Bob Moler's Ephemeris Blog

Memorial Day, Monday, May 30th.  Today the sun will be up for 15 hours and 16 minutes, setting at 9:18.   The moon, 2 days before new, will rise at 4:56 tomorrow morning.  Tomorrow the sun will rise at 6:01.

High in the southeast east at 10:30 this evening can be seen a small nearly circular constellation of Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown.  It is just below Boötes, the kite shaped constellation off the handle of the Big Dipper.  According to Greek myth the crown was given by the gods to the princess Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete.  The crown is more like a tiara with the bright star Gemma also known as Alphecca at the front.  While stars suggest that the crown is diamond studded, however the meaning of Gemma, a blossom suggests that Corona Borealis is a floral crown.   Corona’s most famous star isn’t even visible to the unaided eye.  It is R Coronae Borealis, a variable star, which appears to be surrounded by a dust cloud.

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

Addendum

Corona Borealis with Boötes at 10:30 p.m. on May 30th. Created with Stellarium.