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 26

IC 5067 in the Pelican Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Data – Subaru Telescope (NAOJ), R. Colombari, Processing – Roberto Colombari

 

Explanation: The prominent ridge of emission featured in this sharp, colorful skyscape is cataloged as IC 5067. Part of a larger emission nebula with a distinctive shape, popularly called The Pelican Nebula, the ridge spans about 10 light-years following the curve of the cosmic pelican’s head and neck. This false-color view also translates the pervasive glow of narrow emission lines from atoms in the nebula to a color palette made popular in Hubble Space Telescope images of star forming regions. Fantastic, dark shapes inhabiting the 1/2 degree wide field are clouds of cool gas and dust sculpted by the winds and radiation from hot, massive stars. Close-ups of some of the sculpted clouds show clear signs of newly forming stars. The Pelican Nebula, itself cataloged as IC 5070, is about 2,000 light-years away. To find it, look northeast of bright star Deneb in the high flying constellation Cygnus.

 

 

 

 

 

PLANET TRACKER

Jupiter in Virgo

Now Until Sep 9, 2016

 

Jupiter is the largest of all the true planets. Its mass is greater than all the rest of the planets combined. If it was only 20% larger it would develop enough heat at its core to be a star. Astrologically, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and optimism. Known as “The Greater Benefic,” it symbolizes good luck and fortune. In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit Jupiter is called “guru” or teacher. This fits its association with the higher mind, philosophy, truth and religion. Perhaps Jupiter’s good fortune derives from the capacity to give us a larger view in which to see the world.

Expansive Jupiter in the technically-oriented sign of Virgo is a wonderful time to develop new systems and skills. A broader understanding of how things function is possible now. This includes a greater awareness of psychological patterns so that emotions are used more intelligently.

Traditional astrology considered Virgo to be a difficult place for Jupiter. The planet of expansion can feel constrained in the sign of details. Putting too much importance on minor matters and turning molehills into mountains are possible. A little flaw can be blown up out of proportion, distracting attention from the big picture.

The key, as is often the case with Jupiter, is judgment. If we are overly concerned with trying to make ourselves right or wrong, we can miss out on the information that’s available to us. Instead of trying so hard to measure the results, the gift comes from watching the process. There’s an enormous amount to be learned when Jupiter’s overview and Virgo’s precision operate well together.

Jupiter in Virgo is common among female tennis stars. Steffi Graf, Venus Williams and Martina Navratilova are among the sport’s all-time greats who each have this planetary placement. A taste for the unusual is shown by Jupiter in Virgo individuals Art Bell and Whitley Streiber.

Actresses Cate Blanchett and Anne Heche belong to this club, as do Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Philip Roth, Steve Martin and Michael Douglas. Other members include Michele Kwan, Chelsea Clinton, Lisa Marie Presley and Larry Bird.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

The Words of Confucius

And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

Your Daily Influences
May 26, 2016

 

 

Page of Pentacles
Introversion. A healthy admiration for new ideas and scholarly pursuits. Reflective. Good management and organizational skills. A bearer of good tidings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Othala
Othala represents a solid, immovable home, prosperity and safety. Good fortune based on your heritage and character is yours to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

The Swastika
Over the next weeks and months this aspect should be one that requires little effort on your part to keep things moving forward. This is one of the few charms that has the same meaning upright or inverted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:
As an axe comes to a complete stop when it hits the tree so you have grown motionless. You now must draw back, step away from this quadrant of your life and begin again. Set a new path into motion.

General Description:
This Chinese incised jade Axe head was suspended round the neck, and worn as an amulet to protect the wearer from illness, accidents, and injuries, also as a charm against witchcraft. The Chinese had great faith in the supposed medicinal powers of jade, which was recommended and prescribed by their physicians. The Axe head was always considered to be an emblem of strength and power among primitive races; even today small axe heads are still regarded as effective talismans against disease in many countries, and great faith is placed in their supposed supernatural powers of healing.

Your Three Dragon Reading for Today

In Chinese Culture the Dragon is generally considered a sign of great luck and power. However the Red, Green and White Dragons in Mahjong represent three distinct influences that can affect your life. The Dragon Reading creates a relationship between sets of tiles to each Dragon to explore how the Three Dragons will influence you now and in the near future.

 

The Green Dragon indicates beginnings. The Green Dragon’s tile set will suggest places where you should consider putting your energy.

 

 

 

 

Winter
Symbol: The Scholar
The Scholar represents gain through intellectual pursuits. The Scholar’s mind is sharp and find solutions to the most difficult problems.

 

 

 

Wan 5
Symbol: House
The House tile represents a building in which you spend much time. If your reading is positive it may well be that this building has the important function providing you with a stable environment in which you are comfortable. If the reading is negative it may represent a structure in which you are stressed and uncomfortable.

 

 

 

Plum Blossom
Symbol: Innocence
The Plum tile reflects renewal and viewing your world with fresh viewpoints. It is an inherently “happy” tile. The Plum tile also suggests inexperience—a trait you must not allow to make you an easy target.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Key

The Key indicates the existence of a powerful tool capable of favorably influencing your future. The Key may be an idea, physical entity, an action, a mentor, or the combination of a number of things. While readily available to you The Key may not be all that obvious. You might have to search for it, and it may take a fair dose of courage and faith to actually use it.

As a daily card, The Key indicates the presence of an idea or entity that can positively effect your life at this time. The advantage The Key will give you may concern a single element of your life such as your career, or it may have an impact on your life as a whole. The trick for you is to identify your Key and have the courage to use it.

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 Daily Pyramid Reading for Today

 

 

Today’s Theme

Amore

Amore reversed signifies bonds may be broken and fights and betrayals are likely. Tread carefully. Beware of bad choices and lingering too long in relationships that harm you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Challenge

Two of Wands Reversed

New ventures may prove unfruitful. Adversity may be experienced in all or any arena of life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Ally

Libra

Libra denotes justice and balance. That which should rightfully be shall be.