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 June 3

NGC 4631: The Whale Galaxy
Image Credit & Copyright: Martin Pugh Explanation: NGC 4631 is a big beautiful spiral galaxy. Seen edge-on, it lies only 25 million light-years away in the well-trained northern constellation Canes Venatici. The galaxy’s slightly distorted wedge shape suggests to some a cosmic herring and to others its popular moniker, The Whale Galaxy. Either way, it is similar in size to our own Milky Way. In this sharp color image, the galaxy’s yellowish core, dark dust clouds, bright blue star clusters, and red star forming regions are easy to spot. A companion galaxy, the small elliptical NGC 4627 is just above the Whale Galaxy. Faint star streams seen in deep images are the remnants of small companion galaxies disrupted by repeated encounters with the Whale in the distant past. The Whale Galaxy is also known to have spouted a halo of hot gas glowing in X-rays.

 

 

Moon Diary – New Moon in Gemini

4th-5th June 2016: Look Both Ways

by Jane Lyle

A beguiling carousel of a new Moon takes us for a dizzy spin in June.

It rises at 14 degrees of Gemini on 4th-5th June, depending on your time zone.

This is an important new Moon, for it vitalises June’s planetary atmosphere of inspiration, confusion, and flexibility. Loving words and beautiful music are a strong theme, for the Sun and Moon in charming Gemini are exactly aligned with sweet Venus. Our neighbourhoods and everyday lives could be the source of delights, happy social events, or pleasant encounters – for Gemini rules the third house, a place of communication, short journeys, and social life. In many ways, this is a lovely new Moon for romance, parties, friendship and fun.

Of course, that’s not the whole story. The Sun, Moon and Venus complete a pattern called a grand cross. This one connects Jupiter and the Moon’s nodes in Virgo, Neptune in Pisces, and Saturn in Sagittarius. All these signs are Mutable, that is – they’re adaptable, and their job is to weave a bridge between those signs that initiate things – the Cardinal signs, and those which consolidate things – the Fixed signs. When they’re all connected like this, it may be hard to get anything done, make decisions, or find clarity. We’re at a cosmic crossroads. One way or another we must learn to surf the waves.

We’ve got the potential for expanded consciousness and great compassion here, but Saturn insists on checking all the facts and figures. Extravagant spending or overly-generous actions are blocked, questioned, and limited. Events themselves could feel overwhelming in some way – perhaps there’s too much information, too many people demanding attention. Or maybe things are moving too fast, and our emotions are bewildering and hard to define. We may be ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’. Neptune’s dissolving presence suggests that this could be a ‘Wikileaks’ kind of lunar month too.

Fortunately, Gemini’s ruler – Mercury – is still in sensible Taurus. Finding some earthy stability should help us relax and think things through step by step. We’ll need to make an effort to pause, and not get swept away on some mad, magic carpet ride. Gemini mind partners Taurean matter – hopefully, this translates as keeping it real.
Yet, with a little caution, this can also be a potent time to make a fresh start or explore a new path – particularly in Gemini’s house in your own natal horoscope.

If you have planets around 12-17 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces then this new Moon, and it’s aspects, energises your horoscope this June.

This new Moon activates the national horoscopes for a wide range of countries including: Germany, Brazil, Norway, Denmark, Cuba, Australia, and the Vatican City, Rome.  Generally, locations influenced by this Moon will see increased debate, arguments, movement, and talk of education, agriculture, and information technology.

 

Source:

The Astrology Room

Find the Crow, Cup and Water Snake

Tonight, or any June evening, look in the sky around nightfall. The first “stars” you’ll likely notice are really the planets Jupiter and Mars. These brilliant beauties light up the sky as soon as the sun goes down. Then – assuming you’re in the Northern Hemisphere – look nearly due south, roughly midway between these two planets, for sparkling blue-white Spica, in Virgo. This post tells you how to find Spica. Okay … got Spica? Now, as nightfall deepens into later evening, watch for a number of fainter stars to become visible. Below and to the right of Spica are the constellations of Corvus the Crow, Crater the Cup, and Hydra the Water Snake.

In Greek mythology, Apollo sent the crow to fetch a cup of water. The crow, Corvus, got distracted eating figs. It was only after much delay that he finally remembered his mission. Rightly figuring that Apollo would be angry, the crow plucked a snake from the water and concocted a story about how it had attacked and delayed him.

Apollo was not fooled and angrily flung the Crow, Cup and Snake into the sky, placing the Crow and Cup on the Snake’s back.

Then the god ordered Hydra to never let the Crow drink from the Cup. As a further punishment, he ordered that the Crow could never sing again, only screech and caw.

None of these constellations has any bright stars, but Hydra holds the distinction of being the longest constellation in the heavens.

Bottom line: Use the bright star Spica to help you find the constellations of Corvus the Crow, Crater the Cup, and Hydra the Water Snake.

 

Author

The Wisdom of Buddha

Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence.

Your Daily Influences
June 3rd, 2016

 

Five of Swords
Failure and defeat are possible. Injustice and cowardliness may appear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ansuz
Ansuz reversed denotes failed communications and missed opportunities to become more in harmony with the universe. Your path may be unclear at this time. False advice and malicious rumors may be afoot.

 

 

 

The Gnostic Talisman
This aspect will be tested morally. This test is may be well hidden and the solution a mystery to you. Regardless of your decision or the outcome you will feel you have failed and it will disturb your for a short time.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Beautiful pictures! The sad part, most people don’t see animals as having souls, able to feel love, able to feel hurt. To them they are just animals. To us, they are much, much more, they are the Goddess’ greatest gift to us.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Love

Love indicates that love is either present in our life or a distinct possibility. Be open to all possibilities, remembering that true love is given freely, without condition, and does not have to be earned. This is the kind of love we want to welcome into our life and to give to others. Be open to new ideas, and beware of judging against someone in an unloving manner. When Love appears, return to the place where you can love yourself and then seek out the same love from others.

As a daily card, Love suggests that for those who are currently in a relationship the opportunity to deepen the bond is present. For those who are single, Love implies that the prospect for them to begin a romantic relationship is very strong at this time.

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 Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

Aeon

Aeon deals with our journey and constant transformation through time. It denotes both endings and beginnings, our ability to redeem ourselves through action, and hope for the future. Aeon teaches us to accept our past–embrace it as an essential component of our being–but not to allow it to keep our spirits from moving towards the future and finding our personal utopia.

Your Rune Reading for the Up-coming Weekend

 

The Past that will Rear Its’ Head 
Ansuz

Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.

 

 

 

Your Present Situation
Dagaz

Dagaz represents the fresh light of a new day. You are close to making a breakthrough. You have the will to change whatever you deem necessary. You may see the world with absolute clarity at this time.

 

 

 

A Glimpse of the Future
Wunjo

Wunjo reversed may represent a basic discord and failure in your life. Possibly good fortune is not looking down on you at this time. If so it must be remembered that Wunjo also represents change, which could mean your bad luck is soon to change.

 

Your Pyramid Reading for the Up-coming Weekend

 

 

This Weekend’s Theme

Gemini

While Gemini always has its duality to keep under control, it does manage to bring both humor and intelligence into any situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Weekend’s Challenge

King of Swords

The ability to govern and give good advice. A powerful enemy and staunch friend. Strong, authoritative and able to lead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Ally for the Weekend

King of Cups

Fairness on all levels. Generosity and morality abound. A high degree of skill is displayed in all things attempted.