06/13/2012 – Ephemeris – Where are the bright planets this week?

Ephemeris for Wednesday, June 13th.  Today the sun will be up for 15 hours and 32 minutes, setting at 9:28.   The moon, 2 days past last quarter, will rise at 2:47 tomorrow morning.  Tomorrow the sun will rise at 5:56.

Let’s see what’s happening with the bright planets for this week.  Mars is in the southwest in the evening between the constellations Leo the lion and Virgo with its unmistakable bright reddish color, though its fading as it retreats from us.  Mars will be setting in the west at 1:58 a.m. Saturn will be in the south above the bright star Spica now.  It’s due south at 9:41 p.m. and will set at 3:17 a.m.  Jupiter, now a morning planet will rise at 4:39 a.m. in the east northeast.  Venus, now in the morning sky is very close to the rising sun, will itself rise at 5:18 a.m. I’m not sure it’s all that visible yet.  Mercury is in the evening sky but too close to the sun to be seen, we should be able to spot it the last week of this month.

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

Addendum

Centered on the southwestern sky at 10:30 p.m. on June 13, 2012. Created using Stellarium.

The planets Saturn, Mars and Mercury.  Click to enlarge.

The morning sky in the east at 5 a.m. on June 14, 2012. Created using Stellarium.

Jupiter rising a bit right of East at 5 a.m.  Venus will rise at 5:18 on the 14th.  We should see them both next week.  Click to enlarge.