Idaho Skies Transcript for September 24th and 25th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for September 24th and 25th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…

PAUL
…and Paul.

RACHEL
The moon is full on the 24th.

PAUL
Since this is the first full moon after the Autumnal equinox, this means it’s also the Harvest Moon.

RACHEL
Astronomically, there’s nothing special about full moons.

PAUL
They rise close to the time the sun sets, but that’s about all.

RACHEL
However, the Harvest Moon occurs at a time when farmers are typically harvesting crops.

PAUL
And its light provides them with illumination after the sun has set.

RACHEL
Before the time of electricity, this illumination was important.

PAUL
Because it gave farmers additional hours to work in their fields.

RACHEL
Now normally, the moon rises about 50 minutes later each night.

PAUL
But in September, that time is reduced.

RACHEL
That’s because the moon’s apparent path relative to the horizon varies over the course of a year.

PAUL
In September, the moon is on a path that’s not very steep relative to the eastern horizon.
 
RACHEL
Which means the moon’s position appears to shift more horizontally than vertically every night.

PAUL
Because the moon’s light brightens the night time sky, it’s more difficult to make out faint objects.

RACHEL
And that’s a shame this year when comet Giacobini-Zinner is its brightest.

PAUL
If you want to take a gander at this comet, then look for Gemini the Twins in the low east at 2:00 AM.

RACHEL
Castor is the top star of the pair and the comet is just above Castors foot.

PAUL
Or the star at the right end of the chain representing Castor.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 24th and 25th of September.

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.