Transcript for February 24th, 25th, and 26th

PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for February 24th, 25th, and 26th. We’re your hosts, Paul...

RACHEL
...and Rachel.

PAUL
After dark on the 26th, look in the low west for brilliant Venus.

RACHEL
Most stargazers know that Mars is the not too bright yellowish-orange star to the upper left of Venus.

PAUL
They’re also expecting to see two planets that night.

RACHEL
However, did you know the planet Uranus is there also?

PAUL
To see Uranus, aim your binoculars first at Mars.

RACHEL
Uranus appears as the star ½ of a degree to the lower left of Mars.

PAUL
Recall that most binoculars have a field of view of 7.5 degrees.

RACHEL
So this means Uranus is about 1/15th the distance across your binocular’s field of view.

PAUL
Uranus is brighter than any star that close to Mars.

RACHEL
You can’t miss Uranus if you get away from your local street light.

PAUL
Not many people have seen Uranus, even though it was discovered in 1781.

RACHEL
So if you have a little free time and the sky is clear, look for Uranus on the night of the 26th.

PAUL
It’s a world four times larger than Earth and over 1.5 billion miles away.

RACHEL
And a world tipped over on its side.

PAUL
Yep, instead of spinning like a top, Uranus spins like a wheel.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 24th, 25th, and 26th of February.

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.