Idaho Skies for Transcript February 16th, 17th, and 18th

PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for February 16th, 17th, and 18th. We’re your hosts, Paul...

RACHEL
...and Rachel.

PAUL
The moon was new on the 15th.

RACHEL
Meaning that it was too close to the sun for Idaho stargazers to see that day.

PAUL
However, stargazers have a chance to see the moon on the 16th.

RACHEL
That’s when the exceptionally thin moon will appear next to the bright Evening Star.

PAUL
So shortly after sunset on the 16th, look for Venus in the low west southwest.

RACHEL
Venus won’t be difficult to find if you look at around 6:30 PM.

PAUL
Ahh, but the moon on the other hand...

RACHEL
...that will be a tough nut to crack, so you’ll probably want binoculars.

PAUL
Look just a little above and left of Venus.

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There you should see an incredibly thin crescent moon.

PAUL
The moon will only be 24 hours old on the 16th.

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Which is far younger than two or three days old when most people first glimpse it.

PAUL
After you spot the moon in your binoculars, try looking for it without them.

RACHEL
It will help if you have a clear and low western horizon.

PAUL
So you might want to drive up into the foothills around Boise.

RACHEL
Now if you can’t find the moon on the 16th, try again on the 17th.

PAUL
That day the moon will be thicker, brighter, and even higher above Venus.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 16th, 17th, and 18th of February.

PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter @IdahoSkies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.

For Idaho Skies this is Paul...

RACHEL
...and Rachel.

PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.