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.

Earth Sky News for March 3rd: Use Big Dipper to find Mizar and Alcor

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.

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.

Crack the Cookie

Your Daily Influences for March 3rd

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 March 3rd is The Serpent

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 March 3rd is The Dove

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 March 3rd is Chance

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.

Your Daily Witches Rune for March 3rd is The Blank Rune

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 March 3rd is The Star

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 Daily Rune for March 3rd is Elhaz

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

Phonetic equivalent: x, z

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: protection, assistance, defense, warning, support, a mentor, an ethical dilemma

MAGICAL USES: for protection, hunting

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Heimdall, Gjallerhorn

ANALYSIS: Heimdall is an interesting and mysterious figure in Norse mythology, and I associate him with the rune algiz because of his role as protector and guardian. He is the watcher at the gate who guards the boundaries between the worlds and who charges all entering and leaving with caution. He is best known for his famous horn, but his sword is also important in the consideration of rune. Snorri mentions that the poetic name for a sword is ‘Heimdall’s head’, and the poetic name for a head is ‘Heimdall’s sword’. This is particularly significant if we consider that one form of his name was ‘Heimdali’, meaning ‘ram’. Through the image of the ram,Heimdall’s sword and his horn can be seen as two different sides of the same image. Both the sword and the horns (or the elks antlers) are symbols of power that may be used for either offence or defence, depending on the situation.

In terms of the journey, we have passed through death and rebirth, and must now face the Guardian before returning to our world. It is he who charges us to use our new-found power wisely. The person can no longer be simply concerned with their own personal development, but must now consider the effect that their actions may have on others. This is a crucial turning point, and the person will either choose to adopt a system of ethics or ignore the effect on others and only work to serve their own ends. Again, the sword is in their hands, but they must decide whether to use it for defense or offense.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for March 3 is 42: Increasing

Daily I Ching Hexagram

March 3, 2016
_______________________________________

42:Increasing

Summary:
Once you are prosperous, pursue goals that were previously out of your reach. Invest in your future.

Line One of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Do not be a spendthrift. Support good causes. The results will bring you satisfaction.

Line Two of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Volunteer. Mentor. Be generous with your money.

Line Three of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Ask allies for finances when needed.

Line Four of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Look for new ventures.

Line Five of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Carry out your endeavors with integrity and fairness.

Line Six of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Be careful not to be misunderstood.

Your Daily Tarot Card for March 3rd is The World

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card

The World

Like The Sun, The World brings good blessings. The World appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The World promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The World suggests you have found or will find your place in our Universe—that place where all is as it should be.

Spring Love Horoscopes 2016

Romance is a bit rocky in the spring season…

If you have high hopes that love will blossom this spring, you might want to manage your expectations. For the most part, getting what you want physically and emotionally will be quite challenging this season…

Mars, the planet of assertive drive — and the planet ruling libido — will come to a screeching halt on April 17. He’ll retrograde for the rest of spring, and won’t resume direct motion until early summer. This is a time you want to avoid starting a new sexual relationship at all costs, because satisfaction may elude you. Instead, reconfigure your goals in life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – April 19)

This spring you are out of luck when it comes to romantic potential. A testy Lunar Eclipse in your relationship sector on March 23 sets the tone for potential trouble. Sure, you’ll have love planet Venus in your sign from April 5 – 29, helping you look and feel more beautiful, but that confidence might quickly wear thin.

Your ruling planet, Mars, will station retrograde on April 17, and this will put the pause button on you in just about every way. The spring is not your season for love. It’s your season to re-evaluate your goals and sit tight before jumping into your next adventure. You need to rest this season, Aries. At least you’ll be a sleeping beauty.

Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)

Before you rule out any romantic prospects … keep reading. You are one of the select few signs this spring with the capacity to love and be loved in return in the most extraordinary way. It’s all about timing. Between April 29 and May 23 your ruler, Venus, will move through Taurus. As a result you’ll enjoy a lusty, magnetic allure that others will find impossible to resist.

What makes this even sweeter for you is the fact that the very BEST week for romance this spring has your sign center stage. The week of May 9 will delight you romantically thanks to Venus making gorgeous links to Neptune, Jupiter, and Pluto. It’s a short window, but this week will pack enough love in it to sustain you all the way until summer. Enjoy!

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – June 20)

You might have some unresolved tension to work through this spring in the relationship department. With Mars turning retrograde in your partnership sector between April 17 and May 27, it might be a time of frustration rather than satisfaction. If you’re able to navigate this territory with patience and understand that partnership goals must be re-evaluated, you’ll get through it as a couple even stronger. If, however, you fall into the trap of keeping your strong emotions bottled up inside, you might make a judgment call about the relationship without even giving it a fighting chance.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)

If you’re not feeling the love this spring, keep reminding yourself that the tail end of the season will kick off incredible romantic and sexual potential for you. Until then however, there is some frustration.

Mars will retrograde from April 17 until June 29. During the stretch between May 27 and June 29 however, he’ll backtrack through your true love sector. As a result, it is not your time to enjoy a new sexual relationship with someone you’re dating. Instead, keep it platonic until early summer, or else you’ll run the risk of terrible sexual compatibility, despite the chemistry you share.

Even if you’re in a relationship, you may notice a cooling off period between you and your sweetheart. Fortunately, it’s temporary. After June 17 Venus enters your sign and your appeal will be off the charts.

Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

You and your partner might begin this spring with an uncomfortable but illuminating conversation about your love connection. A testy Lunar Eclipse in your message sector on March 23 will signal a turning point or decision about your love life.

On April 17, Mars will turn retrograde in your 5th House of Romance and Pleasure. This will not be an ideal time to begin a brand-new sexual relationship with anyone. You might think things are all hot and heavy, only to be incredibly disappointed once Mars turns direct again on June 29. You might also spend this time re-evaluating your sexual needs in general. That would be a good way to channel this retrograde cycle.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug.23 – Sept. 22)

For the most part, matters of the heart will be positive for you this spring. If you’re partnered up, there will be plenty of activity between you and your mate connected to joint finances from April 5 – 29. In this regard, the news looks promising. The two of you might make decisions about investments or even consider purchasing a home together. If the latter is true, be patient after April 17, when the two of you might need to re-strategize domestic plans.

You’ll also have a delicious week for love starting May 9. Jupiter in your sign will embrace love planet Venus on May 10, and then Venus will be at a perfect angle to empowering Pluto, now in your true love sector, on May 13. This week will be the most romantic one all spring … don’t waste it!

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Spring begins in the most emotionally charged way possible for you. A Lunar Eclipse in your sign on March 23 will lead to a potent awakening as it relates to your feelings for someone special. Love might deepen or disintegrate, but there won’t be much in between.

If you are in a committed union, April 5-29 will be especially sweet for you thanks to Venus touring your relationship sector during this time. Although Mars, the ruler of your 7th House of Partnership, turns retrograde on April 17, it won’t lead to disaster if you have substance between you. Instead, you may notice that it’s easier for the two of you to compromise. How bad can that be?

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Your obsessive nature and overall intensity might calm down a bit this spring, thanks to your co-ruler, Mars, turning retrograde from April 17 – June 29. This retrograde phase will affect you in a personal and dynamic way from May 27 – June 29, when Mars backtracks through Scorpio. As a result, you might not feel as motivated to pursue new romantic or sexual experiences. Instead, you may prefer to lay low and take a time out in the love department.

If you are in a committed relationship however, you’ll have incredible prospects for harmony from April 29 – May 23, while Venus tours your relationship sector. Beautiful!

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

There’s a mixed bag for you in the romance department this spring, Sag. On the one hand, Venus will tour your 5th House of Love and Pleasure from April 5 – 29. This suggests an auspicious time to meet someone new and fall in love if you’re single. The problem however, is that on April 17 Mars, the planet ruling motivation and libido, will turn retrograde. Adding insult to injury, he’ll retrograde in Sagittarius until May 27 (then it’ll be Scorpio’s turn). This is a double edged sword for you. Sure, you might meet the person of your dreams. But if you make the relationship sexual too quickly, you might experience nothing but disappointment. Take your time.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You are one of the luckier signs this spring when it comes to love potential. In fact, if you’re single, pay close attention to April 29 – May 23. During this time Venus will tour your romance sector. With Venus in Taurus, your fellow Earth sign, you’ll be in the most enviable position to meet someone new and even fall in love. In addition, the romantic connection will be quite earthy and sensual, much to your delight!

Circle in red the week of May 9. This will be the most magnificent week for love for the entire season! On the 9th, if you’re in a committed relationship, you and your sweetheart will enjoy a special connection of unconditional love. May 13 brings a trine between Venus and Pluto, now in Capricorn. The power of love will consume you this spring, in a good way!

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

April 12 might be a lucky day in love for you this spring. If you and a friend think you’re ready to explore that mutual chemistry, this is the day to go after it. Be certain to act before April 17 however, because after that time there won’t be much of an opportunity to initiate a new sexual relationship with someone in your social circle. Things will get messy in your love life until late spring. Fortunately, you’ll have May 24 – June 17 to make strides in romance. Venus will tour your true love sector during this time. Work it!

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

You’ll feel beautiful and confident as spring begins, thanks to Venus touring Pisces until April 5. March 26 might be an extra special day for you in matters of the heart, since love will run deep.

Communication between you and your sweetheart appears to be an interesting theme this month as well. Venus will move through your message sector from April 29 – May 23, offering an opportunity to make decisions together peacefully. You might have to re-visit a few unfinished conversations, but thankfully you’ll both want to resolve matters rather than continue to sweep things under the rug.

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Get a Jump on Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Friday, March 4th

Get a Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Friday, March 4th

by Rick Levine

General Horoscope

The calculating Capricorn Moon prompts us to think about our behavior today. The Moon’s stressful alignments with powerful Pluto and explosive Uranus may trigger an emotional confrontation, while her trine to bountiful Jupiter encourages us to overinflate the importance of the present moment. Meanwhile, an expressive Mercury-Mars square can infiltrate our words with unexpressed anger. A little self-restraint could prevent unnecessary conflict.

Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

You may hear something in the tone of a friend’s voice that leads you to believe they are not on your side while mischievous Mercury short circuits your cerebral wiring today. Luckily, you can avoid overreacting by staying aware of your current tendency to make everything more dramatic than it actually is. Ultimately, your decisions should work out for the best as long as you don’t jump to conclusions that justify unkind behavior. Make peace, not war.

Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20

Your intention to be fair-minded with everyone doesn’t overcome your lack of objectivity today. It’s not easy to express your irritation with someone close to you, because you don’t want to waste energy on emotions that detract from the work you need to do. Unfortunately, pretending like everything is okay only adds to your annoyance. Take a deep breath and then share your feelings, but do it without blaming anyone else in the process. Instead of finding fault, find a remedy.

Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20

It seems as if your professional status is at stake, but you’re probably so suspicious now that you make a mountain out of a molehill. Unfortunately, warrior Mars forms a conflictive aspect to your key planet Mercury, luring you into an unpleasant exchange of words. Step back before reacting; it’s more important that you understand what’s currently happening before you try to fix it. The first step toward change is awareness.

Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22

Someone could unexpectedly accuse you of being negative today while you believe you’re acting more like a Pollyanna. However, others might demand that you explain your behavior and your denial won’t do much to change anyone’s mind. There’s no reason to let yourself get sucked into peripheral dramas, but it will feel better to get your frustration out into the open. Honesty creates harmony.

Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22

You might not be willing to devote enough time now to explain your current actions or, possibly, your rationale for doing nothing at all. You think it’s your inarguable right to keep your feelings to yourself. Nevertheless, you could inadvertently add more confusion to the situation if you don’t share your motives when given the opportunity. Even if you believe there are better things to do today, let your coworkers know exactly what’s on your mind. Communication is the lifeblood of healthy relationships.

Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22

People may encourage you to discuss a topic you usually prefer to avoid. But once you start talking, it may be difficult to know when to stop because expressive Mars antagonizes interactive Mercury today. Even if you know better, you could lose your temper now and give someone a piece of your mind. However, angry words won’t make anyone happier, so think twice before you escalate a minor difference of opinion into an open conflict. Listen to understand and not to reply.

Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22

Your rational logic isn’t enough to keep the peace today as chatty Mercury squares combative Mars. Unfortunately, your colleagues might not play fairly when they refuse to engage in a discussion, even if all you want is a bit of honest feedback. Paradoxically, communication may work backwards now; if you try too hard to start a conversation, people will just retreat even further. Fortunately, giving others room to breathe allows them to come out of their shells at their own pace.

Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21

Another layer of frustration is unpeeled today as you try to manage an already tricky situation. Thankfully, you possess the stamina to follow through on whatever you start now. But your hopes are larger than your follow-through, tempting you to bite off more than you can chew. Taking a few steps backward to reconsider what makes the most sense is currently the most viable strategy. Don’t let one bad moment stop you from reaching your goal.

Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21

You may become entangled in lengthy philosophical discussions today. Although words roll off your tongue, they won’t likely lead to anything useful. You might grow annoyed if others are less than forthcoming with their true intentions now that cranky Mercury is at cross purposes with contentious Mars in your 12th House of Secrets. You can’t understand why people don’t just come right out and say what they’re thinking. Even if satisfaction is elusive, practicing tolerance teaches you that many meaningful things can be communicated without words. Silence is a source of great strength.

Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19

An interaction may not be what it appears if friends are rude and belligerent now. Unfortunately, your self-composure can be quite irritating to someone whose emotions burn hotter than yours. A solution to the current imbalance isn’t necessarily the obvious one. Rather than telling others to back off today, you might need to reveal your vulnerability. Ironically, a looming fight could be avoided by your willingness to express your feelings before a conflict grows out of hand. Open your heart and see who follows.

Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18

You wish to be left alone today so you can finish your work before the weekend, but everyone continues to bother you with their ideas. Instead of overreacting, adjust your attitude about what’s happening in the present moment. If you try to prevent others from speaking their minds now, they might angrily grow even more vocal. But if you take their suggestions in stride, they will feel acknowledged and you could even learn something valuable in the process. An honest dialogue cultivates positive change.

Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20

You experience everything with greater intensity today and your emotional sensitivity can be draining on those around you. But turning off your feelings is not the solution, since all forms of avoidance or denial just charge the atmosphere with even more tension. However, you don’t need to express every thought or share every passion that stirs your soul. Discretion is being able to raise your eyebrow instead of your voice.