Idaho skies Transcript for September 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for September 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
The Autumnal Equinox occurs on the 22nd.

PAUL
Specifically, it begins at 2:02 PM.

RACHEL
The Autumnal Equinox marks the exact time that the sun stands overhead the equator.

PAUL
On the day it crosses the equator going south, marks the first day of autumn in the Northern hemisphere.

RACHEL
If there were no atmosphere to bend or refract light, then the day would last exactly 12 hours long.

PAUL
Because of our atmosphere, sunrise occurs a few minutes earlier and sunset occurs a few minutes later

RACHEL
Since the first day of summer back in June, the days have been getting shorter.

PAUL
And this will continue until late December.

RACHEL
So enjoy the first day of fall with its longer nights, fresh apples, and pumpkins that it brings.

PAUL
Get your binoculars out and observe the western horizon shortly after sunset on the 22nd.

RACHEL
Because at around 8:15, stargazers will be able to see the three day old moon and Jupiter.

PAUL
Jupiter is approaching the sun, so you don’t have many more days to see the planet.

RACHEL
The moon will appear as a very thin crescent to the upper left of Jupiter.

PAUL
The crescent will be thin enough that very few craters will be visible through binoculars.

RACHEL
And the moon is too close to the well-lit horizon for Earthshine to be visible on the dark portion of the moon.

PAUL
However, over the next two or three days, stargazers will be able to observe Earthshine on the moon.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of September.

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.