Transcript for November 7th and 8th

PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 7th and 8th. We’re your hosts, Paul…

RACHEL
…and Rachel.

PAUL
The moon reaches first quarter on the 7th.

RACHEL
At first quarter, the moon appears half full.

PAUL
This will be a fine time for stargazers to observe the moon through binoculars.

RACHEL
It’s shadows cast by the rising sun that makes lunar features visible through binoculars.

PAUL
And these shadows are most visible along the line delineating the boundary day and night.

RACHEL
Astronomers call the boundary between day and night the terminator.

PAUL
During the first quarter phase, the terminator is face-on to Earth…

RACHEL
…which means the shadows of sunrise are perpendicular to Earth.

PAUL
When they’re perpendicular, changes in elevations stand out with stronger relief…

RACHEL
…and that allows stargazers to see more craters and mountains.

PAUL
The Solitary One, a star named Fomalhaut is the only bright star below the moon on the 8th.

RACHEL
Fomalhaut really does stand out, doesn’t it?

PAUL
That’s because it’s the only bright star in a region occupied by faint stars.

RACHEL
This part of the night sky is called the Heavenly Waters.

PAUL
And it’s associated with the Mesopotamian god Ea who was a god of the waters, among other things.

RACHEL
The Sumerians placed most of the water-based constellations here.

PAUL
That includes constellations like Capricornus the Sea-goat, Pisces Austrinus the Southern Fish, Aquarius the Water-bearer, and Cetus the Whale.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 7th and 8th of November.

PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.

For Idaho Skies this is Paul…

RACHEL
…and Rachel.

PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.