Idaho Skies Transcript for September 12th and 13th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for September 12th and 13th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…

PAUL
…and Paul.

RACHEL
The moon keeps close company with Venus and Jupiter early this week.

PAUL
On the 12th, the moon is the triangular peak of the trio.

RACHEL
Although it’s awfully thin, this still might be a good night to look for Earthshine.

PAUL
It appears as a faint illumination on the dark portion of the moon.

RACHEL
Which becomes more apparent through binoculars.

PAUL
A telescope shows that Venus is a waning crescent.

RACHEL
In other words, it’s less than half full and gradually getting smaller.

PAUL
To see its phase, you need to aim a telescope at Venus before the sky gets dark.

RACHEL
Because after dark, the brilliance of Venus creates far too much glare for you to make out its shape.

PAUL
On the night of the 13th, stargazers will find the moon just above Jupiter and a famous double star.

RACHEL
Jupiter will be the bright star just below and left of the moon.

PAUL
Your binoculars will show you some the larger satellites of Jupiter.

RACHEL
Which look like stars in a nearly straight line with Jupiter.

PAUL
Now to the lower right of the moon, will be a second and fainter star.

RACHEL
That’s Zubenelgenubi, a double star.

PAUL
And if you aim your binoculars at this star, you’ll see it’s double.

RACHEL
Some people have sharp enough vision that they don’t need binoculars to see both stars.

PAUL
Umm, so on the 13th, stargazers have craters, satellites, and double stars to view.

RACHEL
That’s a pretty good way to spend an evening.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 12th and 13th of September.

RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.

For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…

PAUL
…and Paul.

RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.