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 April 29

Fermi’s Gamma-ray Moon
Image Credit: NASA, DOE, International Fermi LAT Collaboration

 

Explanation: If you could only see gamma-rays, photons with up to a billion or more times the energy of visible light, the Moon would be brighter than the Sun! That startling notion underlies this novel image of the Moon, based on data collected by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope’s Large Area Telescope (LAT) instrument during its first seven years of operation (2008-2015). Fermi’s gamma-ray vision doesn’t distinguish details on the lunar surface, but a gamma-ray glow consistent with the Moon’s size and position is clearly found at the center of the false color map. The brightest pixels correspond to the most significant detections of lunar gamma-rays. Why is the gamma-ray Moon so bright? High-energy charged particles streaming through the Solar System known as cosmic rays constantly bombard the lunar surface, unprotected by a magnetic field, generating the gamma-ray glow. Because the cosmic rays come from all sides, the gamma-ray Moon is always full and does not go through phases. The first gamma-ray image of the Moon was captured by the EGRET instrument onboard the Compton Gamma-ray Observatory, launched 25 years ago.

Last quarter moon rises around midnight

onight – April 29, 2016 – the moon won’t rise over your eastern horizon until late, likely after midnight. Given clear skies, you should easily see the moon in the morning sky, even after sunrise, on April 30. The moon will be at or near its half-lit last quarter phase, when the moon’s disk appears half-illuminated in sunlight and half-immersed in its own shadow. It’ll look like the image at the top of this post, which is by Lilliana Mendez of North Bergen, New Jersey.

In the larger view, of course, the moon is always half-illuminated. Now we’re seeing half the moon’s day side, and half its night side.

The terminator – shadow line dividing the lunar day and night – shows you line of sunset on the waning moon. It’s along the terminator that you have your best views of the lunar terrain through binoculars or the telescope.

You might think the half-illuminated quarter moon should be about half as bright as the full moon. But that’s not the case. The last quarter moon is about 1/12th as bright as a full moon. Astronomers say the moon’s rough, sphere-shaped surface accounts for the surprising difference in the amount of moonlight cast by the quarter moon versus the full moon.

Meanwhile – and this might surprise you – the first quarter moon is slightly brighter than the last quarter moon. It shines at about 1/11th a full moon’s brightness (in contrast to 1/12th).

The last quarter moon is slightly less bright than the first quarter moon. That’s because illuminated side of the last quarter moon is more covered over by maria – low lying plains of hardened volcanic basalt.

The dark maria reflect sunlight less effectively than do the lighter-colored lunar highlands.

Bottom line: Watch for the moon at or near its last quarter phase. It’ll likely rise after midnight on the morning of April 30, 2016.

 

Author

Bruce McClure

Article published on EarthSky

The Words of Confucius

The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.

Your Daily Influence

April 29th, 2016

 

 

The Devil Reversed
The reversed Devil signifies a spiritual rebirth, freedom from the preoccupation with the secular and the overcoming of pride and selfishness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berkano
Berkano reversed may foretell family problems and dissatisfaction. Your life path my not be clear to you at this time. Be careful to protect that which is yours.

 

 

 

 

The Tortoise
The tortoise represents the dome of the sky, the universe. It tells you to take slow, deliberate steps and you can acheive everything you desire.

 

 

 

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 One Ancient Charm Card Drawing for the Upcoming Weekend

 

Ah, The Caduceus, Involves Your Physical Health This Weekend

 

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.

A little background on The Caduceus

The staff of Mercury was given to him by Apollo in exchange for the lyre. The rod was endowed with the remarkable power of deciding all quarrels and bestowing wonderful eloquence upon its possessor. Mercury proved this when he saw two serpents fighting. Placing the rod between them and using his eloquence he reconciled the serpents, who then embraced each other, and becoming attached to the rod formed the caduceus. The pine cone is credited with health giving power, and the wings symbolize speed and the flight of thoughts between friends. This ancient talisman was supposed to be a charm fo prosperity, rendering its possessor healthy, wealthy and wise.

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect is need of some pampering, you are in need of some pampering and who better to do it than yourself? Do something extravagant, something out of character and make this aspect a more pleasant place to be.

General Description:
This is a Roman amulet and was worn for many centuries as a charm to attract good fortune. The Cornucopia represents Amaitheia’s Horn, and is a symbol of prosperity, abundance and fruitfulness. Amaltheia daughter of Melissus, King of Crete, nursed the infant Jupiter with goats milk. Jupiter afterwards endowed the goats horn with magical properties, and promising that it would supply in abundance whatever she desired, gave it to his nurse. The idea most probably originated from using the horns of oxen and goats as drinking cups.

 

Daily Witches Rune

The Birds

Keywords: Unexpected news, change.

Meanings: The Birds Rune means some unexpected news that may alter your life completely, especially if this is the leading rune. Generally, the news will lead to a positive change but pay close attention to the nearest runes to determine its nature. It can also mean news of friends or family that you haven’t had contact with in quite a while. Letters and documents should be watched for as they may well bring happiness.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Justice

Justice represents the expression of fairness without bias. Simply put, Justice embodies the notion that what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. Justice denotes the need to remedy situations lacking equality for all. Depending on the circumstances, Justice may be asking us to curb our partiality, or conversely, Justice may indicate a time for you to demand fair treatment.

As a daily card, Justice suggest that we are part of a situation that is out of balance. If you have shown unwarranted bias towards others now is the time to make amends. On the other hand, if you have been the victim of bias, now is the time for you to demand fairer treatment.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Emperor

The Emperor is blessed with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order and provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t careful not to over use his powers he may well become a tyrant.

Your Weekend Rune Reading

 

The Past That Will Present Itself
Ehwaz

Ehwaz represents movement. You may be closing in on reaching your current goals. Your life may be changing for the better. Harmony with others should come easy for you at this time.

 

 

The Present Reminds You Of A Current Situation You Might Be Involved In
Berkano

Berkano is the Rune of birth and rebirth. This may symbolize a time when you are capable of great personal growth. Love may be in the air as well.

 

 

The Future Includes Obstacles and Roadblocks That Might Appear This Weekend
Hagalaz

Hagalaz is the hail Rune. It denotes chaos, destruction and disruption on a primal level. You may experience delays in moving toward your goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get a Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Horoscopes for Saturday, April 30th

 

Aries

Insecurity might arise early today, dear Aries, and if it does, it’s likely to relate to money or dependency issues. It’s not the best time for emotional or intensely personal topics and endeavors. People tend to be the state of mind in which they are clinging closely to what they know and what they own, and it can be difficult to get through to one another in healthy, natural ways. Look for positive solutions and aim to keep your mind peaceful, as it’s the only way to truly learn and gain insights into your problems. Fortunately, good energy is with you to do so as the day advances. In fact, the more you plug into your imagination and a “let things flow” frame of mind, the happier you’ll be. You can feel quite dedicated to a project or idea tonight and tomorrow.

Taurus

Early today, others may not seem as supportive, available, or appreciative as they have been lately, dear Taurus, making it especially important to do your own thing and not worry too much about what others are doing or are not doing. For some, a significant someone may be acting out of fear or insecurities. As the day advances, there is more willingness to let go of rigid or fearful ways of thinking and to open up the mind and the heart to new possibilities. This can be a nice time for connecting with friends or with people who readily accept you and enjoy your company.

Gemini

This morning, interactions can be a little strained, dear Gemini, particularly as fears or insecurities seem to drive behaviors now. Others may seem hard to reach or disinterested, although it’s more likely that they’re simply self-absorbed and dealing with their own concerns. Feelings are more complex and complicated than usual. Try to avoid getting into arguments over trivial matters, and getting upset over some small detail. As the day moves along, there is a tendency for people to accept things as they are, and this helps you to relax. As you let go of fears, your mind opens to new possibilities, and you also feel freer to explore ideas and projects you truly love.

Cancer

Energy levels may not be up to par early today, dear Cancer, largely due to insecurities or worries. There can be some questions in your mind about work or health. A partner may seem to be in need of added attention and perhaps some ego stroking! Generally speaking people can be temperamental and touchy, so it’s better to keep things light and simple. Take a break from the routine and rest your brain, which will become increasingly easier as the day advances. An entirely new activity can help bring emotional refreshment. Your cooperative spirit will not go unnoticed later today. You could have flashes of inspiration that help you solve problems.

Leo

There can be some lack of flow in your relationships this morning, dear Leo. Your initial instinct might need some refining before taking action. Worries about money or business can hang heavy in the air. Circumstances or people may seem to be disapproving or unhelpful which leaves you with the feeling that you’re left to your own resources. However, as the day advances, channels open, minds expand, and you have greater faith that things will fall into place. You’re also quite willing to put in the effort to make things happen. A nice feeling of dedication to your work or long-term plans can be experienced now.

Virgo

Early today, minor tensions or mis-timing can get in the way of healthy relating patterns, dear Virgo, so aim not to take things personally if there is some coolness in your interactions. Domestic chores or problems in the family dynamic can weigh heavily on your mind. You’ll have the most success getting through to others if you draw heavily on your powers of reasoning and compromise. Emotions run a little deeper than usual today, however. As the day moves forward, there is a far freer flow of energy and excellent support is with you for patience in partnership and for feeling in tune with people in your life. This will continue into tomorrow. You can feel highly motivated to work on a project.

Libra

A tense aspect between your ruler, Venus, and strict Saturn this morning is a minor influence, dear Libra, but can signal some tensions. Superficial interactions can be glaringly obvious to you today, and highly annoying if you let them get to you. Intentions may be entirely different, so keep an open mind. Emotional hunger may not be easy to sate, as there can be some distancing or posturing in social relationships. It’s temporary and shouldn’t be taken to heart, however. As the day progresses, people seem to relax and let things flow rather than attempt to force things to suit their purposes. You might easily throw yourself into researching or exploring a subject more deeply.

Scorpio

Although in general you’re coming across pleasantly and with diplomacy in your relationships, dear Scorpio, this morning, minor annoyances and misunderstandings can be present in your interactions. There may be challenges with decisions revolving around money. This is a very temporary influence. If you’re seeing errors, put your energy into working on fixing them. As the day advances, there is an opening up of the mind and heart, and this can serve to relax you. You find it easier to have faith that things will work out. A partner or feelings about a relationship can be one of the reasons you feel freer and more accepting.

Sagittarius

Early today, relationships can be a little strained, dear Sagittarius, or there can be a slight feeling of being drained due to worries or uncertainties. Work on editing and revising now in order to make best use of this energy. Your mind is busy but you are also drawn to activities that engage your emotions as the day advances, and life seems far less restrictive. In fact, you’ll begin to see possibilities more than you see flaws, which lifts your spirits. Work efforts are strong, or you could be feeling more dedicated to self-care and health programs now. This energy carries forward into tomorrow.

Capricorn

This morning, it can be difficult to get close to someone, who appears rather withdrawn or rigid, dear Capricorn, or worries and insecurities can get in the way of healthy relating. You may be entertaining negative possibilities about a matter. In all likelihood, the outcome will not be as dire as you are predicting – not even close. Worry is only productive to the point that it motivates you to take action to fix a problem. Beyond that, it’s wasted energy. As the day advances, possibilities replace fear. You could find that letting go of expectations is a real load off your shoulders. Excellent energy is with you tonight and tomorrow for creative work and a good perspective on romantic connections.

Aquarius

This morning may not be as breezy and light-hearted as you’d like, dear Aquarius. Others tend to want to control the situation, and possibly even you, and this can lead to some frustration. Try not to worry about what others are doing, not doing, or thinking. Do your own thing if relations are strained. The ability to relax and take things as they come increases as the day advances. It’s an excellent time for letting worries go and seeking out inner peace and balance. It’s a good time to rectify problems or misunderstandings with others. Family and household matters can prosper.

Pisces

This morning, social relations may seem a little forced, dear Pisces, but are quick to clear up as the day advances. It can be rather difficult for you to feel sincerely appreciated early today, and in fact, you may even feel overlooked. Professionally speaking, it’s more of the same – appreciation is unlikely to be forthcoming at the moment. It’s temporary, so don’t read too much into the situation. Certainly by midday, you’ll feel far more in your element, even if you are a little withdrawn. While Mercury’s retrograde tends to lead to misunderstandings, you are communicating on different levels and getting across especially well. It’s a good time to focus on studies or special projects.