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 March 3

Moons and Jupiter
Image Credit & Copyright: Phillip A Cruden

Explanation: Some of the Solar System’s largest moons rose together on February 23. On that night, a twilight pairing of a waning gibbous Moon and Jupiter was captured in this sharp telescopic field of view. The composite of short and long exposures reveals the familiar face of our fair planet’s own large natural satellite, along with a line up of the ruling gas giant’s four Galilean moons. Left to right, the tiny pinpricks of light are Callisto, Io, Ganymede, [Jupiter], and Europa. Closer and brighter, our own natural satellite appears to loom large. But Callisto, Io, and Ganymede are actually larger than Earth’s Moon, while water world Europa is only slightly smaller. In fact, of the Solar System’s six largest planetary satellites, only Saturn’s moon Titan is missing from the scene.

Use Big Dipper to find Mizar and Alcor

Tonight, find the Big Dipper – known as the Plough in the U.K. or, in Hindu astronomy Saptarishi, after the seven rishis. The chart at top shows the Big Dipper on an evening in March, ascending in the northeast during the evening hours. If you have a dark sky – and good vision – you might be able to see the faint star Alcor next to Mizar, the middle star in the Big Dipper’s Handle.

Still not sure the pattern you’ve found is the Dipper? Try to notice if the pattern you see matches the chart shown at right. That chart shows a well-known trick for finding the North Star, or Polaris. That is, the two outermost stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper point to Polaris. Those stars are Dubhe and Merak. They are well known among amateur astronomers as The Pointers. If you extend a line about five times the distance between Dubhe and Merak from the star Dubhe – and don’t find a medium-bright star (Polaris) – then the pattern you see is not the Big Dipper. Keep looking.

An ancient eye test for those wishing to join the Roman army involved spotting stars in the Handle of our modern-day Big Dipper. You can take this ancient eye test, too.

Go outside around 9 p.m. You should see the Big Dipper just off the northeast horizon. The middle star in the handle of the Big Dipper is Mizar. If you look for a couple seconds longer, you may see a little starry point right next to Mizar.

This second star is called Alcor. If you had lived in the time of the early Romans and could see Alcor, you would have been eligible to be an archer in the Roman army. If not, you likely would have served in another capacity for the Caesar. It’s said that sultans of the past also tested their soldiers’ eyesight in this way.
Bottom line: As darkness falls, look for the Big Dipper and the star Mizar in the northeast sky. With either the unaided eye or binoculars, seek for Mizar’s nearby companion: Alcor.Mizar and Alcor form a “visual double” star. At one time, astronomers doubted that Mizar and Alcor were gravitationally bound to one another. But Mizar is now thought to be four stars in one, and Alcor two stars in one. Given that Mizar and Alcor likely revolve around each other, that makes for six stars in an intricate gravitational dance.

EarthSky

The EarthSky team has a blast bringing you daily updates on your cosmos and world. We love your photos and welcome your news tips. Earth, Space, Human World, Tonight.

The Wisdom of Buddha

Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.

Your Daily Influences
March 3, 2016

The Moon
This card represents serendipity, creativity and the coming to life of psychic powers. It may also signify dangers yet seen, deception and bad luck for someone dear to you.

Fehu
Fehu reversed represents material stagnation, possibly poverty as well as infertility.

The Caduceus
You will find you have within you the ability to resolve all conflicts and disagreements with regard to this aspect. You will find an eloquence you did not realize before.

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 Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect will be affected by someone’s illness being shed. Their healing will cause positive changes within this aspect for you.

General Description:
In primeval days the Serpent deeply appealed to man’s imagination, and owing to its lenth of life was used as the emblem for wisdom and eternity. It was a household god in ancient Rome, and sacred to their god of medicine. The Romans believed that the Serpent renewed its youth by casting its skin, and it became their symbol for long life and vitality. In India the Serpent symbolises the infinite duration of time and wisdom. Serpent rings were worn to ensure health, strength, and long life. The rings were also believed to possess great protective and enduring virtues. The Serpent was a mark of royalty in Egypt, and worn as a head dress.

Your Animal Spirit for Today
March 3, 2016

Dove

Are you going through life carrying old grief, pain or hate? If so, Dove (sometimes known as Mourning Dove) encourages you to let go of your emotional baggage so that true healing can take place. It’s time to forgive, release, and move forward. And, know that healing Dove is flying right beside you.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Chance

The Chance card denotes a period in which taking risks may produce positive results. This doesn’t mean head off to a casino with your life’s savings! What is suggested is that you should make gains by taking a well calculated risk. For the power of Chance to be fully realized it is essential that you pick your risk carefully, move forward with conviction, and above all else don’t get greedy!

As a daily card, Chance implies you are currently in a place where taking a chance is likely to produce substantial rewards. In other words, take a few calculated steps out on the proverbial limb, but remember if you take it too far you are likely to lose all that you gain and possibly more.

Witches Rune for the Day

The Blank Rune

Meaning: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Star

The Star represents a strong connection to the Cosmos, an open gateway to understanding “the big picture.” It is an optimistic card that promises peace, harmony, and hope realized. For the full power of the forces behind The Star to be realized one must have faith and accept that in cosmic terms all things balance out; that disturbances are sometimes necessary to ensure overall harmony. The reward for such faith is vision on a Cosmic scale, and sense of well-being that may well radiate to those around you through your warm, untroubled heart.

Your Rune For Today

Elhaz

Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Elhaz

algiz: protection

Spring Love Horoscopes 2016

Romance is a bit rocky in the spring season…

By Maria DeSimone, Spring, Love, Horoscopes, Astrology

Get a Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Friday, March 4th

by Rick Levine

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

If You Were Born Today, March 3

You can work tirelessly toward a goal as long as you are inspired. Your faith in your ability to succeed is remarkable. However, because of your many talents and interests, it can be hard for you to choose any one path, especially in your youth. It can take time to come into your own when it comes to career and focus. You are amusing, versatile, and intriguing, with a delightful way with words and a wonderful sense of humor.

Famous people born today: Jessica Biel, Alexander Graham Bell, Jean Harlow, Matthew Marsden, Julie Bowen.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, March 3rd

Aries

In the first half of the day, dear Aries, watch for a tendency to overdo things. You may be misjudging someone or a situation, which can lead to a minor disappointment or mishap. As much as you’d like to be productive, it can be difficult to focus. As the day advances, you are less inclined to rely on outside things to make yourself happy, and can find quite a bit of contentment in home, family, or private time. It’s a good time to give yourself a little slack – you’re in need of self-pampering. The Moon’s move into your life path sector this morning, however, can keep you focused on goals and long-term security, so find a happy balance between self-care and filling responsibilities.

Taurus

Watch today for putting too much of your energy into efforts that are low-priority, dear Taurus. It’s a form of procrastination that can trick you into thinking you’re busy and productive, when you are in fact neglecting the important things. Promises made today can be hard to keep later, as people in general are not seeing their capabilities clearly. A totally new perspective on a problem can come to you in a flash later today. There can be good feelings and special warmth with friends as the day advances.

Gemini

This morning, watch for mood swings, dear Gemini, as there is a tendency to put your faith or hope in the wrong things! This bit of off timing is not a serious detour, but it would be wise to avoid making important or large purchases and decisions based on perceptions of value this morning. Keep things real. By afternoon, you should be feeling free from restlessness.The desire for comfort from others is strong later today, but you are also projecting yourself as a nurturer or helpful leader, and people can be drawn to you for advice or comfort. Business decisions are wiser in the second half of the day.

Cancer

This morning, there can be difficulties seeing eye to eye with others, dear Cancer. Timing is a bit off. Take a step back, and allow both yourself and others to breathe until you feel more in sync. As the day advances, good energy is with you for healing, helpful interactions with others, as well as for nurturing a dream or fantasy. You’ll be happy you didn’t push an issue in the morning – sometimes accepting off timing and moving on is the best way to handle things. If you are able to tap into this wonderful energy, you can create something truly inspiring, even if it’s simply some words shared with others.

Leo

This morning, you may need to watch for a tendency to misjudge or to overdo, dear Leo. Extravagance or neglect is possible when it comes to your money and income, and while some disregard of the material world can be worthwhile, too much and it costs you quite a bit of energy. You might wrestle with a moral issue now or there can be a difference in values that interferes in a partnership. Try to find a balance between responsibility and pleasure-seeking. Later today, however, there is strong energy for creative activities and creative relating. Your courage builds, especially when it comes to sharing yourself with others.

Virgo

This morning, the Moon moves into harmony with your sign, dear Virgo, and lunar energy is smooth. Aim to try something new instead of sticking with the usual routine. Allow your creativity to flow. A Venus-Jupiter challenge this morning could lead to misjudgments, however – nothing serious, but you may not receive the appreciation you’re expecting. Perception of value can be a little off, making it less than ideal for important decision making. While you could experience some self-doubt this morning when it comes to your ability to handle a work matter, or to understand the tasks you need to perform, as the day progresses, confidence returns and you’re more than willing to share them with others. In fact, there is strong energy for feeling especially comfortable with a significant other.

Libra

This morning, there is a tendency to plan poorly or to overreach, dear Libra. Avoid overextending yourself. You might too quickly succumb to excesses if inner restlessness is stirred and it may take you some time to come in touch with what it is that you are truly craving. It can be difficult to settle on one thing or the other, but indecision may in fact be a good thing, as judgment can be off right now. As the day advances, you are more single-minded in focus, and this tends to put an end to confusion. It’s a good time for considering special ways to improve health and/or your work environment. Interactions with others tend to be warm and helpful.

Scorpio

It can be difficult to focus on priorities this morning, dear Scorpio, and you might want to watch for a tendency to go over the top in order to manage an uncomfortable situation. Try not to borrow from the future by promising or putting off something that will eventually cost you. You might experience a disconnect with a friend. Confidence and clarity return by midday, and as you come into your own, creativity improves. In fact, this is a strong time for nurturing a talent or hobby, and perhaps sharing your work or ideas with others. The reception should be warm right now.

Sagittarius

Take extra time to center yourself instead of scattering your energy today, dear Sagittarius. As excited as you may be about an idea, it’s not the best time to share or present it. You may not get the reception or appreciation you’d like this morning with Venus and Jupiter in an awkward angle to one another. Avoid the trap of looking outside of yourself too much when assessing your own worth. Feel your own accomplishments and avoid comparing them to those of others. Be moderate and disciplined for best results. As early as this afternoon, you’re likely to feel more centered and comforted. Family and home life can be a source of pleasure and warmth.

Capricorn

The Moon moves into your sign this morning, dear Capricorn, and it’s a good time for awareness of your emotional needs, especially those that you may have brushed off in recent days. Watch for a tendency to say yes, fully thinking that you’re capable of handling it all, but you could be overestimating the time and energy you actually have to fulfill promises. Your perceptions of value may be a little skewed, and this makes it less than ideal for making important purchases. While you may be suffering from a lazy streak in the first half of the day, a more business-like attitude is with you by midday. You are resourceful and find it especially easy to come to agreements.

Aquarius

This can be a good day for teaming up with others and coming up with solid ideas, dear Aquarius. However, you could be feeling hesitant about putting plans into action, and perhaps rightfully so. Enjoy the process, but wait until your confidence returns before making solid plans. Before making a commitment today, make sure you are considering the important details. You might not be getting the recognition or attention you are craving, at least not overtly or in the manner you’d like. By midday, problems tend to be forgotten. Later today, you can pour a whole lot of energy into a financial project or problem. Purchases for the home or for improved health may figure strongly.

Pisces

Expectations of others could be off in the first half of the day, dear Pisces. Avoid putting too much of yourself into counting on others which can get you in line for a disappointment. You are seeing what you want to see in a friend or lover, and while this can feel like a temporary fix to your mood, the reality of the situation is likely to present itself. Use this time to increase your powers of empathy and compassion, but not to over-idealize someone. Later today, others are drawn to your healing energy, and you could be in the position to soothe, comfort, or otherwise care for someone. The Moon moves into your social sector this morning, and some of the pressure to perform is released.