Idaho Skies Transcript for February 23rd, 24th, and 25th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for February 23rd, 24th, and 25th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
The moon is first quarter on the 23rd.

PAUL
The half-moon is one of the best astronomical objects for viewing through binoculars, spotting scope, or even a small telescope.

RACHEL
The craters along the terminator or boundary between day and night appear sharp because of the long shadows they cast.

PAUL
So look closely at the craters tonight and see if you can detect these two features of large craters.

RACHEL
First, look for a central peak.

PAUL
The instant that a meteorite strikes the lunar surface, it compresses the material below it.

RACHEL
However, rock doesn’t like that compression, so it rebounds as soon as the impact is over and the pressure is relieved.

PAUL
This can result in a central peak that’s over a mile high.

RACHEL
Now look for terraces along the inside of some crater rims.

PAUL
The impact of a meteorite blasts away material to create a crater.

RACHEL
And the walls of the newly formed crater are often too steep, so they collapse in landslides to create terraces.

PAUL
Small craters tend to be just bowl shaped and don’t have these features.

RACHEL
While you’re moon gazing, scan the neighborhood that the moon is visiting.

PAUL
It’s located at the tip of the Hyades star cluster.

RACHEL
So you’ll also see the bright star Aldebaran to the moon’s right.

PAUL
And the combination of moon and Hyades will form an attractive sight for your binoculars.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of February.

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.