Transcript for July 5 - 12

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for the first week of July. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
On the morning of the 11th, the waning crescent moon will help you locate two nice star clusters.

PAUL
You’ll need to stay up late or wake up early, however.

RACHEL
At 4:30 AM, look to the east and you’ll find the Pleiades star cluster just left of the moon.

PAUL
You may be more familiar with the Pleiades’ other name, the Seven Sisters.

RACHEL
With just their eyes, most people can see six of the stars forming this star cluster.

PAUL
And by using binoculars, you’ll see at least 20 of its stellar members.

RACHEL
The cluster has a definite dipper shape and some people mistake it for the Little Dipper.

PAUL
However its’ not.

RACHEL
The Little Dipper is a constellation and not a star cluster.

PAUL
Besides, the Little Dipper is located in the northern sky.

RACHEL
Below the Pleiades is the second cluster.

PAUL
It’s called the Hyades star cluster.

RACHEL
This star cluster is larger than the Pleiades and has an overall "V" shape.

PAUL
And at one end of the V is the yellow-orange star Aldebaran.

RACHEL
However, Aldebaran is much closer to our solar system and not actually a member of the star cluster.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the first week of July. Next week the moon, Venus, and Jupiter form a neat line in the western sky.

RACHEL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.

For Idaho Skies this is Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.