Idaho Skies Transcript for January 18th, 19th, and 20th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for January 18th, 19th, and 20th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…

PAUL
…and Paul.

RACHEL
Idaho gets to see a total lunar eclipse this Sunday.

PAUL
The moon will be near its closest point to Earth for the month on Sunday. This means we get to see a Super Moon, or one that’s slightly larger and brighter than average. Even better, the moon will pass through the shadow cast by Earth. This will result in a lunar eclipse where the sun’s light is blocked from reaching the moon. The path the moon takes through Earth’s shadow goes close enough to its center that the entire moon will be covered in shadow.   

RACHEL
The eclipse should become visible by 8:30 PM. Depending on the clarity of Earth’s atmosphere, the moon could turn a bright coppery red or become as dark as charcoal. To an astronaut standing on the moon, Earth would drift in front of the sun and then turn into a bright fiery ring of light. Idaho stargazers can continue to observe the eclipse until about midnight when the last of Earths’ shadow will no longer be visible.

PAUL
A pair of binoculars is all you need to enjoy this lunar eclipse. In fact, a telescope would magnify too much. While you’re watching the eclipse, place the moon on the right edge of your binoculars. Then look near the left edge to see the Beehive star cluster. As the moon gets darker, the Beehive will become easier to see. Stargazers will see up to two dozen stars in this star cluster. And it will appear nearly the same size as the moon. 

RACHEL
Those with a serious digital camera might try photographing the eclipsed moon. Set your camera on a tripod and then zoom in on the moon. Only use optical and not digital zoom. You might try overriding the automatic focus and exposure of your camera, since it’s programmed for landscapes and people. Using a cable release is also a good idea. That way your hands won’t shake the camera when you take a picture.   

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 18th, 19th, and 20th of January.

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.