Bob Moler's Ephemeris Blog

Wednesday, July 6th.  Today the sun will be up for 15 hours and 25 minutes, setting at 9:29.   The moon, 2 days before first quarter, will set at 12:15 tomorrow morning.  Tomorrow the sun will rise at 6:04.

It’s Wednesday and time again to take a look at the whereabouts of the bright planets.  The ringed planet Saturn will be visible in the southwest as it gets dark.   It’s near the bright star Spica to its left.  Spica has a blue tinge, while Saturn is yellowish. It will set at 1:26 a.m.   Saturn is a wonderful sight is a telescope with its rings.  The shadows of the rings on the planet and planet on the rings are now near their maximum extent.  Its bright moon Titan is also visible.  Folks with good telescopes and good eyesight can also see up to four of Saturn’s fainter moons. Jupiter will rise at 2:05 a.m. in the east. Mars will rise at 3:43 in the east northeast.  Venus and Mercury are too close to the sun to be seen.

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