Bob Moler's Ephemeris Blog

Ephemeris for Friday, June 12th.  Today the Sun will be up for 15 hours and 31 minutes, setting at 9:28.   The Moon, 3 days past last quarter, will rise at 4:03 tomorrow morning.  Tomorrow the Sun will rise at 5:56.

Evening twilight lasts a very long time this time of year, so the stars will come out slowly.  By about a half hour after sunset the planets Venus and Jupiter should be visible in the west.  Probably the first actual star to appear is very high in the east, the orange star Arcturus in the constellation of Boötes, which is the 4th brightest night-time star.  Next, lower in the northeast, is the 5th brightest star the white Vega in Lyra the harp.  By this time Saturn should appear low in the southeast as a yellowish star.  Soon many more stars will become visible with the Big Dipper overhead pointing to Polaris in the north, blue-white Spica in the south, Regulus, left of Jupiter and Capella low in the northwest.

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

Addendum

The first stars to appear after sunset. This is created from Stellarium for a half hour after sunset. It’s a bit optimistic, in my view, though my eyes aren’t the best. Try your eyes. Click on image to enlarge.