Bob Moler's Ephemeris Blog

Friday, January 28th.  The sun will rise at 8:05.  It’ll be up for 9 hours and 39 minutes, setting at 5:45.   The moon, 2 days past last quarter, will rise at 4:48 tomorrow morning.

The constellation Gemini, the Twins is visible high in the southeast at 9 p.m.  The namesake stars of the two lads, will be on the left edge of the constellation, vertically aligned.  Castor is on the top, while Pollux, a slightly brighter star is below.  Lines of stars from Castor and Pollux to the right delineate the lads.  In Greek mythology Castor and Pollux were twins, and half brothers, Castor was fathered by a mere mortal, while Pollux was fathered by Zeus in the famous Leda and the swan affair.  The brothers, however were inseparable, and when Castor was killed during the quest for the Golden Fleece, Pollux pleaded with Zeus to let him die also.  Zeus granted his wish, so both appear in the sky together forever.

* Times are for the Traverse City/Interlochen area of Michigan.  They may be different for your location.

Gemini with Castor and Pollux. Created with Stellarium.