Transcript for October 28th through 30th

PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for October 28th, 29th, and 30th. We’re your hosts, Paul...

RACHEL
...and Rachel.

PAUL
A very nice astronomical treat waits stargazers on the morning of the 28th.

RACHEL
That morning Jupiter, a very thin moon, and a star named Porrima are a compact trio.

PAUL
The trio is ideal for viewing through your binoculars because it only takes up half the field of view.

RACHEL
The moon is the bottom of the trio’s narrow triangle.

PAUL
Jupiter is the upper right of the triangle and fainter Porrima the upper left.

RACHEL
Many of our listeners are probably wondering what is Porrima.

PAUL
Porrima is a star in the constellation Virgo the Maiden.

RACHEL
Its astronomical name is Gamma Virginis and its 39 light years away.

PAUL
Through amateur telescopes, the star appears as a double star.

RACHEL
Be sure to direct your attention to Jupiter before you finish observing the trio.

PAUL
Its second largest satellite, Callisto is visible above the planet.

RACHEL
And it appears as if a second Jovian satellite is visible below Jupiter.

PAUL
It’s actually a star in Virgo and not a satellite.

RACHEL
To see the remaining Jovian satellites will require a telescope.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 28th, 29th, and 30th of October.

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.