Idaho Skies Transcript for the weekend of February 14th

STEPHEN

Welcome to Idaho Skies for the weekend of February 14^th. We’re your hosts, Stephen…

DAN

…and Dan.

STEPHEN

The moon reaches the third quarter phase this weekend, so it’s a perfect time to go moon gazing with your binoculars. The only problem is that you need to go outside after midnight to see it. But hey, it’s a weekend, so no problem. Observing the moon however will more convenient for listeners who get up before sunrise.

DAN

At third quarter, we’re able to see the moon’s western hemisphere. This hemisphere contains the moon’s largest feature, the Ocean of Storms. The Ocean of Storms is that lunar sea covering most of its western edge. Its 1,600 miles from the north to the south, or nearly the same height as the continental United States. 

STEPHEN

On the morning of the 15^th, the last quarter moon appears next to a star in Libra the Scales named Zubenelgenubi. This funny sounding name means the Southern Claw. The name doesn’t make sense for a constellation representing a set of scales for weighing objects. However, the star originally belonged to Scorpius the Scorpion. 

DAN

Most stars, like Zubenelgenubi are multiple stars, or stars in orbit around each other. However, it’s a special double star. That’s because its stars are so different (distant) from each other and the pair is so close to the solar system. This combination makes the pair appear farther apart than most double stars. So aim your binoculars at the star to the moon’s right and see if you see double.    

STEPHEN

That’s Idaho Skies for the weekend of February 14^th.   

DAN

Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.

For Idaho Skies this is Dan…

STEPHEN

…and Stephen.

DAN

Dark skies and bright stars.