Idaho Skies Transcript for May 10th, 11th, and 12th

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for May 10th, 11th, and 12th. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
While listeners relax this weekend, the moon will be very busy on astronomical business.

PAUL
Have your binoculars ready as soon as it gets dark on the 10th. Stargazers will find the half full moon a mere one degree away for the Beehive Star cluster. Recall that binoculars have a field of view of 7.5 degrees and the moon appears half a degree across. So the Beehive will appear in binoculars with the moon and only two lunar diameters away.

RACHEL
The Beehive will appear as a sprinkle of stars to the moon’s right. Since the moon’s light will interfere, you won’t see the two dozen or more stars people can normally see. However, you will notice the star cluster appears as large as the moon. The star cluster has over 1,000 stars and is around 600 light years away.

PAUL
The moon then reaches first quarter on the 12th. So this weekend will be a perfect time to observe the moon through binoculars, spotting scope, or small telescope. With the terminator turned directly towards Earth, the straight edge between day and night will appear flush with craters.     

RACHEL
Before turning in for the night on Sunday, take a moment to stargaze. You’ll find the moon located at the base of Leo the Lion. The star located to the moon’s lower right is Regulus, the Lion’s heart. The star farther away to the moon’s upper left is called Denebola. This is the base of the Lion’s tail.     

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 10th, 11th, and 12th of May.

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.