Idaho Skies Transcript for May 9th and 10th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for May 9th and 10th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…

PAUL
…and Paul.

RACHEL
Jupiter reaches opposition on the 9th.

PAUL
This means May is one of the best times to observe Jupiter in either a telescope or even binoculars.

RACHEL
Opposition occurs when Earth catches up to an outer or superior planet.

PAUL
As a result, we’re as close to the planet as we can get.

RACHEL
So it’s no wonder superior planets appear brighter at opposition.

PAUL
And through a telescope or binoculars, they appear at their largest.

RACHEL
Mars is famous for how much larger and brighter it appears at opposition.

PAUL
But Jupiter still does a fine job becoming a better astronomical target.

RACHEL
Through binoculars on the night of the 9th, you’ll see one of Jupiter’s largest satellites, Callisto.

PAUL
Callisto will appear as a faint star to Jupiter’s lower left.

RACHEL
A telescope, which has more magnification than binoculars, will show you three more satellites.

PAUL
Those will appear to the lower left of Jupiter while Callisto appears at the upper right.

RACHEL
Wait, first you said Callisto appears at the lower left and now you’re saying it appears at the upper right?

PAUL
Yep, that’s because a telescope inverts images while binoculars don’t.

RACHEL
Oh, I see. Unfortunately, the three other moons are close to Jupiter.

PAUL
Meaning the planet’s glare will make it difficult, or even impossible, to see them though your binoculars.

RACHEL
But as long as you use a telescope, you’ll see all four satellites.

PAUL
Just in backwards order from what your binoculars would show.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 9th and 10th of May.

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.