Transcript for July 12 - 18

PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for the second week of July. We’re your hosts, Paul...

RACHEL
...and Rachel.

PAUL
On the morning of the 12th, you’ll see the moon slowly passing through the edge of the Hyades star cluster.

RACHEL
This will be an attractive sight through your binoculars.

PAUL
One reason why is that the moon will appear a very thin crescent.

RACHEL
A small telescope will show craters along the illuminated edge of the moon turned nearly edge on from Earth’s perspective.

PAUL
Therefore, they’ll distinctly oval in shape.

RACHEL
If you watch the edge of the moon relative to nearby stars over several minutes, you should be able to detect its movement through the star cluster.

PAUL
Just as it’s finally getting dark a little after 10:00 PM on the 14th, you can see Venus side by side with the brightest star of Leo the Lion.

RACHEL
The star’s name is Regulus, which means prince or little king in Latin.

PAUL
Regulus will be the left of Venus and the much fainter of the pair.

RACHEL
Venus will appear white while Regulus will have a yellowish tint.

PAUL
And that tint may be darker because of the filtering effect of the denser atmosphere near the horizon.

RACHEL
The moon forms a neat line with Jupiter and Venus on the evening of the 18th.

PAUL
Venus and the three day old moon will fit together within the field of view of your binoculars.

RACHEL
Unfortunately, Jupiter will be a little too far away to see all three at the same time in binoculars.

PAUL
Don’t wait much later than 10:00 PM to see them because the trio sets around 10:30.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the second week of July. Next week listeners with telescopes can find Saturn and see its rings. 

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.