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 7

Night on Venus in Infrared from Orbiting Akatsuki
Image Credit & Copyright: ISAS, JAXA

 

Explanation: Why is Venus so different from Earth? To help find out, Japan launched the robotic Akatsuki spacecraft which entered orbit around Venus late last year after an unplanned five-year adventure around the inner Solar System. Even though Akatsuki has passed its original planned lifetime, the spacecraft and its instruments are operating so well that much of its original mission has been reinstated. In the featured image taken by Akatsuki late last month, Venus was captured in infrared light showing a surprising amount of atmospheric structure on its night side. The vertical orange terminator stripe between night and day is so wide because of light is so diffused by Venus’ thick atmosphere. Also known as the Venus Climate Orbiter, Akatsuki has cameras and instruments that will investigate unknowns about the planet, including whether volcanoes are still active, whether lightning occurs in the dense atmosphere, and why wind speeds greatly exceed the planet’s rotation speed.

Planet Tracker

Mercury in Taurus

Now Until Jun 12, 2016

Earthy Taurus offers a sturdy environment for speedy Mercury, the planet of communication. This period is one in which solid values, concrete ideas and practical perspectives are likely to take on greater significance for all of us.

Mercury generally excels at flexibility, but Taurus is arguably the least flexible of all the signs. We may find ourselves digging in and taking rigid positions when opposed by different ideas, concepts or facts at this time. It’s vital that we not lose our ability to stay open-minded to overcome Taurean resistance to whatever is new or different.

Ideally, Mercury in Taurus connects us with the earthy realities that will nurture the growth and development of our ideas. Taurus offers a rich soil of values and commitment that can provide resources to carry thoughts from conception to birth. Slow, careful conversations enable us to consider alternatives without ever losing sight of fundamental values and underlying practical issues.

Mercury tends to be a bit less gabby in Taurus than in most other signs. Some good examples are Johnny Depp, Clint Eastwood and Miles Davis, all born in chatty Gemini, but with communication styles reflective of their less talkative Mercurys in Taurus.

Actors Alec Baldwin, Russell Crowe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Uma Thurman, Renee Zellweger, Annette Bening, Brooke Shields, George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Lange, Jack Nicholson and Billy Dee Williams belong to the Merc in Taurus group. Singers Barbra Streisand, Bono, Wynonna Judd, Janet Jackson, Cher, Carnie Wilson, Pete Townsend and Joe Cocker were also born with Mercury in the sign of the throat.

Other public figures with this placement include Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, John F. Kennedy, Gary Kasparov, Sally Ride, Ram Dass, Orson Welles, Joe Louis and Pope John Paul II.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

The Words of Confucius

Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!

Your Daily Influences
June 7, 2016 

 

Ten of Pentacles Reversed
You and your family may suffer through some misfortune. Be wary of high risk ventures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uruz
Uruz reversed may represent a time of discord in your life and a disassociation from your inner strengths. You may be in a rut—absent of goals or challenges. The power to change this lies within you. While opportunities may seem to be nonexistent, they are there and waiting for you to find them.

 

 

Aries the Ram
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is adventurous, energetic, pioneering, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, dynamic and quick-witted. This person is probably someone you already know and respect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:
What you need in this aspect is a bit of understanding. You can find happiness in abundance if you understand and accept the differences of those with whom you share your life within this aspect.

General Description:
This is an Egyptian group of amulets. The centre ornament is the Lotus, from which hangs the emblem of Millions of years — Thou shalt never perish, never, never come to an end. The Lotus bestowed upon the wearer Light and Understanding, the gifts of the god Ra, their sun god, king of gods and of men. The Fish, the symbol of the Egyptian goddess who controlled the rising of the Nile brought Abundance and Riches. The other pendant is in the form of a lock of hair, the meaning of which is obscure.

Your Daily Tile
June 7, 2016 

South Wind
Symbol: Fire
The South Wind tile is considered to be a very good sign in a reading. It almost ensures a satisfactory end to any problem

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Balance

Balance denotes the benefits of keeping the use of your energies justifiably proportioned between your pursuits. The symbol Yin and Yang is used to represent the balance. Yin and Yang is possibly the most elegant and sometimes elusive definition of Balance there is. While Balance is rarely if ever perfect, being far out of Balance means that while one part of you may be thriving tremendously, another part of your life may be wilting.

As a daily card, Balance indicates a need to find and maintain a level physical and spiritual state. It suggest you may be concentrating your energy on one or a few things so much that you are neglecting other important aspects of your life. While this is often necessary to make immediate gains it can lead to missing out on the diverse richness of life in the long term.

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 Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Empress

The Empress is “The Earth Mother” of the Tarot. She embodies all that is nurturing, clean and wholesome. Her powers resonate from her drive to create and care for life on a grand scale. She is in tune with Nature’s rhythm and realizes that life’s most pleasurable moments often stem from the simplest things. She is not afraid to enjoy herself–to let loose—to the point of being lavish. Abundance and luxury are important to her. The Empress is completely comfortable with her femininity and her sexuality. She is sensual, earthy, generous, and likes the good life. Still, her driving force is a need to create and nurture, and fulfilling this need overrides everything else.