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 18

The W in Cassiopeia
Image Credit & Copyright: Rogelio Bernal Andreo (Deep Sky Colors)

 

Explanation: A familiar, zigzag, W pattern in northern constellation Cassiopeia is traced by five bright stars in this colorful and broad mosaic. Stretching about 15 degrees across rich starfields, the celestial scene includes dark clouds, bright nebulae, and star clusters along the Milky Way. In yellow-orange hues Cassiopeia’s alpha star Shedar is a standout though. The yellowish giant star is cooler than the Sun, over 40 times the solar diameter, and so luminous it shines brightly in Earth’s night from 230 light-years away. A massive, rapidly rotating star at the center of the W, bright Gamma Cas is about 550 light-years distant. Bluish Gamma Cas is much hotter than the Sun. Its intense, invisible ultraviolet radiation ionizes hydrogen atoms in nearby interstellar clouds to produce visible red H-alpha emission as the atoms recombine with electrons. Of course, night skygazers in the Alpha Centauri star system would also see the recognizable outline traced by Cassiopeia’s bright stars. But from their perspective a mere 4.3 light-years away they would see our Sun as a sixth bright star in Cassiopeia, extending the zigzag pattern just beyond the left edge of this frame.

Author

Eddie Irizarry

 

Article published on EarthSky

Moon and Cancer on March 18

Tonight – March 18, 2016 – the bright waxing gibbous moon shines in front of Cancer the Crab, the faintest constellation of the Zodiac. Although the moon pinpoints Cancer’s place in the sky on this night, the moonlit glare will make Cancer virtually impossible to see.

However, you shouldn’t have much trouble spotting the planet Jupiter as darkness falls. This dazzling world lights up the eastern sky at nightfall and early evening. Look closely and you might even see Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, between the moon and Jupiter.

As the Earth spins beneath the heavens throughout the night, going from west to east, the moon, Regulus and Jupiter will appear to move westward across the sky. The moon and Cancer will set in the west in the wee hours before sunrise March 19.

Once the moon leaves the evening sky in late March, use the planet Jupiter and the star Regulus to star-hop to the constellation Cancer, as displayed on the sky chart above.

Bottom line: The bright waxing gibbous moon shines in front of Cancer the Crab, the faintest constellation of the Zodiac, on March 18, 2016.

 

Author

Bruce McClure

The Wisdom of Buddha

To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.

Your Daily Influences
March 18, 2016 

 

 

Nine of Pentacles
Material wealth enjoyed alone. Knowledge of the workings of those things in your best interest. Love of home and garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perthro
This may be a period of loneliness and stagnation you must fight through. This may not be a good time for you to take chances or indulge in any form of gambling.

 

 

 

The Bulla
You are distracted from this aspect by other areas of your life you feel are more pressing. This aspect is suffering from this lack of attention. You must ask yourself how much more you can let it suffer before you give it due attention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:
There is a good vibration surrounding this aspect. It feels better than it has in quite some time. Maintain your faith in your deity of choice and this good vibration will remain. Waiver from your faith and this good vibration will dissipate.

General Description:
This Etruscan talisman – a tusk carved in basalt, and elaborately mounted in gold filigree work – was worn as a protector from danger and evil influences. The charm was supposed to attract good fortune and success. The Tusk represented one of the horns of the Crescent Moon, which was a symbol of the Egyptian goddess Isis, who, in the course of time, became the most universal and powerful of all the goddesses. The Etruscans, Greeks and romans had great faith in the reputed virtues of amulets, a belief which was greatly influenced by the Egyptians.

The Four Courses

The Four Courses reading presents possible paths for the querent to take to reach a more complete state of being. While all paths may offer a degree of fulfillment, usually one will be more fruitful than the others. The trick of course, is to pick the one that will bring most beneficial results.

 

Your Current State

One/Four

Your spiritual and physical self may be out-of-balance at this time. While the journey may be arduous at times, the opportunity for you to bring these two important aspects of your being into a harmonious state is before you.

 

 

Northern Course

Five/Five

Your are in a place where can discover new aspects about you and the world you live in. Open up your spirit to new ways of seeing things and act based upon the new knowledge you will soon gain.

 

 

Eastern Course

Blank/Two

New friendships and opportunities will soon be yours. It is possible you will meet a new love, or the love you already have will deepen. However you must be open to change and have the courage to act.

 

 

Southern Course

Four/Six

Remember that you will reap what you sow. Do not allow yourself to become greedy or totally absorbed in yourself. To do so will leave you isolated and unhappy.

 

 

 

Western Course

Three/Three

That which has confused you will soon become clear. Your ability to think lucidly is at or near its zenith. Solutions to lingering problems will soon be obvious to you.

Your Daily Domino
March 18, 2016 

One/One
Now is the time for you to pursue new ventures. If you share your goals and ambitions with a partner, your partnership is extremely potent at the moment. Regardless of how wild some opportunities may seem, at least explore there potential before passing on them.

Your Ancient Symbol Cards for the Weekend of March 18th

 

 

The Lotus

The Lotus represents the spiritual self in its purest form. It reminds us that for most achieving a well developed spirituality is a journey which can be long and arduous. The spirit of the Lotus is not of our secular world, and the presence of The Lotus suggests that what is needed can be found by exploring your relationship with the Universe not as a physical entity pursuing material gain, but as a divine soul in need of celestial sustenance.

 

 

 

 

 

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!

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Believer

The Believer represents Faith and the realization that you have an important place in the workings of the Universe. Although The Believer may not always understand why things are the way they are, they none-the-less feel an underlying cosmic rhythm which is moving events in a direction that is good. The Believer rejoices in their celestial role, because they realize their life has purpose on a grand scale.

As a daily card, The Believer denotes a time when you will benefit by embracing and exploring your place in the Universe. The Believer confirms that you have inherent value far beyond our secular existence; that you are an important part of the both the grandeur and the mystery of our Cosmos.

 

The Daily Witches Rune

The Crossed Spears

Meaning: The presence of the spear signifies arguments, negative events, and all manner of strife of an upsetting nature. However similar to the ‘Tower’ tarot card if next to a positive rune it could mean the end of an argument or quarrel. If with the rings it means the healing or renewal of a relationship. If there are military connections it could mean promotion. If illness is within the equation it means a speedy and successful recovery.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

Art

Art denotes balance and harmony. The forces behind Art are those that keep us from succumbing to temptation or over-indulgence; steer us away from developing unhealthy addictions or behaviors. The Art driven Spirit avoids extremes, spreads harmony and brings opposing sides together. They find a happy, healthy median between what they want and what they need. Art provides an environment in which most will thrive, and a haven where the injured may heal, reenergize. Through Art success and contentment are found by practicing self-restraint, and using balance to create your own “shelter from the storm.”.

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, March 19th

 

Aries

Take extra time for reflection if possible today, dear Aries, as you’re approaching a new year and a Solar Return as well. This can be a good time for getting some closure or putting something to rest. You are moving a step closer to a more active phase in your life. You might share a secret with someone, or you could come to a new understanding about a relationship, particularly a past one. There can be an epiphany today, and a sense of healing. Breaking with the past in some symbolic or literal way can be appropriate now. This is a good day for working on creative projects and romantic prospects.

Taurus

You are moving into a period of your year that will involve more down time, personal space, and time for reflection, dear Taurus, and for some of you, it can also be a period of letting go in preparation for new beginnings when the Sun enters your sign next month. Today, there can be experiences with friends that can involve new understanding. You may become more aware of where you stand and who is truly in your corner. Clear your mind as much as possible. If you are shutting the door on a plan, dream, or even a friendship, know that you will be opening another to a more authentic life.

Gemini

Your humble confidence in the workplace, or in your interactions with authority figures, will take you places today, dear Gemini. You also have your finger on the pulse of future trends, and others tend to look to you as a leader – at the very least, competent. Letting go of a project that no longer works for you may not be easy, but it might be very wise. Many of you have been filled with ideas for future happiness. In the coming week, obstacles tend to lift, particularly those that are actually self-imposed limitations.

Cancer

You can be filling with ideas for what you’d like to do, especially on a professional level, dear Cancer, and simply need the opportunity and the confidence to move forward. With the Sun and then Mercury about to enter your solar tenth house, a sector of your chart that rules professional matters, responsibilities, and reputation. Today, wise advice may be forthcoming, and some of it can be coming from within. Listen to your instincts. Mentally prepare for new beginnings.

Leo

You may have been itching to do something new or to begin a brand new project, dear Leo, but you haven’t quite had the time or energy to get going. These feelings are transforming, and in the coming week, your energy and confidence levels are set to rise. Today, identifying problem areas of your life comes intuitively, and letting go does as well. Listen to your instincts. Shortly after today ends is the astrological new year – a time for new beginnings, not just with projects but also with attitudes. It’s a great time to make a resolution. The Moon is in your sign all day, bringing emotions to the surface. You’re able to channel your feelings into productive projects.

Virgo

Good feelings can come today from pinpointing problem areas in your life and managing them, dear Virgo. You can actually feel good about letting something go right now. Even though power seems to be in others’ hands these days, step by step, you are regaining control of your life. It’s a strong day for forgiveness, especially as it’s good for your own soul. You are learning that healing begins when you let go of resentment and anger, as these things involve others indirectly controlling your life. Clear your head today, as the astrological New Year – a time of new beginnings and fresh energy – begins shortly after this day ends.

Libra

You can be in a good frame of mind for setting goals and working towards them, dear Libra. You are coming across quietly but effectively today. Others may be appreciating you for your support, and it won’t hurt to emphasize it now. This is not a day for bold moves. Instead, it’s a day that favors taking things one step at a time. Go with the flow. If your intuition tells you to let something go, it’s probably right on. Prepare for the astrological new year that begins shortly after today ends by clearing your head and tuning out everyday noise.

Scorpio

Today, the Moon at the top of your chart keeps you in a goal-focused frame of mind, dear Scorpio. You may be wrapping up a creative project or even a romantic relationship now. Strong relationships advance to a higher level of understanding or turn over a new leaf. You are moving towards a more work-centered period, when routines and practical matters receive more of your focus and attention. Today is good for intuitively knowing which attitudes that need to go so that you can bring the best version of yourself into the astrological new year that begins shortly after today ends.

Sagittarius

The Moon transits your adventure sector all day, dear Sagittarius, encouraging you to think and feel in big, happy terms. You might enjoy making travel or educational plans. Shortly after today ends, the astrological new year begins, and new beginnings are in store in the coming weeks. You can be especially wise today about which attitudes and projects need to be set aside in order to go forward with as little emotional baggage as possible. A family member may be integral in pointing you in the right direction.

Capricorn

Life has been busier than usual lately, dear Capricorn, but this may have been due to some level of scattering of your energies. You are transitioning into a more comfortable phase, when familiarity tends to win over variety. Personal relationships begin to require a softer approach. Shortly after today ends is the beginning of the astrological year – a time for new beginnings. Today, consider carefully what, if anything, you’d like to begin. If it’s not an actual project, it can be an attitude that needs refreshing. There may be communication or news today that brings closure to a matter.

Aquarius

You’re transitioning into a busier, more engaging period, dear Aquarius, as the Sun moves into Aries and your communications sector tomorrow and Mercury will soon follow. The coming weeks are strong for new ideas and becoming caught up in new interests. If you’re anxious to move a new project forward, however, you may want to wait a little longer. In all likelihood, instinctively you know to wait, or circumstances are temporarily holding you back from moving forward. Today is good for intuitively knowing what has to go, and you have the wisdom to know that it’s good for you.

Pisces

The Sun will leave your sign shortly into the day tomorrow, dear Pisces, when it enters your solar second house, signaling a building phase approaching. Today, you have quite a bit of charisma, although it’s of the quiet variety. This can be a good day for making a break from a bad habit or situation, and for thinking about new goals for the year ahead, particularly related to security and/or finances. Today is also good for dealing with details and tying up loose ends. You can be especially practical yet also progressive in your approach today – a great combination.