Transcript for April 12 - 18

RACHEL Welcome to Idaho Skies for the third week of April. We’re your hosts, Rachel... PAUL ...and Paul. RACHEL The first human to travel into space did so on April 12th, 1961. PAUL His name was Yuri Gagarin and he was a 27 year old pilot of the Soviet Air Force. RACHEL This came as a bit of a surprise to the United States, which was planning to launch American astronauts during Project Mercury. PAUL In fact, if it hadn’t been for concerns about earlier Redstone tests and bad weather, we might have beaten the Soviets and put the first man into space. RACHEL However, Yuri’s flight was significantly different from the first two American flights. PAUL That’s because Yuri actually made one orbit around Earth before returning in his Vostok space capsule. RACHEL The United States launched its first two astronauts using converted Redstone missiles. PAUL And these missiles didn’t have the power to place a Mercury space capsule into orbit. RACHEL That’s why the first two American astronauts were only lobbed 115 miles up before descending back to the Atlantic Ocean. PAUL The reason the Soviets were able to put Yuri into orbit is that their R-7 missile was much larger and powerful than the Redstone. RACHEL Because of concerns they might fail, the Soviets didn’t announce Yuri’s mission until 52 minutes into his flight. PAUL And less than 40 minutes later, he had fired his retro rockets and was returning back to Earth. RACHEL The Mercury capsules returned to Earth by splashing down into the ocean, however the Vostok 1 landed on the ground. PAUL This made for a much harder landing. RACHEL In order to protect their cosmonaut, Yuri was ejected out of the capsule as it neared the ground. PAUL That allowed Yuri to land softly on his own parachute and separate from his capsule. RACHEL Because of his propaganda importance to the Soviet Union, Yuri was never allowed to travel back into space. PAUL The moon takes it time approaching the eastern horizon starting on the 14th. RACHEL That’s because its approach to the sun is very shallow. PAUL This always happens during the spring. RACHEL Contrast this to the autumn when the moon’s approach to the horizon more vertical. PAUL So as a consequence, you have more opportunities to observe Earthshine during spring mornings. RACHEL Look for the moon in the low east-southeast as you drive to work. PAUL Earthshine will appear on the right side of the moon. RACHEL That’s Idaho Skies for the third week of April. Next week marks the end of our drought of meteor showers. 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.