Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2015 September 15

A Spiral Aurora over Iceland
Image Credit & Copyright: Davide Necchi

 

Explanation: What’s happened to the sky? Aurora! Captured late last month, this aurora was noted by Icelanders for its great brightness and quick development. The aurora resulted from a solar storm, with high energy particles bursting out from the Sun and through a crack in Earth’s protective magnetosphere a few days later. Although a spiral pattern can be discerned, creative humans might imagine the complex glow as an atmospheric apparition of any number of common icons. In the foreground of the featured image is the Ölfusá River, while the lights illuminate a bridge in Selfoss City. Just beyond the low clouds is a nearly full Moon. The liveliness of the Sun — and the resulting auroras on Earth — is slowly diminishing as the Sun emerges from a Solar maximum of surface activity and evolves towards a historically more quite period in its 11-year cycle. In fact, solar astronomers are waiting to see if the coming Solar minimum will be as unusually quiet as the last one, where sometimes months would go by with no discernible sunspots or other active solar phenomena.

The Words of Confucius

The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Hermit

The Hermit denotes a need to have some space between you and everyday hustle and bustle of our busy world. The Hermit needs to retreat. Indeed, happiness for The Hermit requires seclusion, freedom from material wants, and time for intense introspection. The answers The Hermit needs cannot be found in our physical world. The truths he seeks are internal, spiritual, and the distraction of a well developed social life can only impede his quest for his personal truths. Still, although not anything remotely resembling extroversion, The Hermit does sometimes need to share time with others; so he can learn or teach, guide and be guided. The Hermit’s time spent amongst people depletes his energy rapidly. To avoid an overload he has to retreat from social settings quickly.

Love Compatibility for Your Zodiac Sign

Discover the best and worst love matches for your zodiac sign!

Tarotcom Staff on the topics of zodiac, relationships, love, dating

 

Not all relationships are a match made in heaven! Every person is different, and needs different things from their romantic partner. So which zodiac signs are most compatible with your love style? Look at your zodiac sign below to see who to look for — and who to avoid! — then feel free to post, Pin and share!

 

@Tarot.com is a DailyInsight Group Associate

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow,

Your Horoscopes for Wednesday, September 15th

 

Aries

There is a lot going on astrologically today and tomorrow that can cause some initial confusion, dear Aries. If you can put off major decision making, do so until you’ve reoriented yourself to the energies. Mercury is about to turn retrograde, and will do so in your opposite sign and partnership sector in your solar chart. During this cycle that lasts until October 9th, there may be the need to revisit old issues in a partnership, or there could be some communication problems to deal with, particularly in one-on-one relationships, including business partnerships, counseling, and romantic pairings. For some, thoughts of an old relationship could emerge, or new information might come to you such that you view a partnership in a new light. You may not be as adept at mediating disputes for the time being, but it’s a good cycle in which to reflect upon your negotiation skills with the goal of improving them. Re-thinking a partnership arrangement is possible now, but you should avoid jumping to any premature decisions. Legal decisions, transportation, and communications in general may involve delays, revising, and reworking. Take extra time to arrive at important decisions, or put particularly perplexing problems on hold. Today and tomorrow, some fuzziness is likely when it comes to understanding another person’s perspective, but listening closely will help.

 

Taurus

Mercury is about to retrograde, dear Taurus, and because it’s changing directions in your work and health sector, you may be dealing with the need to rework old systems and projects. It’s a good time for editing and review, but if you’re looking to push things forward, you may be out of luck for now. Mercury’s retrograde cycle lasts until October 9th, and during it, you may need to take extra time before arriving at important decisions and conclusions. Old problems at work can resurface, and projects that you thought were completed may need some reworking over the next while. Be extra careful about what you’re saying and signing. Significant purchases and business projects or financial moves should probably be delayed for a clearer time. Mercury retrograde cycles can be similar to embarking on cleaning or reorganizing a messy closet. Initially, the process seems to bring more chaos than order, but eventually you sort things out and you’re far better off for it. Today and tomorrow, there can be some confusion before your head begins to clear.

 

Gemini

With your ruler, Mercury, about to turn retrograde, dear Gemini, you might be giving off wrong signals, or the right signals can be entirely misinterpreted. Adding to the initial confusion generated by this shift are a Jupiter-Neptune opposition and Saturn changing signs. Thinking may be a little muddled now. If you have some doubts, ride them out and then make adjustments if need be when you feel clearer. Mercury’s retrograde occurs in your creativity and romance sector and will last until October 9th. Keep in mind that your communications may not always be taken in the way you intend. Some projects or even relationships could stall or face delays and the need for review, but this is also a chance to tap into a different perspective on these matters. You’ll be tuning in to nonverbal forms of communication and picking up information that you might normally miss. Revisiting old relationships or relationship issues could figure now. If a romance is not moving forward in obvious ways, it might seem like stagnation, but it’s actually a period of review and rest. Allow yourself extra personal space in order to gather your thoughts.

 

Cancer

Mercury is about to retrograde, dear Cancer, and this occurs in your home and family sector, where it will stimulate your desire to make contact and communicate with family members, as well as to organize your domestic life. Some communications can be misunderstood, however, and projects may be delayed. Information received can be very misleading, so take things with a grain of salt and avoid major decision making until you’re in a clearer frame of mind. New initiatives surrounding home and property are best left for a better time, but reworking and reorganizing your home can be especially fruitful now. Today and tomorrow, communications can be easily confused. This is a time for slowing down, reviewing, and collecting yourself. Circumstances may be such that you want to reconnect with family members and old places and situations that you hold dear. If home life is unsettled, this can be a time of rethinking living arrangements and conditions, finding new ways to reorder your life from the ground up.

 

Leo

The first half of the day may be on the busy side, dear Leo, but you’re winding down by midday, craving more peace and quiet. Mercury turns retrograde tomorrow in your communications sector. Crossed wires can easily occur now, so don’t take it to heart if someone says something that seems a little off. This cycle lasts until October 9th. Extra care should be exercised when it comes to new financial initiatives, composing letters, emails, and phone calls, as well as communicating with neighbors and siblings. Back up your computer and allow sufficient time for delays or transportation mishaps when heading out for appointments. As well, it would be wise to choose your words carefully. What you say or write can too easily be misinterpreted during this period. There may be the need to revisit old, nagging issues regarding personal finances, friendships, learning matters, and communications projects. Communications that we tend to take for granted seem to malfunction in minor, but nevertheless irritating, ways with Mercury’s change in direction. The Mercury retrograde cycle is strong for paying attention to work that you’ve left unfinished, renewing old interests, and discovering new ways to work with old ideas.

 

Virgo

Your ruler, Mercury, turns retrograde tomorrow, dear Virgo, and, coupled with a Jupiter-Neptune opposition, this is not a day for important new endeavors. You’ll need to orient yourself with these changes before you can really get a sense of your next step. Your ideas are no less than huge right now – details of your plans can come later. You need elbow room today, or else restlessness sets in. Mercury’s retrograde, until October 9th, is a signal from the cosmos to be a little more cautious when it comes to expressing yourself, signing important documents, or coming to critical agreements. It’s a time for review of financial matters, and not ideal for entirely new large purchases. Watch for fuzzy or wishful thinking, especially regarding practical matters. Look at things from a different perspective. Open your mind to new ways of thinking and new approaches. There may be the need to revisit old, nagging issues regarding personal finances and career or life-plan matters. Take the time to re-think your sources of income and how you spend your cash during this period. In fact, some money-making ideas or ventures may be put on hold due to circumstances beyond your control. This is an excellent period for review, however.

 

Libra

The bigger ideas and plans may be coming to you now, dear Libra, but the details and finer points need to come later, so try to avoid finalizing important matters right now. Be sure to research carefully before investing time, energy, and resources on a venture. Mercury, the planet of communication, has been in your sign since August 27th, and this has given you a stronger desire to communicate and to get your message across. Today, however, Mercury turns retrograde , and your thinking turns inward. You may be giving off some mixed signals now and in the coming weeks. Decision-making is not quite as straightforward as it has been, and this encourages you to look more deeply within for answers and to take more time to think things through. The process should be quite revealing and rewarding, and lasts until at least October 9th. Rushed decisions may be regretted when you change your mind later on. Today and tomorrow, there is a shift occurring, and there can be some pronounced mishaps revolving around written or spoken words, as well as machinery that allows us to communicate or get around (cars, phones, computers, etc.). Clarity is important in whatever you’re communicating today, but important conversations and statements should probably wait for a better time.

 

Scorpio

Mercury turns retrograde tomorrow, dear Scorpio, and two other major events are also in effect: Jupiter opposes Neptune, and Saturn moves out of your sign. Today, getting your signals crossed is quite likely as you (and the rest of the world) orient yourself to the shifts and changes. During the retrograde Mercury cycle that lasts until October 9th, there can be some delays, more red tape to deal with than usual, misunderstandings, and lack of clear messages coming through in general. For you, trusting your instincts may not be as straightforward during this cycle, as Mercury is doing its “backwards” trek in your privacy and soul sector. Decision making can be difficult in the next while, as you play with different possibilities and perhaps never quite get to a point of conclusion. There may be a struggle with whether to leave a situation behind. You can quite easily put your foot in your mouth, or reveal something that you’d prefer to remain hidden. It’s a good cycle, however, for redoing and refining work that is already underway, for journaling, and for backtracking over the past to find answers. Research, reflect, and redo.

 

Sagittarius

The Moon moves out of your social sector midday and enters your privacy sector, Sagittarius. While you might feel as if you’re off the radar just a little, you can use this temporary “anonymity” to rest up and find your center. This comes at a time when several big shifts are occurring and confusion tends to reign as a result until we become accustomed to the energy changes. Crossed wires can easily occur now with Mercury turning retrograde tomorrow, so don’t take it to heart if someone says something that seems a little off. It can be a time of people “not meaning what they say, or saying what they mean”. This cycle lasts until October 9th, and during it, there can be old friends occupying your thoughts or reappearing in your life. You might also begin to review recent plans, dreams, and goals. Avoid taking on new projects now, and instead think about what you’d like to change to make your social life happier. Watch for missing information or fuzzy thinking in the next while, especially today and tomorrow, when information is unlikely to be realistic or practical. During this cycle, revisiting old friendships and perhaps business projects may be in focus. A partnership may feel as if it’s stalling, when it’s more likely to be a time of review.

 

Capricorn

Mercury is about to turn retrograde, dear Capricorn, and for all signs, there can be some delays, more red tape to deal with than usual, misunderstandings, and lack of clear messages coming through in general during this cycle that lasts until October 9th. This comes at a time when Saturn is about to change signs and Jupiter opposes Neptune, so that today and tomorrow may be a little chaotic as shifts occur and we try to orient ourselves to the changes. Mercury retrogrades in your your career and reputation sector and also rules your work and health sector, prompting a need for review as well as possible confusion or delays to contend with on the job, with business, or concerning long-term plans. Projects or situations from your past might be rehashed or recycled and circulated. Overall, however, retrograde Mercury cycles are not inherently negative. In fact, they are strong for refining projects that are already underway or for returning to old projects. Today and tomorrow, try not to focus on the syntax of communications, which may not be exactly right. There can also be a tendency to attach yourself to impractical ventures now which should be avoided. Allow yourself to dream but finalize details at a future date when you’re clearer.

 

Aquarius

Mercury is about to turn retrograde, dear Aquarius, and along with Saturn changing sign and a Jupiter-Neptune opposition, today and tomorrow could be a little chaotic as we adapt to the changes and shifts. Mercury will retrograde until October 9th and will do so in your adventure and learning sector, necessitating review of major projects. It’s best to check your facts before expressing your opinions too forcefully, as information you receive may not be complete and can even be misleading. There can be issues with delayed travel or travel plans, or confusing, up-in-the-air issues surrounding higher education or publishing. Because Mercury rules your solar fifth house of creativity and romance, this Mercury retrograde cycle can point to review, reflection, redoing, or revising creative projects or possibly a romantic relationship. It’s not a time for pushing forward, but it’s a good cycle for renewed interest in past projects and affairs. You’d also be wise to wait to make big purchases, launch all-new projects, or sign contracts. This is not the time for clarity or quick decisions. It’s better to be noncommittal right now.

 

Pisces

Your modern and ancient rulers, Neptune and Jupiter, are in opposition today, dear Pisces, and with Neptune in your sign, you can be especially uncertain and restless, particularly regarding partnership. Mercury is about to turn retrograde, confusing matters now. Watch today and tomorrow for misunderstandings, particularly related to financial and intimate matters, as Mercury makes its retrograde turn in a sector of your solar chart that rules these things. It’s also a natural ruler of your partnership and family sectors, and either area of life can involve some delays or misunderstandings now. The retrograde Mercury cycle lasts until October 9th, but it’s shift days can be most disorienting. Going forward, it’s better not to push relationships forward. It’s preferable to let everyone have some space while also communicating your interest. Allow for the possibility that communications might go awry or that transportation may not be as straightforward right now. Shared resources or debts owed may require a second look, and in fact, this is a good cycle in which to review your finances. Delays in getting the support you need may figure now and in the coming weeks. Your initial instinct might need some refining before taking action.

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, September 15th

 

Aries

There is a stronger focus on partnership or one-on-one interactions today, dear Aries. Today is good for bringing a spirit of acceptance to your relationships. You may fully enjoy collaborating on a project or simply throwing ideas back and forth with someone close to you. You are especially cooperative and can be in a frame of mind in which you feel that virtually anything can be settled through negotiation, although you could nevertheless rebel a little if someone seems to be attempting to pull your strings this afternoon. Consider that your own desire for freedom is a sensitive matter these days, and as a result you may be seeing opposition where it doesn’t actually exist.

 

Taurus

You can experience a compelling drive to be productive today, dear Taurus. You can accomplish a whole lot now, and this is all good and well if the energy you spin is not of the nervous variety. Don’t spread yourself too thin, and you’ll feel much better by the end of the day. Energy levels may vacillate now, and distractions can be plenty, but if you open yourself to the possibility that all will not go as planned and remain flexible, you can work around this rather well. Watch for exaggeration and unrealistic expectations this week – dream up possibilities but keep things real.

 

Gemini

Today is strong for feeling in tune with others and with life itself, dear Gemini, even if this afternoon brings a desire to rebel or change plans. You are expressive and creative. You are naturally attracting positive attention your way, and adding an element of surprise to the mix can have nice results. Be flexible with others, or you may become frustrated with unreliability. While the day may bring unpredictable energy into your world, you might also have a chance to make changes or to become inspired by new ways of thinking, new approaches, and new creative ideas. Try not to move too fast now, however, or jump too quickly into a decision.

 

Cancer

Today’s energies are good for your more intimate relationships, including family, dear Cancer, although surprises from the outside may throw off your schedule or make you feel a little nervous at times today. Even so, concentrating on creating more harmony in the home, whether through seeking balance in your interactions with close loved ones, or adding artistic touches to your home environment that create a sense of harmony and balance, can be successful if you are determined to be flexible to changes of schedules. It may be difficult to be patient with superiors or on the job now, but try not to let tensions with authority or outside demands interfere with home life or with down time.

 

Leo

There can be a lot on your mind today, dear Leo, and possibly too much at times. You may need to put your personal issues aside in order to take care of business today, at least until you feel that you have everything under control. Try to pace yourself and aim to be flexible if faced with changes in plans or outsides distractions. Otherwise it can be a decent day for sharing ideas, writing personal emails and notes with added flair, and ironing out differences with siblings, neighbors, and acquaintances. In just two days, however, Mercury will retrograde in the sector that rules these areas of life, and there could be some misunderstandings or the need to rework, redo, or even retract some things you are doing, saying, and considering now. Keep things light and open for best results.

 

Virgo

There is a good feeling of aliveness and freshness to the day, dear Virgo, and yet you may be perfectly content to relax and breathe in this energy rather than forging ahead and forgetting to “stop and smell the roses”. This is perfectly appropriate with the Moon in your solar second house. Earthy, sensual activities that remind you how good it is to simply be alive will be most emotionally rewarding now. Entertain large ambitions, but only if you truly have room in your life for more. Business matters tend to go well today with patience, but feelings may be up and down, especially if money matters are brought up.

 

Libra

The tone is emotional today with the Moon in your sign challenging Uranus and Pluto, dear Libra. Restrictions or things that stifle your sense of freedom can be a little hard to take now, but you do have control over your impulses if you seek it. Others may oppose your plans or could be asserting themselves in frustrating ways. There can be a strong desire to take action today, although it may be difficult to know where to channel this energy. Your emotions and personal needs are emphasized, and may very well be worn on your sleeve! While it’s a strong day for self-motivation, this is a somewhat unstable week overall for important new endeavors.

 

Scorpio

With the Moon in your privacy sector all day, dear Scorpio, you could be a little closed emotionally, but you could also be gaining strength from a feeling of spiritual connection to all life. Desires and impulses are unusual, and you’re tuned in to subtle planes, seeing things you might not usually see. Patience will be rewarding now, but work-related issues can test yours this afternoon. Ideally you are able to set aside some time to yourself, as you are in no mood for competitive or demanding situations. Avoid over-exerting yourself. Try to detach from the world in some manner and retreat into a reflective space. Watch for exaggeration and too-high expectations today and in the coming week.

 

Sagittarius

With the Moon in your solar eleventh house all day, dear Sagittarius, now is the time to be a team player and to recognize and appreciate the value of the group. You might sense, however, some underlying tensions and power games going on, so you will need to stay positive and rise above it. Humanitarian goals fill a need within you right now, and it’s best to focus on these. Vacillating emotions today might stem from deep-rooted fears of change that could upset your sense of security. There is a need to rise above these fears in order for growth to happen. You’re craving something unusual or unconventional in your social and romantic life – traditional is not necessarily very interesting to you right now.

 

Capricorn

Your attention is on your work or performance today with the Moon in your solar tenth house all day, dear Capricorn, but your personal life can interfere today, or there could be a disorganized feeling inside that prevents you from feeling entirely efficient. The desire to push personal plans ahead can be strong, but be willing to take it slowly. Acting alone may be better than recruiting others at the moment. A gentler approach, if you do want company, would yield the best results. You are especially aware of your image and of your responsibilities today.

 

Aquarius

You have an emotional need for different and exciting experiences today, dear Aquarius, which can lead you to explore new or out of the ordinary activities. This might also be experienced on the level of the mind. You might be in the position to teach, guide, or instruct others. It’s a good day for drawing upon your intuition to construct ideas and future plans. Movement and fresh air are desirable and helpful now, particularly if restlessness is an issue. Planetary shifts this week can put a veil over our thinking so that entirely new, important endeavors should probably wait for a better time, but there should be nice opportunities to work on projects already in progress.

 

Pisces

Emotions run a little more deeply than usual, dear Pisces, and you’re in a good position to make some real sense of them, as there is some level of objectivity to the day as well. Self-discovery can be a theme now, even if you may feel challenged this afternoon by disorganization or outside interference. How you respond or react to stress or demands for change can certainly be an eye opener. It’s not necessarily a day for grand accomplishments, but it’s strong for inspiration, observation, and attracting what you want into your life.