Transcript for July 26 - August 1

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

RACHEL
...and Rachel.

PAUL
You can find star clusters and nebulae close to the moon on the evening of the 28th.

RACHEL
To see them, scan the region to the moon’s left with your binoculars.

PAUL
Then continue scanning further below.

RACHEL
You’ll see small fuzzy clouds of glowing gas and small sprinkles of stars.

PAUL
The nebulae are clouds of dust and gas glowing from the ultraviolet radiation of recently born stars.

RACHEL
Why are there so many clusters and nebulae in this region of the sky?

PAUL
That’s because this is closer to the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

RACHEL
Stars, including nebulae become concentrated as you approach the center of any galaxy.

PAUL
Summer is meteor shower time.

RACHEL
The shower this week is the Delta Aquarids and they peak on the evening of the 28th and morning of the 29th.

PAUL
Unfortunately, the moon is nearly full that evening.

RACHEL
That means that its light will brighten the night time sky and wash out many of the fainter meteors.

PAUL
However, if you observe a meteor originating from the low south, then it may be a Delta Aquarid meteor.

RACHEL
But have no fear, the best summer meteor shower is yet to come.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the last week of July. Join us next month for the space and astronomy events for Idaho.

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.