Bob Moler's Ephemeris Blog

Ephemeris for Wednesday, March 20th.  The sun will rise at 7:45.  It’ll be up for 12 hours and 10 minutes, setting at 7:55.   The moon, 1 day past first quarter, will set at 4:17 tomorrow morning.

The sun will cross the earth equator shortly at 7:02 a.m. bringing the season of spring.  It’s the vernal equinox.  Comet PanSTARRS is in the west northwest low on the horizon.  It can best be seen about 9:15 or so.  It will set at 9:52 p.m.  Jupiter is located in the constellation of Taurus and is in the high southwest during the evening.  It will set at 2:00 a.m.  Jupiter is a wonderful sight in telescopes with its cloud bands and its moons which change positions each night.  The other bright planet Saturn will rise at 11:12 p.m. in the east southeast.  It’s located in eastern Virgo. Saturn will pass due south at 4:24 a.m.  Saturn is the most beautiful of planets when seen in telescopes.  It will be in the southwest for early risers.

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

Addendum

Comet PanSTARRS in the next 5 days at 9:15 p.m. Created using Stellarium and Cartes du Ciel.

Jupiter, the moon and winter stars at 10 p.m. on March 20, 2013. Created using Stellarium.

Saturn and the morning stars at 6 a.m. on March 21, 2013. Created using Stellarium.