STEPHEN
Welcome to Idaho Skies for
the weekend of February 14th. 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 15th, 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 14th.
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.