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 May 24

Milky Way Over the Spanish Peaks
Image Credit & Copyright: Martin Pugh; Rollover Annotation: Judy Schmidt

Explanation: That’s not lightning, and it did not strike between those mountains. The diagonal band is actually the central band of our Milky Way Galaxy, while the twin peaks are actually called the Spanish Peaks — but located in Colorado,USA. Although each Spanish peak is composed of a slightly different type of rock, both are approximately 25 million years old. This serene yet spirited image composite was meticulously created by merging a series of images all taken from the same location on one night and early last month. In the first series of exposures, the background sky was built up, with great detail being revealed in the Milky Way dust lanes as well as the large colorful region surrounding the star Rho Ophiuchus just right of center. One sky image, though, was taken using a fogging filter so that brighter stars would appear more spread out and so more prominent. As a bonus, the planets Mars and Saturn are placed right above peaks and make an orange triangle with the bright star Antares. Later that night, after the moonrise, the Moon itself naturally illuminated the snow covered mountain tops.

Coming to know Corvus the Crow

One of my favorite constellations, little squarish Corvus the Crow, can be found in the south after sunset at this time of year. It’s not far from the bright star Spica – brightest light in the constellation Virgo the Maiden.

Once you find Spica in spring 2016, you’ll recognize the constellation Corvus. It’s always near the star Spica on the sky’s dome. It’s recognizable for its compact, boxy shape.

Corvus is an easy constellation to pick out in the sky. In Greek mythology, Corvus was seen as the cupbearer to Apollo, god of the sun. In ancient Israel, Corvus wasn’t a crow. Instead, it was seen as a raven. In China, this grouping of stars had more distinction as an Imperial Chariot, riding on the wind.

Corvus is a friendly sight in the heavens. Along with all the stars, Corvus’s stars will be found a bit farther west at nightfall in the coming weeks and months as Earth moves around the sun. Check it out now and watch for it in the next few months. The bright star Spica – near Corvus on our sky’s dome – will always be there to guide your eye.

Bottom line: Use the star Spica to introduce yourself to the constellation Corvus the Crow.

Author

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded the website EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website and blogs frequently about astrophysics, the night sky and other topics related to Earth, space and the human world. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. “Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers,” she says.

Published on EarthSky

The Wisdom of Buddha

There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.

Your Daily Influences
May 24th, 2016

The Hanged Man Reversed
The card of false prophecy and time wasted. The reversed Hanged Man represents a preoccupation with the worldly and wasted energy.

Othala
Othala reversed represents chaos and homelessness—a general lack of roots. Now is a time for you to take care of that which you have, so as not to lose it.

The Buckle of Isis
Someone who will, or has told a lie about you regarding this aspect will be discovered and the truth will come out. They will suffer for their injustice and you shall prevail.

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 Daily Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is patient, reliable, warmhearted, loving, persistent, determined, placid and security loving. This is a person you respect.

General Description:
Second sign of the Zodiac, April 21st to May 22nd. Ruling planet Venus; correct metal Copper. Those born under Taurus were thought to be endowed with mental and physical strength, strong minded, clever, fearless and emotional. The correct Taurus gem is the Sapphire. The sapphire is of a deep blue color, and the darker the blue the greater its value. The ancients wore Sapphire charms for protection from poison, plague, fever, diseases of the skin, and to bring peace and happiness upon its wearer. The eyes were rubbed by a Sapphire to preserve them from injury by smallpox. King Solomon’s seal is said to have been a Sapphire

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Wisdom

A very very few of us are fortunate to be born wise. For most of us our Wisdom evolves, grows as we move through life gathering experience and knowledge. Wisdom denotes your thoughts and feelings derived from the melding of your life experiences with all that you have learned. Our Wisdom can get us through the difficult moments in our lives as well as provide the mental and spiritual tools we need to succeed.

As a daily card, Wisdom indicates a time when you should rely heavily on past experiences and knowledge attained to make important decisions in your life. This is a time where reflection and planning should guide your actions. To act rashly, on impulse at this time may well cost you in the future. Go slow, think things out, weigh all of your options carefully and then proceed.

Today’s Witches Rune

Woman

Meaning: The first meaning of this rune is quite obvious: it represents women. Any woman that is important in the question, whether you know her or not, will be represented by this rune. Mother, sister, aunt, grandma, a female boss, friend, lover or even enemy… all can be symbolized by the appearance of this rune.

In a more general sense, this rune is related to traditional female abilities and characteristics, such as giving birth, nurturing, comforting and healing. When this rune appears, you can count on the sympathy of others towards you or your situation. In its most negative aspects, the Woman rune can show over-protectiveness, a patronizing attitude or co-dependency. It often strives to maintain the status quo, refusing to change even if the situation is bad.

The Woman rune is connected to nurturing – nurturing a relationship, a person or a project. Like the Moon rune, it can be related to finding a safe place to rest and heal, but while the Moon implies a solitary retreat, the Woman often shows that you need to go back to the people you trust, the people you feel safe with.

Healing is another strong aspect of this symbol, as well as teaching. You can be both the patient/student or the healer/teacher when this rune appears. This rune is also connected to creativity, but in a way that is different from the Romance rune. While the latter is about the conception of a project – the initial stages of creation – the Woman is about the birth of this project. When your creation is brought out into the world, fully manifested.

In relationship readings, this rune isn’t bad, but rather weak. While it can indicate subtle ties between people, these are usually so, so subtle that the partners can easily drift away from each other. It can show that one of the partners sees the other as someone who needs to be protected and healed, rather than an equal. Usually, the romance is a bit stagnated when this rune appears, or very close to becoming a friendship.

Source:

Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Get A Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, May 25th

by Rick Levine

Part of the Daily Insight Group

If Today is Your Birthday: May 24

You are capable of practically anything you set your mind to once you find your calling. You have a commanding manner, and you set clear boundaries. You have strong opinions and love exchanging ideas with others. When your heart is won, you are loving, considerate, and involved. You have a good head for business.

Famous people born today: Queen Victoria, Bob Dylan, Patti Labelle, Priscilla Presley, Kristin Scott Thomas.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

The Sun in a waxing sextile to the Moon in your Solar Return chart has a fortunate influence on your year ahead. You can be especially productive this year, as in many ways you are starting fresh, but you have a rather clear vision of what you want to accomplish. Your inner needs tend to be mirrored by external events, and vice versa, which helps to boost your confidence and happiness levels. You more readily accept that challenges are part of the natural cycle in life, which in turn helps you to meet them with confidence and to worry less. You are likely to be on top of your game this year for the most part, and positive connections with others can be made fairly easily. A comfortable level of personal popularity helps keep conflict to a minimum. With the ability to handle your emotions successfully, there will be less stress on both your mind and body.

Until October, Saturn continues to transit in opposition to your Sun. During this transit, you may experience some form of disillusionment with regards to an important person in your life, with authority figures, with personal plans and achievements, or with aspects of your own personality. You may feel “left out”, blocked from advancing in your chosen life path, or temporarily lacking in energy and confidence. Ego boosts don’t seem to be forthcoming, or if they are, you don’t see them in such a light. Some sort of buckling down is necessary at this time, and is often perceived as limitations coming from other people or from circumstances. A general feeling of “slowdown” is likely, and if regular tasks seem more overwhelming than usual, it is likely due to poor spirits and lack of motivation. Sometimes, this transit is associated with problems with the teeth, bones in general, and the skin. It is also associated with mechanical breakdowns in your life. However, these generally happen because you haven’t been managing your life effectively, and Saturn calls upon you to identify the weaker areas of your life, and to fix or strengthen them. Take the time to sort out your life, improve your work, and to become more efficient. Taking a slow and steady approach to life is necessary now. Pushing too hard will likely lead to frustration and setbacks. Take it easy and work on self-improvement. Results are not immediate, but will eventually come and bring healthy rewards.

You may be actively involved with teamwork and collaboration with others this year. Your passions are stirred and others may be instrumental in building your confidence and going after what you want. For some, the beginning of a significant new relationship, or the intensification of an existing romance, can occur.

This is a good year in which to take steps towards making yourself feel more secure and safe, and for family or domestic activities. This is also a time when you more readily support or defend others.

This is a strong year for tapping into your inner genius or personal potential and putting it to work for you. You can be determined to take better care of yourself, and discoveries made this year can fuel or reignite your motivation to pursue a particular path. There can be a real sense of mission this year.

Love and social relationships can be up and down. On one hand, you may grow and develop a bond, but another relationship could be disruptive and dramatic. There can be events in close relationships that highlight a need to let go and trust, as there can be problems with hanging on to someone, a relationship, or material things too tightly. There can be a need to detach yourself from outcomes so that you can more thoroughly enjoy the present. There can be a large purchase or expense this year that forces you to reorganize your budget or that might be a source of worry. However, there are also indications of increased income, so that the two influences tend to balance each other out.

You may be involved in frequent lectures, debates, and discussions during the year. You can convey your ideas more powerfully. You are quick to take the initiative and to put your thoughts into action. Adventuresome travel may be part of the picture. You may be more actively involved with young people. Even so, with Mercury in challenging aspect to Neptune in your Solar Return, some difficulties with communications are possible. There can be misunderstandings, misinformation, wishful thinking, confusion, carelessness, and deception. Verify the facts before making decisions and avoid taking precipitate action. Read all the fine print before signing a contract or making an agreement.

Energy levels can be up and down this year, as you often need to feel inspired in order to feel motivated and take action. Take an objective look also at how your dreams and visions fit into the lives of others and the world in general. Watch for impracticality. Take advantage of the “high” periods in order to offset the possible loss in productivity during the low-energy stages. This could also be a year in which you are considerably more creative.

In partnerships and close relationships, you may be working together on a big project or doing a lot more together. Otherwise, excess energy could lead to some restlessness and disagreements. Overall, however, there is good energy for partnering this year.

You’re likely to focus on clearing up some old business this summer and, ideally, your life is tidier by October, freeing you up for a little more excitement. Partnering up to get something specific accomplished can be very successful. While there can be distinct opportunities on a mental level, watch your communications and pay more attention to important details. As well, conserving energy is important, as you can experience real ups and downs in the energy department. Relationships are dynamic, encouraging growth and change.

2015 is a Number One year for you. Ruled by the Sun. This is a year of action. The seeds you plant now, you will reap later. Others might find you less sociable, as you are busier than ever and you focus on your activities and your needs. Still, you are outgoing and your initiative is stronger than ever. Advice – Stand alone, take action, start fresh, express independence.

2016 will be a Number Two year for you. Ruled by the Moon. This is a year of potential companionship. It is a quiet, gentle, and mostly harmonious year that is less active than other years. Instead, you are more responsive to the needs of others. If you are patient and open yourself up in a gentle manner, you will attract both things and people. This is an excellent year in which to build and develop for the future. Advice – be patient, be receptive, enjoy the peace, collect.

Source

Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, May 24th

Aries

It may be too easy to become aggravated if people around you are not moving at your speed, dear Aries, so it would be best if you can set your own pace. When it comes to a belief or idea, you might become impatient with others today if they are not catching on to your way of thinking. Wants and needs can seem like the same thing today. Try not to fixate on something outside of yourself that you feel will solve all your problems. Your heart may be ruling your head today, and while there can be some level of drama as a result, try to go with the feelings and see where they lead you. However, leave practical matters for a better, clearer day. Venus enters your communications sector today, where it will transit until June 17th. This brings out your charm in communications, and suggests that getting what you want can be easier with kind words and bonding with others on a mental level.

Taurus

Financial matters can reach a head today, and you may discover that something you haven’t done in the past is now coming back to your attention, dear Taurus. A missed opportunity may be frustrating, but it can also steer you on a course towards better management of your resources. Emotions and passions run high surrounding ownership, money, and respect or value. If someone is showing signs that they don’t truly respect you, then this will be a day in which you are more inclined to react. Watch for impulsive purchases or sudden decisions about money and relationships – wait for the hot head to cool!  Venus enters leaves your sign and enters your resources sector, where it will stay until June 17th. This is a good cycle for enjoying activities that soothe, comfort, and boost your confidence. Attracting the right resources can be easy and natural now.

Gemini

There is quite a bit of attention directed towards you today, dear Gemini, but you can be rather sensitive, and something may be missing the mark. A disagreement or lack of understanding with a partner is quite possible. It’s not the time for others to push you to say or do anything. What someone is or, more likely isn’t, doing can be frustrating, as you’d prefer they come to you and know what it is you want them to do. Chances are strong that they don’t! Try not to let this drain you. Cupid’s arrows may be flying in the wrong directions today with Venus in opposition to Mars. However, Venus enters your sign for a three and a half week stay, and they’ll begin steering in the right direction shortly. This is a good cycle for personal appeal – it’s a time to attract good things and people into your life.

Cancer

It can be difficult to see eye to eye with others today, dear Cancer, and desires can be intense, although they can also lead us astray. There may be a revelation or a culmination in a relationship, work, or business matter. Someone may take issue with you if you’ve been on the fence about a matter, or if you have been stalling. Emotions are heightened today, and sensitive information or hidden desires may be revealed that steers you on a different course. Consider that you may be hypersensitive on a social level right now, before reacting. Frustrations with routines and work can be prominent now, particularly as you are craving more time to yourself to sort out your feelings. Venus moves into your privacy sector today, where she will stay until June 17th, and this can point to a period of review and reflection when it comes to affection and relationships. Benefits come from paying more attention to the hidden elements and patterns of your interactions.

Leo

Passions may be stimulated quite strongly today, dear Leo, but inner frustrations can also emerge if current relationships are not satisfying your deeper needs or if you’re not able to get on the same page with the one you want. Seek passion rather than mere experience for true emotional fulfillment. Avoid making a stand or show right now, as you may regret it later when your head is clearer, but aim to learn from conflicts and disagreements now. If you’ve been harboring resentment for someone, it may very well emerge now, or someone may be bringing up something about you that requires managing. Venus enters your social sector today, where it will transit until June 17th, and this tends to encourage more harmony, balance, and general benefits to your social life.

Virgo

There can be impatient or immature reactions to delays today, dear Virgo, with Venus and Mars in opposition. Buried matter can emerge and leave you feeling resentful of others, or desirous of something/someone you can’t have. Passions tend to run high today, but satisfying them may not be straightforward. The byproduct can be tension, but you can turn it into something more creative if you so desire. It can be challenging to be indifferent towards others, but it can be emotionally freeing to do so from time to time! Consider being kinder to yourself by looking the other way when it is appropriate to do so. Venus moves into your career and reputation sector today for a three and a half week stay. This can be a good time for public relations and appeal, or for an easier time relating with higher ups and business associates. It’s a good time for money matters as well.

Libra

There is provocative energy with you today, dear Libra, and a tendency to say too much or speak/react too quickly. Boundaries can be crossed and it can be a little difficult getting to a point of compromise, but it’s far from impossible. Wanting more than can be provided from one another can be resolved only by changing our expectations or mustering up patience. Physical and emotional attractions can be intense now. You might rediscover a desire or passion that you may have left behind. Venus moves into harmony with your sign today, where it will enhance and support you on the levels of charm, attraction, and balance until June 17th. This is a nice transit that also stimulates a love of learning and an exploration of some of your more exotic tastes and interests.

Scorpio

Issues of sharing, ownership, and support can be touchy today, dear Scorpio. Buried passions and desires can emerge now, but pursuing these may not be a straightforward matter – not yet, anyway. Ultimately, however, you are likely to get to a plan that makes sense. For now, it’s about discovery, and it can be a little disruptive. Boundaries can be pushed and possessiveness or competitiveness can be strong themes. It’s best to consciously tone things down. Doing your own thing can be satisfying now, but someone close to you could be bothered about it. Avoid emotionalism when it comes to controversial topics, including money. Seek out compromise. Venus enters your sharing and intimacy sector today, where it will transit until June 17th. It’s a time for enjoying deeper feelings and connections.

Sagittarius

It can be difficult to see eye to eye or to come to an agreement today, dear Sagittarius, as everyone seems to want different things. What you have or haven’t done might be a point of contention for someone in your life. Perhaps a partner is hoping you’ll intuit what they truly want, but it can be difficult for you to pinpoint. There can be volatile feelings, and this is a symptom of not being in touch with true needs and wants. Avoid reacting with defensiveness. You can learn a lot about yourself from whatever is triggered today. Venus enters your partnership sector today, and in the coming weeks (until June 17th), it can be far easier to harmonize with others. It’s a good time to attract helpful people into your life or to enhance and boost a close relationship.

Capricorn

Venus enters your work and health sector today, dear Capricorn, where she will stay until June 17th. This is a strong cycle for bringing harmony to your daily life, including your working environment. There may be social opportunities arising through your work or through your daily routines. Work and charm are tied to one another during this cycle, and this can mean attractions on the job for some, or improved social relations in the work environment. Focusing on past actions can get you into a bit of a jam today, and you could be facing stubbornness in others. Restlessness is stirred, and yet you may be feeling a tad lazy or lacking in energy to do anything about it. A love matter can reach a head. Wait things out before drawing conclusions. Even so, acknowledge whatever feelings coming to the surface today, even if they seem to be irrational, but keep in mind that you don’t have to act on them yet.

Aquarius

It can be difficult getting on the same page with others today, dear Aquarius. The results of conflicts can be exciting and stimulating, but possibly less than satisfying in the moment. Rhythms in love and patterns in relating can be off and on today, leaving it difficult to find satisfaction. There can be awkward moments in your relationships, and feelings can run hot and cold. Avoid taking things too personally, especially if someone is giving you confusing or mixed signals. Venus is now transiting a fellow Air sign (Gemini) until June 17th. This transit is strong for you when it comes to your powers of attraction – bringing desired things to you rather than actively and directly pursuing them. While this is a sociable influence, the Moon moves into your privacy sector today, signalling a need to take things easy.

Pisces

There can be off-timing and impatience in our relationships today, dear Pisces. You could be remembering old angers or past problems, and this may be affecting the present. Give of yourself until you meet the halfway point, or to the point at which you still feel comfortable, in order to avoid feeling resentment. The social side of business or work can be complicated now, and it’s important to keep your cool. Venus is now transiting your solar fourth house and will stay here until June 17th. Focus can be on bringing more harmony, balance, and beauty to your personal life, home, and family. Make a point of spending more leisure time with family or those near and dear.

Astrology of Today – May 24, 2016

Summary:

• The Moon is in Sagittarius until 1:33 AM.
• The Moon is void until 1:33 AM (since 11:37 AM yesterday).
• The Moon is in Capricorn from 1:33 AM forward (until Thursday, May 26th, at 10:26 AM).
• The Moon is waning and in its Full Moon phase.
• A Full Moon occurred on the 21st, and a Last Quarter Moon will occur on May 29th.
• Mercury is direct and is in its post-retrograde shadow until June 7th.
• Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from April 17-June 29).
• Venus enters Gemini today (Venus transits Gemini May 24-June 17).