Idaho Skies Transcript for February 25th and 26th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for February 25th and 26th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
The moon is at third quarter on the morning of the 26th.

PAUL
Third quarter means the western hemisphere of the moon is visible. From our perspective, that’s the right side of the moon. Since the moon is at third quarter, it rises around midnight and sets around noon. Like the first quarter moon, the third quarter moon is an excellent target for binoculars or small telescope.

RACHEL
When you look at the third quarter moon with optical aid, be sure to look for a round lunar sea at the top right of the moon. This mare is very round and ringed with mountain ranges. It goes by the name of the Sea of Rains and its 711 miles across. That means you could place over four copies of Idaho comfortably into this sea and still have room to spare. 

PAUL
The Sea of Rains has several features you’ll enjoy observing. First of all are the mountain ranges you’ll see ringing most of the mare. At its lower left is the Apennine mountain range. This curved mountain chain is 370 miles long and has peaks reaching 16,000 feet tall. Apollo 15 landed near the northern end of this mountain range.

RACHEL
To the upper right of the Sea of Rains is a less dramatic mountain range, the Alps. Don’t confuse the Alps for the Caucasus Mountains. The Alps curl over the top of the Sea of Rains while the Caucasus Mountains are more vertical. Finally, look for Plato, the large dark crater just underneath the Alps.   

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 25th and 26th of February.

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.