Idaho Skies Transcript for July 24th and 25th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for July 24th and 25th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...


PAUL
...and Paul.


RACHEL
The three day old moon appears as a very thin crescent in the low west at 10:00 PM on the 25th.


PAUL
The good news is that Mercury and Regulus accompany the moon.


RACHEL
The bad news is that both will be difficult to see on account of their closeness to the still, well-lit horizon.


PAUL
Therefore, stargazers will find a pair of binoculars very helpful in locating these astronomical objects.


RACHEL
Just be sure you don’t begin scanning the horizon until after the sun has set.


PAUL
Regulus, which is the brightest star of Leo the Lion, appears slightly fainter than Mercury.


RACHEL
So if you have difficulty finding Regulus, look for a slightly faint star just below and left of Mercury.


PAUL
Did you know that Mercury is only 1/3rd the distance from the sun than as Earth?


RACHEL
That means the solar gravity tugging on Mercury is nine times greater than it is on Earth.


PAUL
Because of this increased gravitational strength, Mercury must obit the sun in 88 days to avoid falling into it.


RACHEL
So Mercury’s year lasts only 1/6th as long as a year on Earth.


PAUL
Its closeness to the sun also means that the sun’s light is nine times more intense at Mercury.


RACHEL
It means spacecraft exploring Mercury need heat shields just to withstand the sun’s heat.


PAUL
So I guess if you can’t stand the heat, get out of Mercury’s orbit.


RACHEL
Um, yeah. That reminds me, it’s your turn to make dinner this week.


PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 24th and 25th of July.


RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel...


PAUL
...and Paul.


RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.