Transcript for January 27th, 28th, and 29th

PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for January 27th, 28th, and 29th. We’re your hosts, Paul...

RACHEL
...and Rachel.

PAUL
The moon is new late on the 27th.

RACHEL
Unfortunately, the moon is not passing over the sun.

PAUL
That would result in a solar eclipse like the one Idahoans will see on August 21st.

RACHEL
Even though the moon is not passing over the sun, it’s still too close for stargazers to see.

PAUL
To be able to see the moon, it has to be far enough away from the sun to be above the horizon after the sun has set.

RACHEL
Depending on the tilt of the moon’s path with respect to the horizon...

PAUL
...and the speed of the moon around Earth...

RACHEL
...some stargazers have seen the moon when it was just under 24 hours old.

PAUL
In our case, we get an opportunity to see the moon on the 29th when its 48 hours old.

RACHEL
Your chance of seeing the moon that young is greater if you drive up to Bogus Basin.

PAUL
That way you’re above the haze in the valley.

RACHEL
And the horizon between west and southwest appears lower.

PAUL
It should get dark enough to see the moon by 6:30 PM.

RACHEL
But a pair of binoculars might show it 30 minutes earlier.

PAUL
However, do not start scanning the horizon with binoculars until after the sun has set.

RACHEL
If you see the moon on the 29th, you’ll have accomplished a feat very people have done.

PAUL
Now, can you beat your record and find the moon when it’s even younger?

RACHEL
It’s a game some stargazers like to play.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 27th, 28th, and 29th of January.

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.