Idaho skies Transcript for December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
Stargazers will find the moon close to the Hyades star cluster on the evening of the 2nd.

PAUL
The Hyades forms the face of Taurus the Bull.

RACHEL
The eye of Taurus is marked with the orangish star Aldebaran.

PAUL
Not quite a red eye, is it?

RACHEL
Did you know that although Aldebaran marks one end of the Hyades, it’s not a part of the star cluster?

PAUL
That’s right. Aldebaran is actually only half as far away from the solar system as the Hyades.

RACHEL
This is an example of how the third dimension or depth is not apparent in stargazing.

PAUL
Stargazers will enjoy the Hyades because they make a great binocular object.

RACHEL
First, see how many stars you can see without the aid of binoculars.

PAUL
Some people can see a dozen with just their eyes.

RACHEL
Now aim your binoculars at the star cluster and count the number of stars you can see.

PAUL
Under good conditions, binoculars can show several dozen stars in the Hyades.

RACHEL
Telescopes, which can collect a lot of light, have detected over 100 stars inside the cluster.

PAUL
While you’re observing the Hyades through binoculars, notice how the stars are arranged in a V-shaped pattern.

RACHEL
It’s not difficult to picture a bull’s horns in that V-shape arrangement of stars.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of December.

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.