Bob Moler's Ephemeris Blog

Ephemeris for Wednesday, January 30th.  The sun will rise at 8:03.  It’ll be up for 9 hours and 45 minutes, setting at 5:48.   The moon, half way from full to last quarter, will rise at 9:58 this evening.

Let’s check out the planets for this week.  Mars can be seen low in the west southwest.  It will set at 7:15 p.m, two minutes later than last week because Mars is moving northward.  The sun is gaining on it since it sets 10 minutes later each week.  Jupiter will be visible in the southeast as it gets dark.  Jupiter is located in the constellation of Taurus and moves from the southeast to the high south southwest during the evening.  It will transit or pass due south at 8:15 p.m, and will set at 3:45 a.m.  Jupiter is a wonderful sight in telescopes with its cloud bands and its moons which change positions each night.  Saturn will be the next planet to rise at 1:24 a.m. in the east southeast.  It’s located in eastern Virgo. Saturn will pass due south at 6:38 a.m.

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

Addendum

Mars low in the west southwest with Mercury just below the horizon at 6:30 p.m. on January 30, 2013. Created using Stellarium.

On February 8th Mercury will appear closest to Mars.  Mercury’s greatest elongation from the sun will be on February 16th.

Jupiter and the stars of Taurus and Orion at 9 p.m. on January 30, 2013. Created using Stellarium.

Also see the Pleiades right and just above Jupiter.

Saturn and the moon in Virgo at 6 a.m. on January 31, 2013. Created using Stellarium.

The moon will pass Saturn Sunday morning February 3rd.