Transcript for October 21st to 23rd

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
Hey, the Gemini Twins must be soccer players.

PAUL
That’s because stargazers will find the moon near the feet of Gemini on the 21st.

RACHEL
And you’ll swear it looks like Gemini is about to score a goal.

PAUL
Of course, stargazers will need to picture Gemini as the legs of a soccer player...

RACHEL
...rather than as twins standing side by side.

PAUL
A very attractive star cluster keeps company with the moon on the 23rd.

RACHEL
To see it, stargazers will need a pair of binoculars on account the proximity of the bright moon to the cluster.

PAUL
However, when the moon’s not near by, stargazers can see the cluster by the eye alone in dark skies.

RACHEL
To see this splashy star cluster, go outside at around 3:00 AM on the morning of the 23rd.

PAUL
Next, place the moon in the lower right of the binoculars’ view.

RACHEL
The Beehive star cluster will then appear as a tight clump of stars to the upper left.

PAUL
For a better view of the star cluster, move your binoculars to center the Beehive and remove the moon from your view.

RACHEL
You’ll notice that the Beehive has a strong resemblance to a bees swarming around their hive.

PAUL
Did you know that the Beehive was one of the few star clusters that ancient star-observing cultures were aware of before the invention of the telescope?

RACHEL
It appeared as a small hazy patch in the dark skies that were common over a thousand years ago.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of October.

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.