BENJAMIN
Welcome to Idaho Skies for
the weekend of November 1st. We’re your hosts, Benjamin…
STEVEN
…and Steven.
PAUL
The moon continues its very low
traverse of the sky this weekend. However, it will help stargazers locate
Saturn.
BENJAMIN
Saturn, like the other visible
planets, appears as a star. In this case, it’s a dim star with a slightly
yellowish tint to it. And like the other planets, it’s resistant to twinkling.
So look for the brightest star to the crescent moon’s left. That’s Saturn.
Sadly, Saturn is not a binocular object like the moon.
STEVEN
The moon and Saturn are polar
opposites of each other. Our moon is a small rocky world with virtually no air
or water. Saturn is the second largest planet of the solar system and primarily
made of gases, including water. Any solid surface on Saturn lies very deep
within the planet.
BENJAMIN
When you look at the moon through
binoculars or telescope, you’re seeing a rocky world. Its surface is blemished
with crater impacts of frozen seas of magma, or lava rock. It’s different for
Saturn. A telescope only shows a gaseous atmosphere that gradually thickens
into a hot liquid of hydrogen and helium.
STEVEN
A telescope capable of magnifying
at least 25 times is enough to show the rings of Saturn. It will also show you
its largest moon, Titan. The rings are bright and broad, so there’s no
mistaking them. Titan on the other hand is star-like. So look for a star near
Saturn that shifts position the next day.
PAUL
Spend a little time this week
checking out the waxing moon and Saturn. And don’t forget that Jupiter is
closer to the lower west.
BENJAMIN
That’s Idaho Skies
for the weekend of November 1st.
STEVEN
Be sure to read our blog for additional information.
It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com
For Idaho Skies this is Steven…
BENJAMIN
…and Benjamin.
STEVEN
Dark skies and bright
stars.
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