Transcript for December 9th to 11th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 9th, 10th, and 11th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
The solar system’s 7th planet is just under 5 degrees from the moon on the 9th.

PAUL
That means stargazers can see it and the moon at the same time through binoculars.

RACHEL
To find Uranus, point your binoculars at the moon on the evening of the 9th.

PAUL
Then shift your view to the upper right until the moon is located in the lower left edge of your field of view.

RACHEL
Uranus will be the star in the upper right edge of the view.

PAUL
You can confirm it’s Uranus if it appears as the lower left corner of a triangle of stars.

RACHEL
For additional confirmation, the star at the top of the triangle will be about twice as bright as Uranus.

PAUL
Stargazers will find a helpful star chart on the Idaho Skies blog and Twitter account.

RACHEL
Stargazers wanting to locate Aries the Ram will appreciate the moon on the 10th.

PAUL
That because it’s located below the constellation that night.

RACHEL
Aries consists of four stars arranged in a slightly curved line.

PAUL
However, only three of them are immediately obvious.

RACHEL
The brightest star of Aries is named Hamal.

PAUL
And it’s the bright star located on the left end of the constellation.

RACHEL
In Greek mythology, Aries represented the Ram with the Golden Fleece.

PAUL
Stargazers should start taking some time to look for Mercury after sunset.

RACHEL
It reaches peak elevation above the horizon in a couple of days.

PAUL
Mercury appears as the only star in the low southwest at 6:00 PM.

RACHEL
Binoculars will help in locating Mercury.

PAUL
But don’t use them until after the sun has set.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 8th, 9th, and 10th of December.

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.