Transcript for September 16th to 18th

PAUL

Welcome to Idaho Skies for September 16th, 17th, and 18th. We’re your hosts, Paul…

RACHEL

…and Rachel.

PAUL

Uranus is an ice giant and the solar system’s 6th planet.

RACHEL

Giant is right; its diameter is four times greater than Earth’s.

PAUL

Astronomer William Hershel discovered Uranus telescopically over 230 year ago.

RACHEL

However, the planet can just reach naked eye visibility and is therefore visible without a telescope.

PAUL

But just barely.

RACHEL

This means it’s quite easy to see through binoculars.

PAUL

However, due to its faintness, it helps when a brighter object is near by.

RACHEL

As is the moon on the 18th.

PAUL

On the 18th at around 11 PM, place the moon at the bottom of your binoculars.

RACHEL

Look at the star just to the left of the moon and become familiar with its brightness.

PAUL

Then go nearly straight up for a binoculars field of view to find a second star that’s the same brightness as the first.

RACHEL

Look right of that second star and you’ll see a line of three fainter stars.

PAUL

The third star is Uranus.

RACHEL

You can confirm that this is Uranus by moving your binoculars straight down.

PAUL

Because the moon will enter the view at the bottom just after Uranus leaves the top.

RACHEL

Uranus is so far away that you’re seeing the planet 159 minutes ago.

PAUL

For a reference, you’re seeing the moon only 1.5 seconds ago.

RACHEL

That’s Idaho Skies for the 16th, 17th, and 18th of September. 

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.