Idaho Skies Transcript for March 3rd, 4th, and 5th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for March 3rd, 4th, and 5th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
The moon passes between two star clusters on the night of the 3rd.

PAUL
To the moon’s upper right will be the first star cluster, the Pleiades.

RACHEL
And to its upper left will be the night’s second star cluster, the Hyades.

PAUL
Both star clusters are excellent targets for your binoculars.

RACHEL
And stargazers will see that each star cluster has its own personality.

PAUL
One is tightly grouped and bright...

RACHEL
...while the other is sparse and not as bright.

PAUL
Hey! The moon’s going to cover up the brightest star of Taurus on the night of the 4th.

RACHEL
The star is Aldebaran, and it will disappear at around 8:13 PM.

PAUL
The event is best watched through binoculars.

RACHEL
Idaho Skies recommends stargazers begin watching Aldebaran at 8:08 PM.

PAUL
That way, they’ll have several minutes to get their astronomical bearings.

RACHEL
Then watch the moon’s dark upper left edge approaches Aldebaran.

PAUL
Since that hemisphere of the moon is still in night, Aldebaran will disappear before the bright limb of the moon cover its up.

RACHEL
Aldebaran reappears from the upper right edge of the moon at 9:11 PM.

PAUL
The exact moment of reappearance may be difficult to detect.

RACHEL
That’s because it takes place along the bright limb of the moon.

PAUL
And that means binoculars will be really helpful for seeing the star’s reappearance.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of March.

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.