Idaho Skies Transcript for September 3rd and 4th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for September 3rd and 4th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…

PAUL
…and Paul.

RACHEL
The star cluster M-35 is only 5 degrees from the moon on the morning of the 4th.

PAUL
That means it’s within binocular view of the moon.

RACHEL
M-35 is not a very bright cluster, so the moon’s close proximity will make it much easier to locate than normal.

PAUL
And it’s visible in binoculars as long as you get out from under the lights.

RACHEL
Around 5:00 AM will be a good time to go looking for this star cluster.

PAUL
So find the thin waning crescent moon in the east in Gemini the Twins.

RACHEL
Then point your binoculars at the moon and place it on the right edge of your view.

PAUL
The M-35 star cluster will appear between the center and left edge of your view.

RACHEL
This is a galactic star cluster.

PAUL
Or one that’s irregularly-shaped and not strongly concentrated towards the center.

RACHEL
Galactic star clusters contain fewer stars than spherical globular star clusters.

PAUL
And galactic star clusters are younger to boot.

RACHEL
Our sun was most likely born in a galactic star cluster like M-35 along with possibly hundreds of siblings.

PAUL
Over millions of years, the stars left their nest to start their own journeys through the galaxy.

RACHEL
Today, some 4.5 billion years after their birth, these stars are scattered across the galaxy.

PAUL
Meaning we can’t currently see any of the sun’s siblings.

RACHEL
Besides, the more massive stars of the sun’s birth cluster have died by now.

PAUL
Leaving only stars with masses like the sun and smaller.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 3rd and 4th of September.

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.