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.

2016 February 26

The Tarantula Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Processing – Robert Gendler, Roberto Colombari
Data – Hubble Tarantula Treasury, European Southern Observatory Explanation: The Tarantula Nebula is more than a thousand light-years in diameter, a giant star forming region within nearby satellite galaxy the Large Magellanic Cloud, about 180 thousand light-years away. The largest, most violent star forming region known in the whole Local Group of galaxies, the cosmic arachnid sprawls across this spectacular composite view constructed with space- and ground-based image data. Within the Tarantula (NGC 2070), intense radiation, stellar winds and supernova shocks from the central young cluster of massive stars, cataloged as R136, energize the nebular glow and shape the spidery filaments. Around the Tarantula are other star forming regions with young star clusters, filaments, and blown-out bubble-shaped clouds In fact, the frame includes the site of the closest supernova in modern times, SN 1987A, at the lower right. The rich field of view spans about 1 degree or 2 full moons, in the southern constellation Dorado. But were the Tarantula Nebula closer, say 1,500 light-years distant like the local star forming Orion Nebula, it would take up half the sky.

Arc to Arcturus, the springtime star

At mid-northern latitudes, look for the brilliant star Arcturus to climb over your eastern horizon around 9 to 10 p.m. local time in late February. South of the equator, this northerly star rises considerably later in the evening. Click here to know when Arcturus rises into your sky.

Extend the natural arc of the Big Dipper handle to verify that you’ve found Arcturus. The Big Dipper can actually be seen from as far south as the tropical and subtropical regions of the Southern Hemisphere. However, the Big Dipper doesn’t reach its high point for the night in late February until an hour or two after the midnight hour.

In the Northern Hemisphere, Arcturus counts our faithful springtime star. At present, Arcturus rises about three hours after sunset at mid-northern latitudes. Yet this shining beauty of a star rises about 4 minutes earlier each day whereas the sun sets a bit later daily. All added up, that means Arcurus will be sparkling above the horizon at dusk/nightfall in late March to announce the return of spring to the Northern Hemisphere!

Use the Big Dipper to locate the yellow-orange star Arcturus before going to bed tonight!

 

Author

The Words of Confucius

The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.

Your Daily Influences
February 26, 2016

 

Five of Cups
That which was expected to bring joy may bring sorrow. Disillusionment with relationships. The loss of friends, partners and lovers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sowilo
The Sun Rune, denotes power and strength. That which you want may be attained. Sowilo also denotes mental clarity and added warmth to your relationships.

 

 

 

The Tau Cross
A journey that your or someone close to you must make will influence this aspect. The reason for the trip nor the outcome will have much bearing on your future, but the trip itself will be journey not soon forgotten. This journey may have a short-term, negative impact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Phoenix

The mythical, endearing Phoenix has long been a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and coming full circle. Tired in both body and spirit the aged Phoenix combust into flames and from its ashes is reborn. The Phoenix does not indicate change so much as it does renewal and revitalization. It denotes the completion of a cycle and beginning anew.

As a daily card, The Phoenix suggest you are at a place where some aspects of your life have reached the end of a cycle. Your energies may be weakened from use and stretched over too many arenas to be as effective as they once were. As a result, now may be a good time for you to take a step back and allow yourself time to revitalize both your physical and spiritual self.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Sun

Only The Universe card of the Crowley Tarot can match the blessings that come with The Sun. While it certainly doesn’t promise a life’s path without some bumps in the road, The Sun indicates all will be well. The Sun is our Cosmic Nurturer. Life flourishes under its radiant beams. It provides the illumination to find Truths and lights one’s path so they do not get lost. To stand in the rays of The Sun is to shine. To absorb its energy promotes growth, exceptional physical and mental health, and good fortune. The Sun is empowering, elevating and fills those who bask in it with confidence and sense of self-worth.

That Which Will Influence You for the Weekend

February 26 to 28

 

Tarot Influence:

Ten of Cups Reversed

Betrayal and failure. The loss of friendship and love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Aries

The Ram is energetic, courageous, optimistic and obstinate. The Ram is not a quitter! He will get his way!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Earth

Earth is the card of everyday life. Earth makes riches of all kinds available to those who are in tune with her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, February 27th

 

Aries

This is another strong day for resolving problems with friends, business, and even computer problems, dear Aries. However, there may be something that you missed in previous days that resurfaces for attention. This is about tying up loose ends and making important adjustments. If you’ve been overdoing attention to work recently, you may feel it affecting your social life and personal time more intensely now and look for a solution to the imbalance. The Moon moves into your solar eighth house this morning, putting you in an investigative, observant emotional state. You can learn important things about the people around you and your own motivations today and tomorrow.

Taurus

With the Moon entering your partnership sector this morning, dear Taurus, doing your relating and interacting well gives you the most satisfaction on an emotional level. Put the focus on significant people in your life for best results now. With Mercury at the top of your chart these days, you are rarely short of ideas related to business and long-range, life-path goals. However, filtering them is not quite so straightforward. It can be difficult to know where to begin, let alone put all of them into action. Take steps to narrow things down, pace yourself, and prioritize. Wait a couple days before launching new projects or buying big items, just to be sure these things are still viable.

Gemini

You are eager to learn and experience new things these days, dear Gemini, with an emphasis on your adventure sector, but you can also often be house-bound as Jupiter in your home and family sector this year can convince you that sticking to familiar places and people is the way to go. In truth, you need both in approximately equal measure. Even though you’re enjoying time at home more than usual, there are times when you can feel quite restless, wanting to spread your wings and experience new places. Allow your thoughts to wander, but take more care when making decisions about practical matters, as you might find the details boring or perhaps depressing. Plans may not get off the ground just for now, but this is a temporary condition. The Moon moves into your work and health sector this morning, which can help motivate you to take care of business.

Cancer

The Moon moves into your pleasure, romance, and entertainment sector this morning, dear Cancer, and this can have a freeing, pleasing effect on your emotions. It brings you out of your shell as you become more willing to share yourself with others. Mercury forms a minor but challenging aspect with Jupiter today, and interactions with others may not go smoothly as a result. You may need to be discreet with what’s communicated, or sidestep tricky topics for now. This is a time for adjusting your expectations if you’ve been overshooting. Even if you feel like you can take on the world now, try not to take on more than you can handle on a regular day.

Leo

The Moon moves into your home and family sector this morning, dear Leo, and immersing yourself in familiar situations with familiar people may lead to the greatest emotional satisfaction today as a result. Communications can suffer a little from off timing right now with an awkward Mercury-Jupiter aspect, and there could be a disagreement about values or money matters in the mix. Try not to nurture an idea that you may regret putting “out there” later on, such as a commitment or promise. Keep things open and free just for now, as there can be a strong tendency to overestimate our capabilities today. It may be wise to avoid big purchases or business decisions for now.

Virgo

The Moon moves into your communications sector this morning, dear Virgo, and for a couple of days, you are especially open to making connections, learning, and sharing. Today, your ruler, Mercury, forms a minor clash with Jupiter in your sign. This can pit work and personal needs or pleasure against one another. While your mind is geared towards work and duty, another part of you is looking for ways to free yourself from details and problems. You can be in an indulgent mood today, often feeling more like relaxing than working. Feeling good might in fact interfere with your judgment on a work or health matter, so take things slowly.

Libra

The Moon moves into your values and resources sector this morning, dear Libra, and you have a tendency to take into account, and hopefully appreciate, all that you have. Look for ways to enjoy the moment. News that comes in today may not be entirely accurate, or could be misunderstood. Some might suffer a feeling of too much information or mental stimulation that leads to a slight feeling of chaos and tension. Avoid talking too soon or too much about a plan. Otherwise, look for simple, healthy, and healing activities to boost your mood. Clarity will come in your personal life within a couple days.

Scorpio

The emotional Moon enters your sign this morning, dear Scorpio, making it a good time to really listen to what your emotions have to say. Even so, sometimes this happens in a pressing manner and you can feel quite impatient about getting your needs met. Try not to treat emerging feelings as emergencies. You have time! Today may not be especially productive, but possibly quite enjoyable at times. A disagreement may turn into something more today, however, so try not to take things too personally, and avoid getting caught up in drawing strict lines between right and wrong. For some, there may be a conflict experienced between friends and family.

Sagittarius

The Moon moves into your privacy sector this morning, dear Sagittarius, and will only emerge in your solar chart in your sign on Monday morning. This gives you a couple of days to think about emotional needs that may need to bite the dust so that you can move forward a lighter, happier, freer person. Jupiter, your ruler, forms a minor challenging aspect with Mercury today, which can lead to some misjudgments or misunderstandings. Try to postpone major decisions or commitments. Something you say may be exaggerated or misunderstood, so you may want to be a little more vigilant with your words today. Look for details that you may have missed in your larger plans that require a second look.

Capricorn

The Moon moves into your wishes, ideals, and friendship sector this morning, dear Capricorn, where it will spend a couple of days. Applying yourself to socializing, networking, connecting, and planning can be especially satisfying on an emotional level. Even so, there is some need to watch for miscommunications today as Mercury and Jupiter form an awkward angle, and our short-term thinking may not jive well with long-term goals. While some of your ideas about money and business are doable, wait out those that come to you now, as double-checking facts and figures before moving ahead with a project is wise.

Aquarius

The Moon moves to the top of your solar chart this morning, dear Aquarius, and this can turn your attention to matters related to reputation, distinction, leadership, career, and duties. Emotional satisfaction improves as you attend to these matters well. There can be some need to watch what you communicate today. You might want to take on a new challenge or project that eventually becomes a burden or you might find your motivation and interest fizzle over time. Even well-meaning promises may not be kept, so try not to invest yourself in promises made to you, and think twice about making your own commitments, just for now. While timing can be a bit off, the day is good for getting into better touch with yourself, even if it’s done through a bit of trial and error.

Pisces

Be a little more vigilant with your communications today, dear Pisces. It’s a day when timing can be a bit off and impatience can get the best of you. Even so, there is something to learn about the past or an old problem today – it just may not be obvious at first, so avoid jumping to conclusions. You could have a guardian angel type of experience with a friend today. Tame expectations so that good moods can be based on reality rather than an unattainable fantasy. If you are not truly in touch with your feelings, you could be unintentionally taking others on a ride with your vacillations. The Moon moves into your adventure sector this morning, and this can help you to get perspective, raising your spirits and keeping you focused on long-term goals.

 

 

 

If You Were Born Today, February 26

Your intuition rarely fails you, especially when it comes to quickly, fairly, and accurately sizing up someone you meet. This does not mean you are immune to wishful thinking, however, as you are a dreamer. However, you are also a dreamer who believes in hard work to achieve your goals. There are many times in your life that your personal life takes a backseat to your career, as you are ambitious and have something to prove, if only to yourself. You need a partner who can keep up with your varied tastes and talents. 

Famous people born today: Johnny Cash, Jackie Gleason, Levi Strauss, Teresa Palmer, Victor Hugo, Fats Domino, Ja Rule, Tony Randall.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, February 26th

Aries

Good energy is available for detaching yourself a little today, dear Aries, and perhaps letting your mind wander – things that can help you to detox and let go of accumulated stress. A helpful conversation, invitation, or piece of news may be part of the picture. You are likely to come up with some new spins on old problems, as your thinking is fresh right now. Flashes of insight can be experienced. Today is strong for connecting with friends; but it’s not ideal energy for practical matters, as important details are likely to be missed or ignored. This can be a dreamy, creative time.

Taurus

This can be a strong day for letting go of resentments, dear Taurus, and detaching yourself from life just enough to get to a more positive perspective on it. Take extra time for relaxing activities. Listen to your gut instincts when approaching decisions, particularly those related to career, life direction, or public relations. You can come up with great ideas or you might solve a long-standing problem. You are more able to assess matters with some level of detachment, and practical activities tend to fare well now as a result.

Gemini

Your mind is investigative today, dear Gemini, and although this may not be the most productive of days, you can come to interesting insights. Important discoveries may be made now. You are putting everything into perspective rather than compartmentalizing. Instead of simply shooting the breeze, you are more inclined to discuss broader philosophies now. You seem to have your finger on the pulse of future trends, and this enables you to come up with inventive and timely solutions to problems and ideas for future projects. Friendships are stimulating and lively. Networking can lead to useful and/or pleasant discoveries. You may need to make changes on the fly, but you’re especially adaptable, and others appreciate that quality.

Cancer

You are more intuitive these days, dear Cancer, and today is an especially strong time for opening up conversations that may not typically take place, as you are very rational about tricky or sensitive topics right now. Career matters can benefit today with a little bit of research. The discovery of a new way to approach a nagging problem can be exciting. There can be some listlessness experienced today, however, and emotional problems can impact physical energy tremendously, up or down. However, focused on forward-moving matters can keep you in good spirits.

Leo

Interactions with people close to you can be very lively and stimulating today, dear Leo. Sharing an intellectual problem to solve with someone can be rewarding. This directs energy towards a constructive puzzle to work through, rather than unproductive conversations and situations. While you may not be digging deep today, there can be a pleasing level of emotional detachment experienced that allows for open and honest conversations, and this is wonderfully useful from time to time. This is unlikely to be a very productive time in a strict sense, but it’s a good day for detoxing and letting go of tension.

Virgo

This can be a strong time for both intellectual and emotional breakthroughs, dear Virgo. Mercury, your ruler, is in harmony with Uranus in your investigative eighth house, and this can be a time for important or helpful discoveries. New methods, health discoveries, or solutions to work problems can be in the offing now. Your thinking is ahead of your time, and you have the chance to breathe new life into old routines and projects, so take advantage. You are in better shape if you let tensions go and ease off on pressure to meet goals. With some mental and emotional freedom, your mind can take you to interesting places.

Libra

This can be a nice time for coming to an agreement or an exciting new plan/idea with someone, dear Libra. A conversation can solve a lot of problems as minds open to possibilities. There is a potential for a highly stimulating conversation with a loved one or love interest. You are especially open-minded and can approach normally taboo topics, or the opposite – dull topics – with a lively spin today that attracts others to you. Allow yourself some freeform thinking now. Your bigger-thinking skills are strengthened so that you may be thinking about the long term and the overview. Petty problems may be seen as tiny hiccups in a much bigger plan, and with this perspective, you’re in great shape. The Moon is in your sign all day, but is also void much of the day, indicating a need to take things easy rather than begin all-new projects.

Scorpio

The Moon in your privacy sector all day signals an emotional need for more time to yourself so that you can recharge, dear Scorpio. Getting extra time to think and muse is especially helpful with a Mercury-Uranus aspect occurring now that stimulates creative, progressive thinking. There’s great energy for letting go and moving forward. You can talk through almost anything now, and you can be very persuasive. Being especially open and forthcoming with family can be rewarding. Your thinking is forward-looking and positive, and you can approach domestic matters and routines or work in a new way. You might hear or discover news about a health issue, possibly an alternative approach, that benefits you now and in the future.

Sagittarius

People are attracted to your unique perspective today, dear Sagittarius, as well as your personal convictions. Strive to be as open to a new idea as possible right now, as you have something to learn from a friend, sibling, or partner now. On the flip side, you’re also in great shape for providing some guidance to others. People may be hanging on your words. There is a strong ability to express yourself in positive and even inspiring ways now. Open and honest conversations with others, particularly a partner, lover, or child, can be in focus today.

Capricorn

Today’s energies are strong for money and practical matters, dear Capricorn. Family matters are also in good form, and progressive ideas about how to make yourself feel more secure (or comfortable) can be easy to come by. Your ideas can be marketable today. Your thinking is creative, particularly along practical, financial, and business lines. Conversations with family members can be productive. Focus on the broader goals rather than the details now, as the energies of the day don’t especially favor pesky little details, which can be saved for a later date. You can talk a friend or family member through a difficult stretch right now with inventive solutions. The atmosphere is open and honest.

Aquarius

Your ruler, Uranus, influences our thinking and communications today, dear Aquarius, with a harmonious aspect between Uranus and Mercury. Mercury happens to be in your sign, so this can be considered an extra boost – a very strong time for communications. You are especially charming and your your intelligence is marked and obvious to others. Using the power of words to attract what you want or to further your interests works best for you now. There could be good news coming in, or a matter that has been stuck moves forward. Personal appeal is powerful.

Pisces

Our minds are more tuned into progressive ideas today, dear Pisces. There is light, creative energy to the day, and while you may not be especially productive, you can come up with great ideas or insights. This can be a powerful day for letting go of outdated or dysfunctional behaviors and attitudes, and identifying and holding on to elements of your past that truly work for you. You may reconcile with a family member, or grow a close relationship now. You can be privy to some interesting news or revelations today. At the very least, you’ll hear about something previously hidden and this helps jump-start your own thinking processes.