Idaho Skies Transcript for January 10th and 11th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for January 10th and 11th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
Hey! Idahoans are in for an astronomical treat on the morning of the 11th.

PAUL
Go outside by 5:30 AM or a bit later and you’ll find three stars forming a straight line next to the moon’s right side.

RACHEL
Three of these four objects are suitable for binocular viewing, so bring them outside with you.

PAUL
The three stars are actually two planets and one double star.

RACHEL
From the bottom and going up, the objects are Mars...

PAUL
...Jupiter...

RACHEL
...and Zubenelgenubi, which is the faintest of the three.

PAUL
First, take a look at the moon with your binoculars.

RACHEL
Stargazers won’t see that many craters, but they should be able to see earthshine on the moon’s dark portion.

PAUL
You should even see several lunar seas by the light of earthshine.

RACHEL
Next, aim your binoculars at Jupiter.

PAUL
Your binoculars will show two of its moons.

RACHEL
Be sure to brace your binoculars so they remain steady, if you want the clearest images of the moons.

PAUL
The two moons are Ganymede just below Jupiter and Callisto even further below.

RACHEL
Last is Zubenelgenubi, which will appear as a double star through binoculars.

PAUL
And the separation and orientation of the two stars comprising Zubenelgenubi will closely match Jupiter and Callisto.

RACHEL
What about Mars?

PAUL
Unfortunately, it’s too small and far away to show any detail through binoculars.

RACHEL
Finally, Idaho Skies wants to let our listeners to know that the Boise Astronomical Society is holding a free event this week for new telescope owners.

PAUL
If you received a new telescope this Christmas and you need help operating it, visit the society on Friday the 12th at Anser Charter School in Garden City.

RACHEL
Members of the society will be there starting at 7:00 PM to help everyone uncertain with how to operate their telescope.

PAUL
This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the amateur astronomers in our community.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 10th and 11th of January.

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.