Idaho Skies Transcript for September 18th and 19th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for September 18th and 19th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
A very thin crescent moon appears between three planets and a star on the morning of the 18th.

PAUL
This should be a really neat sight on account of the thinness of the moon.

RACHEL
Early-rising stargazers need to look in the low east at around 6:30 in the morning.

PAUL
Above the moon will be brilliant Venus.

RACHEL
And almost equally distant below the moon will be bright Mercury.

PAUL
Between the moon and Mercury will be much fainter Mars.

RACHEL
And between the moon and Venus will be the star Regulus.

PAUL
For the next few mornings, keep an eye on Venus and Regulus.

RACHEL
Since Regulus is a true star, its rises earlier each day and therefore appears higher above the horizon.

PAUL
Venus on the other hand, is traveling to the far side of the solar system, so it appears closer to the sun each morning.

RACHEL
Meaning it rises later and appears lower in the sky.

PAUL
Venus and Regulus will nearly cross paths on the 20th.

RACHEL
So stargazers can watch the two approach very close to each other for the next few days.

PAUL
Then swap their relative places in the sky and grow farther apart.

RACHEL
The change is dramatic and noticeable from one morning to the next.

PAUL
So spend a minute each morning observing this celestial dance.

RACHEL
It will be a nice way to start your day.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 18th and 19th of September.

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.