars.
RACHEL
Over the next two nights, the moon drifts across the Hyades star cluster.
PAUL
And on the 5th, it passes so close to the star Aldebaran that you might need binoculars to separate it from the moon’s glare.
RACHEL
The Hyades appears as a large star cluster in our sky.
PAUL
But it’s not packed as densely with stars as some other star clusters.
RACHEL
Stargazers can usually detect about two dozen stars in this star cluster through binoculars.
PAUL
While you have your binoculars out, take a peek at the moon on the 9th.
RACHEL
You’ll see Aldebaran a little to the right of the moon.
PAUL
Unfortunately, the moon has already passed its closest to the moon.
RACHEL
So the distance between the moon and Aldebaran will only increase though out the night.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th 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, October 30, 2017
Idaho Skies Transcript for November 1st and 2nd
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 1st and 2nd. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The planet Uranus is five degrees above the moon on the 2nd.
RACHEL
The seventh planet was discovered in 1781 by astronomer William Herschel.
PAUL
And it was the first planet to be discovered by telescope.
RACHEL
However, Uranus is often faintly visible without a telescope.
PAUL
The emphasis here is on the word faintly.
RACHEL
Fortunately, Uranus is approaching opposition, so it’s a bit brighter than usual.
PAUL
Still, a pair of binoculars will make it much easier to see this planet.
RACHEL
To find Uranus, point your binoculars at the moon after it gets dark on the 2nd.
PAUL
Then look five degrees above the moon and slightly left.
RACHEL
Recall that most binoculars have field of view equal to 7.5 degrees.
PAUL
Which means Uranus will appear 2/3rds of the way above the moon.
RACHEL
Or put another way, Uranus is ten times the moon’s apparent diameter above it.
PAUL
If you see a warped rectangle of stars just below what you think is Uranus, then you’ll know you’re seeing Uranus.
RACHEL
Especially if only one of the star in the rectangle is as bright as Uranus.
PAUL
And the other three are slightly fainter.
RACHEL
Through binoculars, Uranus appears star-like.
PAUL
But it’s four times larger than Earth...
RACHEL
...or the third largest planet in the solar system.
PAUL
And it’s 18 times more distant from the sun.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 1st and 2nd of November.
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 November 1st and 2nd. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The planet Uranus is five degrees above the moon on the 2nd.
RACHEL
The seventh planet was discovered in 1781 by astronomer William Herschel.
PAUL
And it was the first planet to be discovered by telescope.
RACHEL
However, Uranus is often faintly visible without a telescope.
PAUL
The emphasis here is on the word faintly.
RACHEL
Fortunately, Uranus is approaching opposition, so it’s a bit brighter than usual.
PAUL
Still, a pair of binoculars will make it much easier to see this planet.
RACHEL
To find Uranus, point your binoculars at the moon after it gets dark on the 2nd.
PAUL
Then look five degrees above the moon and slightly left.
RACHEL
Recall that most binoculars have field of view equal to 7.5 degrees.
PAUL
Which means Uranus will appear 2/3rds of the way above the moon.
RACHEL
Or put another way, Uranus is ten times the moon’s apparent diameter above it.
PAUL
If you see a warped rectangle of stars just below what you think is Uranus, then you’ll know you’re seeing Uranus.
RACHEL
Especially if only one of the star in the rectangle is as bright as Uranus.
PAUL
And the other three are slightly fainter.
RACHEL
Through binoculars, Uranus appears star-like.
PAUL
But it’s four times larger than Earth...
RACHEL
...or the third largest planet in the solar system.
PAUL
And it’s 18 times more distant from the sun.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 1st and 2nd of November.
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.
Idaho Skies Transcript for October 30th and 31st
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 30th and 31st. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Hey, there’s a bright star below and to the right of the moon on the 30th.
PAUL
That star’s name is Fomalhaut and its 25 light years away.
RACHEL
Astronomers have discovered that Fomalhaut emits more infrared radiation than other stars like it.
PAUL
Turns out, that excess infrared is from a ring of dust surrounding the star.
RACHEL
Ring of dust? Well, that sounds an awful like the disk of dust and gas that stars form from.
PAUL
Exactly. Fomalhaut is so young that it’s still surrounded in its birth cocoon.
RACHEL
Even more interesting is that its dusty ring is forming planets.
PAUL
And one of those planets has been observed by the Hubble Space Telescope.
RACHEL
We said Fomalhaut is young, but what does young mean to a star?
PAUL
In Fomalhaut’s case, it means it’s only on the order of 300 million years old.
RACHEL
Three hundred million years ago, much of Earth was covered in forests that would eventually create most of our coal deposits.
PAUL
And life on Earth was mostly insects and amphibians.
RACHEL
I wonder if Fomalhaut will be around long enough for life on its planets to evolve into something similar.
PAUL
The problem is that stars having twice the mass of sun only live for 1.7 billion years before turning into a red giant.
RACHEL
When Earth was 1.7 billion years old, the only life on it was single cell in form.
PAUL
And none of it is believed to have inhabited the surface.
RACHEL
So poor Fomalhaut, none of its planetary lifeforms will ever be aware of this star.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 30th and 31st of October.
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 October 30th and 31st. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Hey, there’s a bright star below and to the right of the moon on the 30th.
PAUL
That star’s name is Fomalhaut and its 25 light years away.
RACHEL
Astronomers have discovered that Fomalhaut emits more infrared radiation than other stars like it.
PAUL
Turns out, that excess infrared is from a ring of dust surrounding the star.
RACHEL
Ring of dust? Well, that sounds an awful like the disk of dust and gas that stars form from.
PAUL
Exactly. Fomalhaut is so young that it’s still surrounded in its birth cocoon.
RACHEL
Even more interesting is that its dusty ring is forming planets.
PAUL
And one of those planets has been observed by the Hubble Space Telescope.
RACHEL
We said Fomalhaut is young, but what does young mean to a star?
PAUL
In Fomalhaut’s case, it means it’s only on the order of 300 million years old.
RACHEL
Three hundred million years ago, much of Earth was covered in forests that would eventually create most of our coal deposits.
PAUL
And life on Earth was mostly insects and amphibians.
RACHEL
I wonder if Fomalhaut will be around long enough for life on its planets to evolve into something similar.
PAUL
The problem is that stars having twice the mass of sun only live for 1.7 billion years before turning into a red giant.
RACHEL
When Earth was 1.7 billion years old, the only life on it was single cell in form.
PAUL
And none of it is believed to have inhabited the surface.
RACHEL
So poor Fomalhaut, none of its planetary lifeforms will ever be aware of this star.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 30th and 31st of October.
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.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Idaho Skies Transcript for October 27th, 28th, and 29th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 27th, 28th, and 29th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
On October 29th, 1998, John Glenn junior traveled back into Earth orbit onboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.
PAUL
This was the 92nd mission of the Space Transportation System, or STS.
RACHEL
And the 25th flight of Discovery.
PAUL
At 77 years old, Glenn is still the oldest person to travel into space.
RACHEL
However, John Glenn was no stranger to Earth orbit.
PAUL
That’s right. He was the first American to travel into orbit back on February 20th, 1962.
RACHEL
Glenn was actually the third American to travel into space.
PAUL
His two predecessors were Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom.
RACHEL
But the Mercury capsules of Shepard and Grissom were launched on top of the Redstone Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, or IRBM.
PAUL
Their Redstone boosters were modified with extended propellant tanks to increase their final velocity.
RACHEL
But the Redstone still didn’t have the energy to put a nearly 3,000 pound Mercury capsule into orbit.
PAUL
It took the more powerful Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM to give the Mercury capsule enough velocity to achieve orbit.
RACHEL
Glenn spent four and a half hours making three orbits of Earth in 1962.
PAUL
Before he was to slow his capsule down for reentry, technicians on the ground received distressing telemetry.
RACHEL
The telemetry indicated the possibly of a loose heat shield on Glenn’s capsule.
PAUL
Fortunately, it was a problem with a switch in contact with the heat shield and not the heat shield itself.
RACHEL
So John Glenn safely returned to Earth and became a true American hero.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 27th, 28th and 29th of October.
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 October 27th, 28th, and 29th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
On October 29th, 1998, John Glenn junior traveled back into Earth orbit onboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.
PAUL
This was the 92nd mission of the Space Transportation System, or STS.
RACHEL
And the 25th flight of Discovery.
PAUL
At 77 years old, Glenn is still the oldest person to travel into space.
RACHEL
However, John Glenn was no stranger to Earth orbit.
PAUL
That’s right. He was the first American to travel into orbit back on February 20th, 1962.
RACHEL
Glenn was actually the third American to travel into space.
PAUL
His two predecessors were Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom.
RACHEL
But the Mercury capsules of Shepard and Grissom were launched on top of the Redstone Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, or IRBM.
PAUL
Their Redstone boosters were modified with extended propellant tanks to increase their final velocity.
RACHEL
But the Redstone still didn’t have the energy to put a nearly 3,000 pound Mercury capsule into orbit.
PAUL
It took the more powerful Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM to give the Mercury capsule enough velocity to achieve orbit.
RACHEL
Glenn spent four and a half hours making three orbits of Earth in 1962.
PAUL
Before he was to slow his capsule down for reentry, technicians on the ground received distressing telemetry.
RACHEL
The telemetry indicated the possibly of a loose heat shield on Glenn’s capsule.
PAUL
Fortunately, it was a problem with a switch in contact with the heat shield and not the heat shield itself.
RACHEL
So John Glenn safely returned to Earth and became a true American hero.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 27th, 28th and 29th of October.
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 October 25th and 26th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 25th and 26th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The center of the Milky Way appears to the moon’s right on the night of the 25th.
RACHEL
In this region of the sky, a stargazer with binoculars will be rewarded with views of little fuzzy clouds.
PAUL
Many of these are nebulae, a word from the Latin meaning fog.
RACHEL
But they’re not really heavenly fog banks.
PAUL
Nope, they’re actually giant glowing clouds of gas and dust.
RACHEL
How large, how about from one to a few hundred light years across?
PAUL
While telescopic images show them as dense clouds of dust and gas, they’re actually rather thin.
RACHEL
In fact, they’re better vacuums than we can create on Earth.
PAUL
A sugar cube sized sample of nebula would only contain a single hydrogen atom.
RACHEL
And a chunk of nebula the size of Earth would only weight around ten pounds.
PAUL
Nebulae glow because their gases are being excited to higher energy states by ultraviolet radiation from nearby stars.
RACHEL
The electrons in these excited atoms then return to their low energy state by emitting one or more photons of light.
PAUL
With so many atoms emitting light, rarefied nebulae can shine brightly enough for stargazers to see.
RACHEL
In most nebulae, there are regions of dust and gas that are collapsing under their own gravity.
PAUL
The result of the collapse will be the birth of a new star and possibly planets in a few million years time.
RACHEL
So search the region right on the moon on the 25th for tiny glowing clouds of dust and gas.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 25th and 26th of October.
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 October 25th and 26th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The center of the Milky Way appears to the moon’s right on the night of the 25th.
RACHEL
In this region of the sky, a stargazer with binoculars will be rewarded with views of little fuzzy clouds.
PAUL
Many of these are nebulae, a word from the Latin meaning fog.
RACHEL
But they’re not really heavenly fog banks.
PAUL
Nope, they’re actually giant glowing clouds of gas and dust.
RACHEL
How large, how about from one to a few hundred light years across?
PAUL
While telescopic images show them as dense clouds of dust and gas, they’re actually rather thin.
RACHEL
In fact, they’re better vacuums than we can create on Earth.
PAUL
A sugar cube sized sample of nebula would only contain a single hydrogen atom.
RACHEL
And a chunk of nebula the size of Earth would only weight around ten pounds.
PAUL
Nebulae glow because their gases are being excited to higher energy states by ultraviolet radiation from nearby stars.
RACHEL
The electrons in these excited atoms then return to their low energy state by emitting one or more photons of light.
PAUL
With so many atoms emitting light, rarefied nebulae can shine brightly enough for stargazers to see.
RACHEL
In most nebulae, there are regions of dust and gas that are collapsing under their own gravity.
PAUL
The result of the collapse will be the birth of a new star and possibly planets in a few million years time.
RACHEL
So search the region right on the moon on the 25th for tiny glowing clouds of dust and gas.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 25th and 26th of October.
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.
Idaho Skies Transcript for October 23rd and 24th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 23rd and 24th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
The crescent moon resides within the center of the Milky Way on the evening of the 24th.
PAUL
This region of the sky points towards the center of our Galaxy.
RACHEL
Since this is the direction of the dense core of the Milky Way galaxy, it’s rich in stars.
PAUL
It’s also loaded with star clusters and nebulae.
RACHEL
There are two types of star clusters, galactic and globular.
PAUL
Galactic star clusters contain everywhere from hundreds to thousands of stars.
RACHEL
The stars within a single star cluster formed at roughly the same time from a single cloud of dust and gas.
PAUL
And they tend to be young, only a few hundred millions years old.
RACHEL
Globular star clusters are the polar opposite.
PAUL
They’re several times larger than galactic star clusters and can contain up to a million stars.
RACHEL
And they tend to be old, as much as ten billion years old.
PAUL
Galactic star clusters are native to the Milky Way.
RACHEL
Globular star clusters on the other hand may be the cores of small galaxies captured by the Milky Way long ago.
PAUL
So on the night of the 24th, search above and below the moon with binoculars.
RACHEL
You’re looking for hazy spots mixes within the star clouds you’ll see in this region of the sky.
PAUL
Small irregularly shaped fuzzies with a scattering of stars are galactic star clusters.
RACHEL
Whereas round and tiny spots are most likely globular star clusters.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 23rd and 24th of October.
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 October 23rd and 24th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
The crescent moon resides within the center of the Milky Way on the evening of the 24th.
PAUL
This region of the sky points towards the center of our Galaxy.
RACHEL
Since this is the direction of the dense core of the Milky Way galaxy, it’s rich in stars.
PAUL
It’s also loaded with star clusters and nebulae.
RACHEL
There are two types of star clusters, galactic and globular.
PAUL
Galactic star clusters contain everywhere from hundreds to thousands of stars.
RACHEL
The stars within a single star cluster formed at roughly the same time from a single cloud of dust and gas.
PAUL
And they tend to be young, only a few hundred millions years old.
RACHEL
Globular star clusters are the polar opposite.
PAUL
They’re several times larger than galactic star clusters and can contain up to a million stars.
RACHEL
And they tend to be old, as much as ten billion years old.
PAUL
Galactic star clusters are native to the Milky Way.
RACHEL
Globular star clusters on the other hand may be the cores of small galaxies captured by the Milky Way long ago.
PAUL
So on the night of the 24th, search above and below the moon with binoculars.
RACHEL
You’re looking for hazy spots mixes within the star clouds you’ll see in this region of the sky.
PAUL
Small irregularly shaped fuzzies with a scattering of stars are galactic star clusters.
RACHEL
Whereas round and tiny spots are most likely globular star clusters.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 23rd and 24th of October.
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, October 16, 2017
Idaho Skies Transcript for October 20th, 21st, and 22nd
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 20th, 21st, and 22nd. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
The moon returns to the evening sky on the 22nd.
PAUL
Look for a very thin crescent barely above the west-southwest horizon at 8:15.
RACHEL
Wait, what’s that pale star I see to the left of the moon?
PAUL
Why it’s Saturn, the solar system’s sixth planet.
RACHEL
Many listeners will recall Saturn was in the news last month.
PAUL
That’s because the Cassini spacecraft ended its mission by entering the planet’s atmosphere.
RACHEL
What a sad loss of a functioning spacecraft.
PAUL
It was necessary to prevent the school bus-sized spacecraft from possibly crashing into Titan or Enceladus in the future.
RACHEL
Before the arrival of Cassini, Titan was a cloud covered world with a mysterious surface.
PAUL
And Enceladus was a tiny icy world.
RACHEL
Because of Cassini, we now know that Titan is a world with a hydrological cycle and large seas of hydrocarbons.
PAUL
And that Enceladus has a liquid ocean beneath its frozen crust that produces geysers.
RACHEL
Because of the discoveries of Cassini, the possibly of finding new lifeforms in the solar system has increased.
PAUL
And for that reason, it’s important to protect these two moons from contamination by Cassini.
RACHEL
Therefore, the Jet Propulsion Lab targeted Cassini to fly into the atmosphere of Saturn.
PAUL
There it burned up like a meteor.
RACHEL
And that was an end fit for a world-class discoverer.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of October.
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 October 20th, 21st, and 22nd. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
The moon returns to the evening sky on the 22nd.
PAUL
Look for a very thin crescent barely above the west-southwest horizon at 8:15.
RACHEL
Wait, what’s that pale star I see to the left of the moon?
PAUL
Why it’s Saturn, the solar system’s sixth planet.
RACHEL
Many listeners will recall Saturn was in the news last month.
PAUL
That’s because the Cassini spacecraft ended its mission by entering the planet’s atmosphere.
RACHEL
What a sad loss of a functioning spacecraft.
PAUL
It was necessary to prevent the school bus-sized spacecraft from possibly crashing into Titan or Enceladus in the future.
RACHEL
Before the arrival of Cassini, Titan was a cloud covered world with a mysterious surface.
PAUL
And Enceladus was a tiny icy world.
RACHEL
Because of Cassini, we now know that Titan is a world with a hydrological cycle and large seas of hydrocarbons.
PAUL
And that Enceladus has a liquid ocean beneath its frozen crust that produces geysers.
RACHEL
Because of the discoveries of Cassini, the possibly of finding new lifeforms in the solar system has increased.
PAUL
And for that reason, it’s important to protect these two moons from contamination by Cassini.
RACHEL
Therefore, the Jet Propulsion Lab targeted Cassini to fly into the atmosphere of Saturn.
PAUL
There it burned up like a meteor.
RACHEL
And that was an end fit for a world-class discoverer.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of October.
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 October 18th and 19th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 18th and 19th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Mars and Venus had an encounter with the moon on the 17th.
RACHEL
These two planets are Earth’s closest neighbors.
PAUL
And prior to the Space Age, they were the topics of endless speculation.
RACHEL
Venus was always appeared as a shiny orb while Mars showed surface details through a telescope.
PAUL
Early astronomers were certain Venus was so bright on account of its perpetual cloud cover.
RACHEL
And once astronomer knew the distance to Venus, they could tell the planet was roughly the size of Earth.
PAUL
Several explanations for the cloud cover over Venus where proposed.
RACHEL
One explanation was that the clouds were covering a swampy Earth-like planet.
PAUL
Or that Venus might be an ocean planet filled with seltzer water.
RACHEL
Mars, astronomers determined, was smaller than Earth.
PAUL
And its greater distance from the sun meant it had a surface temperature colder than Earth’s.
RACHEL
The apparent changes in its surface features lead some to believe that the planet was cover in plant life.
PAUL
And that the surface changes were due to plants responding to the changing seasons.
RACHEL
All that changed in 1962 and 1964.
PAUL
On December 14th, 1962, the Mariner 2 spacecraft fly past Venus.
RACHEL
And on November 28th, 1964, Mariner 4 flew past Mars.
PAUL
We learned that Venus was indeed a hellishly hot world where no liquid water could exist.
RACHEL
And that Mars had an atmosphere too thin and too cold to support plant life.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 18th and 19th of October.
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 October 18th and 19th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Mars and Venus had an encounter with the moon on the 17th.
RACHEL
These two planets are Earth’s closest neighbors.
PAUL
And prior to the Space Age, they were the topics of endless speculation.
RACHEL
Venus was always appeared as a shiny orb while Mars showed surface details through a telescope.
PAUL
Early astronomers were certain Venus was so bright on account of its perpetual cloud cover.
RACHEL
And once astronomer knew the distance to Venus, they could tell the planet was roughly the size of Earth.
PAUL
Several explanations for the cloud cover over Venus where proposed.
RACHEL
One explanation was that the clouds were covering a swampy Earth-like planet.
PAUL
Or that Venus might be an ocean planet filled with seltzer water.
RACHEL
Mars, astronomers determined, was smaller than Earth.
PAUL
And its greater distance from the sun meant it had a surface temperature colder than Earth’s.
RACHEL
The apparent changes in its surface features lead some to believe that the planet was cover in plant life.
PAUL
And that the surface changes were due to plants responding to the changing seasons.
RACHEL
All that changed in 1962 and 1964.
PAUL
On December 14th, 1962, the Mariner 2 spacecraft fly past Venus.
RACHEL
And on November 28th, 1964, Mariner 4 flew past Mars.
PAUL
We learned that Venus was indeed a hellishly hot world where no liquid water could exist.
RACHEL
And that Mars had an atmosphere too thin and too cold to support plant life.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 18th and 19th of October.
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.
Idaho Skies Transcript for October 16th and 17th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 16th and 17th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Earth’s two closest neighbors, Mars and Venus have a rendezvous with the moon on the 17th.
PAUL
This is a morning event and perfect for stargazers who leave for work before sunrise.
RACHEL
So look in the low east at around 6:45 AM for brilliant Venus.
PAUL
Or the Morning Star as many people like to call it.
RACHEL
Above Venus will be a very thin crescent moon.
PAUL
If the horizon is hazy with smoke, you might need binoculars to see the moon.
RACHEL
Mars will be the star above the moon.
PAUL
And we mean right above the moon.
RACHEL
It appears as a yellowish-orange star to the moon’s upper right.
PAUL
The angular distance between Venus, the moon, and Mars is 7 degrees.
RACHEL
This means stargazers can see all three astronomical bodies together in most 7X50 binoculars.
PAUL
The moon will be too thin to show any craters or maria.
RACHEL
And Venus is too close to the other side of the solar system.
PAUL
That means Venus is too small and to close to the full phase to show any shape.
RACHEL
Recall that Venus is racing ahead of Earth and Earth is catching up to Mars.
PAUL
So the angular distance between Venus and Mars will increase each morning.
RACHEL
Watch them for the next few weeks and you’ll see Venus appear closer to the horizon each morning.
PAUL
And you’ll see Mars higher and higher above the horizon.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 16th and 17th of October.
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 October 16th and 17th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Earth’s two closest neighbors, Mars and Venus have a rendezvous with the moon on the 17th.
PAUL
This is a morning event and perfect for stargazers who leave for work before sunrise.
RACHEL
So look in the low east at around 6:45 AM for brilliant Venus.
PAUL
Or the Morning Star as many people like to call it.
RACHEL
Above Venus will be a very thin crescent moon.
PAUL
If the horizon is hazy with smoke, you might need binoculars to see the moon.
RACHEL
Mars will be the star above the moon.
PAUL
And we mean right above the moon.
RACHEL
It appears as a yellowish-orange star to the moon’s upper right.
PAUL
The angular distance between Venus, the moon, and Mars is 7 degrees.
RACHEL
This means stargazers can see all three astronomical bodies together in most 7X50 binoculars.
PAUL
The moon will be too thin to show any craters or maria.
RACHEL
And Venus is too close to the other side of the solar system.
PAUL
That means Venus is too small and to close to the full phase to show any shape.
RACHEL
Recall that Venus is racing ahead of Earth and Earth is catching up to Mars.
PAUL
So the angular distance between Venus and Mars will increase each morning.
RACHEL
Watch them for the next few weeks and you’ll see Venus appear closer to the horizon each morning.
PAUL
And you’ll see Mars higher and higher above the horizon.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 16th and 17th of October.
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.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Idaho Skies Transcript for October 13th, 14th, and 15th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 13th, 14th, and 15th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The Beehive star cluster and the star Regulus are the astronomical news makers for this episode of Idaho Skies.
RACHEL
So let’s start with the Beehive, which stargazers will find within a binocular view of the moon.
PAUL
This is an event for early risers, so stargazers will need to go outside at around 4:00 AM.
RACHEL
Aim your binoculars at the moon and then shift it to the right edge.
PAUL
The Beehive will then appear as a compact clump of stars a little inside of the left edge.
RACHEL
Now center your binoculars on the Beehive.
PAUL
As your eyes adapt to the absence of the moon, you might be able to see as many as two dozen stars.
RACHEL
The reason the Beehive appears so prominent is that it’s one of the nearest star clusters to the solar system.
PAUL
It’s also unusually rich in stars.
RACHEL
Next up is Regulus.
PAUL
The moon almost scrapes this bright star on the morning of the 15th.
RACHEL
To see this near occultation, go outside a short time before 4:00 AM.
PAUL
The star will be the bright star above the thin crescent moon.
RACHEL
Regulus, as you recall, is the brightest star of Leo the Lion.
PAUL
In fact, 140 times brighter than the sun.
RACHEL
Which is the reason that you can see this Regulus when its 77 light years from Earth.
PAUL
You would need binoculars to the see the sun from Regulus.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 13th, 14th, and 15th of October.
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 October 13th, 14th, and 15th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The Beehive star cluster and the star Regulus are the astronomical news makers for this episode of Idaho Skies.
RACHEL
So let’s start with the Beehive, which stargazers will find within a binocular view of the moon.
PAUL
This is an event for early risers, so stargazers will need to go outside at around 4:00 AM.
RACHEL
Aim your binoculars at the moon and then shift it to the right edge.
PAUL
The Beehive will then appear as a compact clump of stars a little inside of the left edge.
RACHEL
Now center your binoculars on the Beehive.
PAUL
As your eyes adapt to the absence of the moon, you might be able to see as many as two dozen stars.
RACHEL
The reason the Beehive appears so prominent is that it’s one of the nearest star clusters to the solar system.
PAUL
It’s also unusually rich in stars.
RACHEL
Next up is Regulus.
PAUL
The moon almost scrapes this bright star on the morning of the 15th.
RACHEL
To see this near occultation, go outside a short time before 4:00 AM.
PAUL
The star will be the bright star above the thin crescent moon.
RACHEL
Regulus, as you recall, is the brightest star of Leo the Lion.
PAUL
In fact, 140 times brighter than the sun.
RACHEL
Which is the reason that you can see this Regulus when its 77 light years from Earth.
PAUL
You would need binoculars to the see the sun from Regulus.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 13th, 14th, and 15th of October.
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 October 11th and 12th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 11th and 12th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Looking for Gemini?
PAUL
Stargazers will find the Twins to the left of the moon early morning of the 11th.
RACHEL
And above the moon the next day.
PAUL
Gemini appears as two parallel rows of stars in the low east.
RACHEL
The Twins appear horizontal now that they’re rising, but they’ll appear vertical when the set in the west.
PAUL
The twins’ names are Castor and Pollux.
RACHEL
The constellation is one of the original 48 constellations described in the 2nd century by astronomer Ptolemy.
PAUL
And it’s one of the constellations of the Zodiac.
RACHEL
Being a part of the Zodiac means the sun, moon, and planets occasionally pass through Gemini.
PAUL
The constellation is home to a bright star cluster called M-35.
RACHEL
M-35 is barely visible without optical aid under really dark skies.
PAUL
And much easier to see with binoculars even in less than stellar skies. Get it, stellar skies?
RACHEL
Um, yeah. Anyways, one of the better meteor showers appears to originate from Gemini.
PAUL
The shower is called the Geminids and its peak intensity is on the night of December 13th and 14th.
RACHEL
Fortunately, the moon will appear as a thin crescent on the night of the 13th.
PAUL
Meaning stargazers will see plenty of meteors from this stellar meteor shower in 2017. Get it?
RACHEL
Anyways, stargazers could see up to 120 meteors (per hour) from this shower.
PAUL
So keep listening and we’ll remind you about this shower on Idaho Skies.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 11th and 12th of October.
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 October 11th and 12th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
Looking for Gemini?
PAUL
Stargazers will find the Twins to the left of the moon early morning of the 11th.
RACHEL
And above the moon the next day.
PAUL
Gemini appears as two parallel rows of stars in the low east.
RACHEL
The Twins appear horizontal now that they’re rising, but they’ll appear vertical when the set in the west.
PAUL
The twins’ names are Castor and Pollux.
RACHEL
The constellation is one of the original 48 constellations described in the 2nd century by astronomer Ptolemy.
PAUL
And it’s one of the constellations of the Zodiac.
RACHEL
Being a part of the Zodiac means the sun, moon, and planets occasionally pass through Gemini.
PAUL
The constellation is home to a bright star cluster called M-35.
RACHEL
M-35 is barely visible without optical aid under really dark skies.
PAUL
And much easier to see with binoculars even in less than stellar skies. Get it, stellar skies?
RACHEL
Um, yeah. Anyways, one of the better meteor showers appears to originate from Gemini.
PAUL
The shower is called the Geminids and its peak intensity is on the night of December 13th and 14th.
RACHEL
Fortunately, the moon will appear as a thin crescent on the night of the 13th.
PAUL
Meaning stargazers will see plenty of meteors from this stellar meteor shower in 2017. Get it?
RACHEL
Anyways, stargazers could see up to 120 meteors (per hour) from this shower.
PAUL
So keep listening and we’ll remind you about this shower on Idaho Skies.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 11th and 12th of October.
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 October 9th and 10th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 9th and 10th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The moon travels through the Hyades star cluster on the 9th.
RACHEL
So after it gets dark that night, aim your binoculars at the moon.
PAUL
Stargazers will find the star cluster to the moon’s left.
RACHEL
The cluster consists of two bright branches of stars.
PAUL
The moon and Hyades star cluster will fill your binoculars.
RACHEL
The Hyades represents the face of Taurus the Bull and is the star cluster closest to the solar system.
PAUL
The stars represent daughters of the Greek Titan, Atlas.
RACHEL
Atlas, as most listeners know, lost in the war between the Titans and the Greek gods.
PAUL
As a punishment, the Greek gods condemned him to support the heavens for the rest of eternity.
RACHEL
Atlas however, had many daughters prior, including the Pleiades and Hyades.
PAUL
According the legend, the brother of the Hyades was named Hyas and he was killed in a hunting accident.
RACHEL
The Hyades wept for the loss of their brother. So much that it brought rain to the earth.
PAUL
As a result, the Hyades were associated with rain by the Greeks.
RACHEL
So the Greeks expected the day when the Hyades rises just before the sun mark the start of the rainy period.
PAUL
When a star rises just before the sun, is called the star’s heliacal rising.
RACHEL
And the most famous heliacal rising is the one for Sirius.
PAUL
The ancient Egyptians used the heliacal rising of Sirius to predict the flooding of the Nile River.
RACHEL
Which was an important event to their society because the silt left by the flood fertilized their farm fields.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 9th and 10th of October.
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 October 9th and 10th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
The moon travels through the Hyades star cluster on the 9th.
RACHEL
So after it gets dark that night, aim your binoculars at the moon.
PAUL
Stargazers will find the star cluster to the moon’s left.
RACHEL
The cluster consists of two bright branches of stars.
PAUL
The moon and Hyades star cluster will fill your binoculars.
RACHEL
The Hyades represents the face of Taurus the Bull and is the star cluster closest to the solar system.
PAUL
The stars represent daughters of the Greek Titan, Atlas.
RACHEL
Atlas, as most listeners know, lost in the war between the Titans and the Greek gods.
PAUL
As a punishment, the Greek gods condemned him to support the heavens for the rest of eternity.
RACHEL
Atlas however, had many daughters prior, including the Pleiades and Hyades.
PAUL
According the legend, the brother of the Hyades was named Hyas and he was killed in a hunting accident.
RACHEL
The Hyades wept for the loss of their brother. So much that it brought rain to the earth.
PAUL
As a result, the Hyades were associated with rain by the Greeks.
RACHEL
So the Greeks expected the day when the Hyades rises just before the sun mark the start of the rainy period.
PAUL
When a star rises just before the sun, is called the star’s heliacal rising.
RACHEL
And the most famous heliacal rising is the one for Sirius.
PAUL
The ancient Egyptians used the heliacal rising of Sirius to predict the flooding of the Nile River.
RACHEL
Which was an important event to their society because the silt left by the flood fertilized their farm fields.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 9th and 10th of October.
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, October 2, 2017
Idaho Skies Transcript for October 6th, 7th, and 8th
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 6th, 7th, and 8th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
What’s the relation between Aries and Uranus?
PAUL
Umm, one’s a planet and the other’s a constellation. So nothing?
RACHEL
Usually that’s true. However, this week the moon passes close to both.
PAUL
Let’s start with Aries then.
RACHEL
Sure, Aries the Ram is a small constellation of four stars.
PAUL
Unusually though, stargazers will only notice three of them.
RACHEL
They form a small flattened triangle that’s located to the upper left of the moon on the evening of the 6th.
PAUL
The brightest star of Aries is named Hamal and its located in the triangle’s left corner.
RACHEL
The name Hamal comes from the Arabic for head of the ram.
PAUL
It is 65 light years away. So if you’re 65 years old this year, the light of Hamal you see tonight left the year you were born.
RACHEL
Now what about Uranus?
PAUL
Well, Uranus is easily seen in binoculars, but it’s better to look for it outside of town’s bright lights.
RACHEL
So aim your binoculars at the moon after it gets dark on the 6th.
PAUL
Then put the moon just outside your view in the 7 o’clock position.
RACHEL
Uranus will appear as the star on the edge of your binoculars in the 1 o’clock position.
PAUL
Stargazers will see one star brighter than Uranus near that position.
RACHEL
But the star will be closer to the center of their binoculars.
PAUL
It only takes light 160 minutes to reach Uranus.
RACHEL
Meaning that Hamal is 214,000 times farther away from us than Uranus.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 6th, 7th, and 8th of October.
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 October 6th, 7th, and 8th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
What’s the relation between Aries and Uranus?
PAUL
Umm, one’s a planet and the other’s a constellation. So nothing?
RACHEL
Usually that’s true. However, this week the moon passes close to both.
PAUL
Let’s start with Aries then.
RACHEL
Sure, Aries the Ram is a small constellation of four stars.
PAUL
Unusually though, stargazers will only notice three of them.
RACHEL
They form a small flattened triangle that’s located to the upper left of the moon on the evening of the 6th.
PAUL
The brightest star of Aries is named Hamal and its located in the triangle’s left corner.
RACHEL
The name Hamal comes from the Arabic for head of the ram.
PAUL
It is 65 light years away. So if you’re 65 years old this year, the light of Hamal you see tonight left the year you were born.
RACHEL
Now what about Uranus?
PAUL
Well, Uranus is easily seen in binoculars, but it’s better to look for it outside of town’s bright lights.
RACHEL
So aim your binoculars at the moon after it gets dark on the 6th.
PAUL
Then put the moon just outside your view in the 7 o’clock position.
RACHEL
Uranus will appear as the star on the edge of your binoculars in the 1 o’clock position.
PAUL
Stargazers will see one star brighter than Uranus near that position.
RACHEL
But the star will be closer to the center of their binoculars.
PAUL
It only takes light 160 minutes to reach Uranus.
RACHEL
Meaning that Hamal is 214,000 times farther away from us than Uranus.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 6th, 7th, and 8th of October.
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 October 4th and 5th
PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 4th and 5th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Venus and Mars are very close to each other on the 5th.
RACHEL
You can’t miss Venus; it appears as the brightest star in the east at 5:30 AM.
PAUL
The Morning Star will appear white in color, that’s if there’s no more smoke filling the air.
RACHEL
Mars is much fainter than Venus and will have a yellowish or even faint orangish tint.
PAUL
Their distance apart is only one-quarter of a degree.
RACHEL
Which is only half the apparent distance across the moon.
PAUL
Or the same as 1/30th the distance across a binocular’s field of view.
RACHEL
So, very close indeed.
PAUL
You can see them as separate planets using just your eyes.
RACHEL
But binoculars will give a better view.
PAUL
Venus is approaching the horizon, so it’s getting closer to the horizon every day.
RACHEL
Mars is traveling away from the horizon, so it’s getting higher every day.
PAUL
Funny thing though, both planets are traveling the same direction on the other side of the sun.
RACHEL
The reason they appear to travel in different directions relative to the horizon has to do with the speed of Earth around the sun.
PAUL
Venus travels faster than Earth, so it appears to be approaching the sun from our perspective.
RACHEL
Mars on the other hand is slower than Earth.
PAUL
So Earth is catching up to Mars and increasing the angular distance between it and the sun.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 4th and 5th of October.
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 October 4th and 5th. We’re your hosts, Paul...
RACHEL
...and Rachel.
PAUL
Venus and Mars are very close to each other on the 5th.
RACHEL
You can’t miss Venus; it appears as the brightest star in the east at 5:30 AM.
PAUL
The Morning Star will appear white in color, that’s if there’s no more smoke filling the air.
RACHEL
Mars is much fainter than Venus and will have a yellowish or even faint orangish tint.
PAUL
Their distance apart is only one-quarter of a degree.
RACHEL
Which is only half the apparent distance across the moon.
PAUL
Or the same as 1/30th the distance across a binocular’s field of view.
RACHEL
So, very close indeed.
PAUL
You can see them as separate planets using just your eyes.
RACHEL
But binoculars will give a better view.
PAUL
Venus is approaching the horizon, so it’s getting closer to the horizon every day.
RACHEL
Mars is traveling away from the horizon, so it’s getting higher every day.
PAUL
Funny thing though, both planets are traveling the same direction on the other side of the sun.
RACHEL
The reason they appear to travel in different directions relative to the horizon has to do with the speed of Earth around the sun.
PAUL
Venus travels faster than Earth, so it appears to be approaching the sun from our perspective.
RACHEL
Mars on the other hand is slower than Earth.
PAUL
So Earth is catching up to Mars and increasing the angular distance between it and the sun.
RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 4th and 5th of October.
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.
Idaho skies Transcript for October 2nd and 3rd
RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 2nd and 3rd. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
The moon is near two astronomical targets on the night of the 2nd.
PAUL
The first one is the star Fomalhaut, and you don’t need binoculars to see it.
RACHEL
The second is more difficult, because it’s Neptune.
PAUL
Fomalhaut is the lonely star below the moon on the 2nd.
RACHEL
It’s the brightest star of Piscis Austrinus, or the constellation of the Southern Fish.
PAUL
Star maps depict the Southern Fish as swallowing the water that Aquarius is pouring from his jar.
RACHEL
The constellation is not very bright, but its lucida, Fomalhaut is the 18th brightest star in the sky.
PAUL
Fomalhaut is a young star; astronomers in fact estimate that it’s only 200 million years old.
RACHEL
The star also has an honor related to exoplanets.
PAUL
That’s right; it’s the first star to have one of its planets photographed by telescope.
RACHEL
It takes a telescope like the Hubble to photograph this exoplanet, which astronomers have named Dagon.
PAUL
Now unlike Fomalhaut, you’ll need binoculars to see Neptune.
RACHEL
So drive to a dark sky location outside of town and aim your binoculars at the moon at around 9:00 PM.
PAUL
You’ll see a star 5 degrees, or 2/3rds of the way across your binoculars, to the moon’s left.
RACHEL
That star is just above Neptune.
PAUL
The distance between that brighter star and Neptune is about half the diameter of the moon.
RACHEL
Be patient, Neptune is faint and your eyes need time to adapt to the dark.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 2nd and 3rd of October.
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 October 2nd and 3rd. We’re your hosts, Rachel...
PAUL
...and Paul.
RACHEL
The moon is near two astronomical targets on the night of the 2nd.
PAUL
The first one is the star Fomalhaut, and you don’t need binoculars to see it.
RACHEL
The second is more difficult, because it’s Neptune.
PAUL
Fomalhaut is the lonely star below the moon on the 2nd.
RACHEL
It’s the brightest star of Piscis Austrinus, or the constellation of the Southern Fish.
PAUL
Star maps depict the Southern Fish as swallowing the water that Aquarius is pouring from his jar.
RACHEL
The constellation is not very bright, but its lucida, Fomalhaut is the 18th brightest star in the sky.
PAUL
Fomalhaut is a young star; astronomers in fact estimate that it’s only 200 million years old.
RACHEL
The star also has an honor related to exoplanets.
PAUL
That’s right; it’s the first star to have one of its planets photographed by telescope.
RACHEL
It takes a telescope like the Hubble to photograph this exoplanet, which astronomers have named Dagon.
PAUL
Now unlike Fomalhaut, you’ll need binoculars to see Neptune.
RACHEL
So drive to a dark sky location outside of town and aim your binoculars at the moon at around 9:00 PM.
PAUL
You’ll see a star 5 degrees, or 2/3rds of the way across your binoculars, to the moon’s left.
RACHEL
That star is just above Neptune.
PAUL
The distance between that brighter star and Neptune is about half the diameter of the moon.
RACHEL
Be patient, Neptune is faint and your eyes need time to adapt to the dark.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 2nd and 3rd of October.
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.
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