Idaho Skies Transcript for September 27th and 28th

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

RACHEL
...and Rachel.

PAUL
Stargazers will find two astronomical treats on the night of the 27th.

RACHEL
Best of all, they’re right next to each other.

PAUL
First is the moon, it will be at first quarter.

RACHEL
The first quarter moon is half full, which can seem contradictory to its name.

PAUL
So think of first quarter meaning the moon has traveled one quarter of the way around the sky...

RACHEL
...rather than being one quarter full.

PAUL
This is among the best moon phases for your binoculars.

RACHEL
Lunar craters and mountains along the terminator of the moon will display easy-to-see shadows.

PAUL
Which make very small lunar features really stand out.

RACHEL
After observing the moon, then turn your attention beyond the moon’s right edge.

PAUL
You’ll see a creamy yellowish star there. But it’s not really a star.

RACHEL
It’s Saturn, the second largest planet in the solar system.

PAUL
Anyone with a small telescope, or even spotting scope, can see Saturn’s rings.

RACHEL
It only requires a magnification of 25 power to see them.

PAUL
That unfortunately, is beyond the capability of most binoculars.

RACHEL
The moon is residing within the constellation of Sagittarius this fall.

PAUL
To most people, it appears like a teapot of 7 stars.

RACHEL
To help you make out Sagittarius, look for a tilting teapot of stars just below the moon.

PAUL
In dark skies, you’ll find that the Milky Way is the steam rising out of the teapot’s spout

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 27th and 28th of September.

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.