Transcript for November 30th and December 1st

PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 30th and December 1st. We’re your hosts, Paul…

RACHEL
…and Rachel.

PAUL
Take a look at the southeast at 6:15 PM on December 1st.

RACHEL
Brilliant Venus will be easy to see, but can you see the moon?

PAUL
The moon appears as an extremely thin crescent and it’s located to the lower right of Venus.

RACHEL
And that means it’s much closer to the horizon.

PAUL
If you can’t see the moon by eye, then try using your binoculars.

RACHEL
However, don’t start scanning the horizon until after the sun has safely set.

PAUL
It might be difficult to see the moon in the valley considering the mountains on the horizon.

RACHEL
That means that searching for the moon from the Bogus Basin parking might be really helpful.

PAUL
The moon will be 55 hours old on the 1st.

RACHEL
Most people never notice the moon until it closer to 72 hours old.

PAUL
So if you can see it on the 1st, you’ll be part of a select group of humans.

RACHEL
The moon will be easier to see from high elevations.

PAUL
That’s where the air is clearer and the sky darker.

RACHEL
It’s even more helpful if the moon is near perigee, or its closest distance from Earth.

PAUL
Unfortunately, the moon is very close to its apogee, or its greatest distance from Earth on the 1st.

RACHEL
Oh well, there’s always next month.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 30th of November and 1st of December.

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.