Transcript for September 12th and 13th

PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for September 12th and 13th. We’re your hosts, Paul…

RACHEL
…and Rachel.

PAUL
The inner solar system is filled with the dust of asteroid collisions.

RACHEL
The dust grains remain in orbit around the sun until the pressure of sunlight gradually slows them down.

PAUL
As they slow down, their orbits get closer to the sun.

RACHEL
Until as some point, intense sunlight vaporizes the dust.

PAUL
However, as the dust grains are being vaporized, asteroid collisions are creating additional dust.

RACHEL
Did you know that stargazers can see this dust?

PAUL
What, see dust tens of millions of miles away?

RACHEL
You can see it because of the sunlight it reflects.

PAUL
It’s called the Zodiacal Light and its best seen on mid-September mornings and mid-March evenings.

RACHEL
But only when the moon is not visible.

PAUL
As is the case this week.

RACHEL
You can see the Zodiacal Light if you first find dark skies.

PAUL
You’ll need to look in the east about two hours before sunrise.

RACHEL
Or around 5:30 AM.

PAUL
The Zodiacal Light or False Dawn will appear as a pillar of light.

RACHEL
The light forms a pillar rising out of the east that’s tilted towards the south.

PAUL
It will be about as bright at the beginning of dawn, but it occurs about an hour earlier.

RACHEL
And the Zodiacal Light won’t hug the horizon like dawn.

PAUL
So get outside on September and October mornings where there’s no moonlight.

RACHEL
And look for the false dawn standing up like a pillar.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 12th and 13th of September.

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.