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 18

Sputnik Planum vs. Krun Macula
Image Credit: NASA, Johns Hopkins Univ./APL, Southwest Research Institute

Explanation: Pluto’s pitted plains meet rugged highlands in this stunning view. On the left lies a southeastern extent of the bright region still informally known as Sputnik Planum. At right the edge of a dark region, informally Krun Macula, rises some 2.5 kilometers above the icy plains. Along the boundary, connected clusters of large pits form deep valleys, some over 40 kilometers long with shadowy floors. Nitrogen ice is likely responsible for the more reflective plains. The dark red color of the highlands is thought to be from complex compounds called tholins, a product of ultraviolet light induced chemical reactions with methane in Pluto’s atmosphere. The enhanced color image includes portions of the highest and secondhighest resolution image data from the New Horizons July 2015 flyby of the distant world.

June solstice full moon in 2016

The last time a full moon fell on a solstice generally was in 2010 – the December solstice of December 21, 2010, when the full moon staged an exceedingly rare December solstice total lunar eclipse. There is amazingly accurate Gregoriana eclipse cycle of 372 years, featuring the recurrences of eclipses with the seasons, as defined by solstices and equinoxes.

We find a total lunar eclipse last happening on the December solstice 372 years ago, on December 21, 1638. Looking 372 years ahead of 2010, to the year 2382, we find a December solstice partial lunar eclipse on December 21, 2382. And 19 years after that, in 2401, there’s a December solstice total lunar eclipse on December 21, 2401.

Bottom line: Solstice and full moon both fall on June 20, 2016, for the first time since 1967, aka the Summer of Love.

Author

Moon and Saturn on June 18

Tonight – on June 18, 2016 – you might have difficulty seeing the planet Saturn in the glare of the brilliant waxing gibbous moon. If so, place your finger in front of the moon to spot nearby Saturn.

The red planet Mars will be much easier spot because it shines five times as brilliantly as Saturn, and moreover, lies farther from the moon on the sky’s dome.

The third object near tonight’s moon is the star Antares. Although Saturn is brighter than Antares, the star might be easier to spot than Saturn on June 18, because this star shines farther from the moon’s glare.

Of course, the moon isn’t literally closer to Saturn than to Mars on June 18. It’s only that the moon and Saturn are much closer to aligning on the same line of sight. Saturn lies nearly 18 times Mars’ distance from Earth right now. Considering all five bright planets at once – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn – Saturn ranks as the farthest world we can easily see with the unaided eye.

And, if we include the star Antares in the mix, this supergiant red star lodges way, way outside the solar system at some 600light-years away. Mars and Saturn, in stark contrast, are our close neighbors, at only 4.4 and 75 light-minutes from Earth, respectively.

Want to know the distances of the planets from Earth and the sun right now? Click here.

Remember the number 9.5. And, presto, you have Saturn’s vital statistics at your fingertips:

Saturn’s diameter = 9.5 Earth diameters
Saturn’s distance = 9.5 times the Earth-sun distance
Saturn’s mass = 95 times Earth’s mass

Also, add 20 to 9.5 and you have Saturn’s orbital period: 29.5 Earth-years.

Bottom line: As darkness falls on June 18, 2016, you might – or might not – see the planet Saturn in the harsh glare of the waxing gibbous moon. If you can’t see it, place your finger in front of the moon to reduce its glare.

Author

The Wisdom of Buddha

To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.

Today’s Witches Rune

Man

Meaning: The Man rune demands action. It’s not longer time to quietly sit and think, or to hide yourself and heal. No, it’s time to get up and fight for what you want. If things are slow or stagnated, change them. Begin something new. It’s not a moment to let things flow as they will, but to grab the reigns and gain control over the situation. Be the leader and defend your stand.

While the Woman rune is about healing, this one can be about defending yourself, and, sometimes, hurting or getting hurt in the process. You may have to defend your opinions, your actions or choices against some aggressive people. This rune offers you a challenge, but is also shows that you have the resources needed to face it. Naturally, this rune has very aggressive potentials in it, and they need a good deal of discipline in order to not become sorely destructive.

The Man rune also accelerates everything… nothing stays still when its around. The outcome of your question may happen sooner than you expected, but the result will probably be unexpected. It does not mean that all will go wrong, no – things will simply develop in unseen ways.

In relationship readings, the Man rune promises a period of instability, so it’s important to not have high expectations. Under the influence of this rune, the relationship can be a stairway to Heaven or a ticket to Hell… and sometimes both, in a short period of time. It promises a bumpy journey for the heart, but with a great level of intensity. The Man rune can stand for love/hate relationship, cat and rat games and obsessions… the kind of things that turns one nuts (for good and for bad). This rune is good in questions concerning sexuality.

Additional information about Today’s Witches courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Gort

G is Gort, the Ivy that sometimes grows freely, but often parasites upon other plants. It will grow in nearly any condition, and its endless upward spiral is representative of our soul’s search for self, as we wander between this world and the next. Gort, pronounced go-ert, is connected to growth and wildness, as well as confronting the mystical aspects of our own development and evolution. Also connected to the month of October and the Samhain sabbat, Ivy often lives on after its host plant has died — a reminder to us that life goes on, in the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth.

In folklore from the British Isles, Ivy is believed to be a bringer of good fortune, particularly to women. Allowing it to creep up the walls of your home would protect inhabitants from baneful magic and curses. It also appears in love divination in parts of England – it was said that a girl carrying Ivy in her pockets would soon see the young man who was meant to be her husband. Medicinally, an Ivy tonic could be brewed to keep away diseases such as whooping cough and respiratory ailments — it was even believed to keep away the plague, but there’s no clear evidence that this worked.

Gort Correspondences

Mundane Aspects: Banish the negative things from your life, and eliminate toxic relationships. Place a barricade of some sort between you and the things or people that would bring you down.

Magical Aspects: Look inward to find self-growth, but turn outward to find spiritual companionship with like-minded individuals. If you’ve thought about joining or forming a group of some sort, consider it well if Gort appears.

A Special Father’s Day Reading for All Our Dear Old Dads!

We Love You, Guys!

The Past That Will Emerge Once More
Mannaz

Now is the time for you to explore your inner self and those of others. Your intelligence and creativity are very well honed at the moment. Cooperation from and with others should be very easy to attain.

The Present Circumstances
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.

A Glimpse of the Future
Raidho

There may be delays in reaching your goals. You may become disassociated from those around you. Try to keep your lines of communication open.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, June 19th

Aries

Your outlook is positive, dear Aries, perhaps a little unrealistically so this morning, but enthusiasm is what you need now. Later today, there could be some complications to deal with on communication and mechanical levels. It can be a little irritating if others are challenging your opinions or shutting down your arguments. However, with an approaching Mercury-Saturn opposition in play, as irritating as others can be, they can also wind up teaching you something useful, even if it’s just about stimulating you to think more deeply about your ideas and methods. The Full Moon tomorrow morning can bring a great idea or project to a head, but watch that you don’t succumb to a feeling of urgency today and tomorrow.

Taurus

There can be some restlessness experienced today, dear Taurus, but this feeling can sometimes lead to wonderful new ideas for making improvements to your life. In fact, you can feel quite enthusiastic about making changes, particularly in a relationship or regarding your finances now. Later today, you may be feeling quite uninhibited on an emotional level, and this feels good. Watch for some difficulties getting your message across on a verbal level, however. Challenges you face now, particularly on a financial or emotional level, will eventually help you to redefine your goals or path, particularly in relation to others. Misunderstandings occurring now can lead to clarifications that are actually quite helpful.

Gemini

There can be enthusiasm building today, dear Gemini. While you can be up and down, there is generally good energy for learning and clarifying your thoughts, ideas, and plans. Even if there can be criticisms or restrictions to deal with, there is a lot to learn through disagreements. You don’t have to agree with someone to get to a clearer position in your own mind, and that is the nature of the Mercury-Saturn opposition that is approaching. There can be lessons about moderation or practicality happening now. As well, you’re in a good position to show others the brighter side of a situation.

Cancer

Enthusiasm for a project, your work, or a health program is building today, dear Cancer. While expectations can lead to some ups and downs, this is a generally good time for seeing possibilities. There can be new methods or ideas for making improvements to your daily life. There can be some serious thinking later today. Mind your energy levels and watch for overdoing things to the point of exhaustion. If problems are weighing heavily on your mind, consider sharing some of the weight with someone you trust.

Leo

The Moon in Sagittarius today is a little bit unstable, but nevertheless enthusiastic, dear Leo. Moods can be up and down, but you can also be quite spirited about possible projects. An upcoming Mercury-Saturn opposition can point to heavier thinking, criticism, or defensiveness. However, if you let your guard down a little, you can certainly learn something from different points of view, as irritating as they may be in the moment. With oppositions, we tend to experience extremes before moving toward a middle ground. The realities of an endeavor, particularly regarding feasibility and time/energy restrictions, can make themselves known now. There is nevertheless good energy for seeing solutions and gaining new insight into problem areas.

Virgo

There is a stronger desire to make improvements on the home front or within yourself today, dear Virgo. Personal matters grab your attention. While you’re not big on taking risks at the moment, it’s a time for going a little bigger in terms of ideas and possibilities for positive changes, attitudes, and organization. As we move towards a Mercury challenge, and particularly because Mercury is your ruler, there can be some touchiness, nervous tension, and defensiveness as the day advances. While responsibilities and worries can weigh heavily on you, challenges and disagreements can also set off some deeper, useful thinking that eventually leads to more clarity. You’re moving towards a better understanding of what you believe, want, and need.

Libra

There can be ups and downs today, dear Libra, but mostly optimistic and enthusiastic energy is with you. The key to keeping things on an even keel is to avoid expecting too much, too soon. There can be some good conversations and connections on one-to-one levels today. Even so, there is a tendency to disagree or find yourself at odds with someone later today with an approaching Mercury-Saturn opposition across your communications sector. Aim to take lessons from slowdowns, blocks, and even criticism. Although all of these things can be frustrating and feel unnecessary in the moment, good ideas or clarifications can come out of them.

Scorpio

You are opening your mind to possibilities today, dear Scorpio, particularly regarding money and business matters. An untapped resource can reveal itself to you in the next few days, and this can come into your life as a personal gain. There is cantankerous energy with us now, but keep in mind that people who challenge you can actually contribute something important to your life, even if they only serve to jumpstart your own thinking processes as you defend your point of view, or if you come to a firm conclusion that you were already leaning towards. Either way, more clarity can come to your own thoughts and ideas through your interactions. Try to avoid getting too caught up in who’s right and who’s wrong, enjoying the learning experience instead.

Sagittarius

Value can be found today and tomorrow in that which makes you different than others, dear Sagittarius, although there can be some frustration involved! You are not at your most decisive today, and it’s not helping much that there are a lot of options available to you. You might consider focusing on those things you truly know need your attention rather than waste too much time concerned about those things you can’t change or control right now. Be open to suggestions and recommendations for improving your life, and if they’re not forthcoming, dream up some for yourself. The Moon is reaching Full in your sign, exact tomorrow morning, and this can bring strong emotions to the surface. It can also bring you more visibility.

Capricorn

There can be a real desire to take some time for yourself today, dear Capricorn, with the Moon in your privacy sector all day. Even the strongest and most urgent of desires with you now can seem a little overdone later – such is the energy of the day. Plans or ideas might meet with resistance later today, particularly related to work, although personal matters can be involved as well, with Mercury and Saturn moving towards an opposition. Taking a step back from a problem or a small break before returning to it can help lessen “brain drain” and give you a new perspective. Discovering past errors is a real possibility now, but you can also get a chance to learn from mistakes in order to strengthen new and future efforts.

Aquarius

You can experience building enthusiasm for new projects, long-term goals, and/or friendships today, dear Aquarius. There can be some ups and downs, however, and mistakes made tend to come from overoptimism. Even so, excitement about possibilities can be good for you now. Friends can require more attention or support than usual today and tomorrow, and big ideas can be floating around. A Full Moon is approaching, and so is a Mercury-Saturn opposition. These influences can stimulate strong emotions as well as tension over differences of opinion. While others may seem a little negative or critical, they might end up nudging you towards seeing a matter in more practical terms, and this can be useful. Learning from differences should be the goal now.

Pisces

There can be excitement or enthusiasm building surrounding a long-term goal, career matter, or reputation issue now, dear Pisces. You may be learning new things and this contributes to a feeling that you’re growing and improving. Decision making, however, can be a little strained now, largely because there are so many possibilities to consider. The key to success is not necessarily to focus your energies just yet, but to gather information and take more time to arrive at conclusions. Whether you want it or not, advice or criticism can come from others now. While it can be irritating in the moment, the thinking that it stimulates can ultimately be very useful, if only to bring more clarity to your own needs and ideas.

If Today is Your Birthday: June 18

You are highly intuitive – an “old soul” who can understand people from all walks of life. Not much can get past you! Your ability to communicate articulately and, at the same time, with great warmth is admirable. You can be inconstant and contradictory at times, due to mood swings and emotional restlessness. You are respected, charming, and very fair with others.

Famous people born today: Paul McCartney, Roger Ebert, Isabella Rossellini, Carol Kane.

Your Birthday Year Forecast

Your birthday this year occurs shortly after a New Moon, suggesting a time of new beginnings and fresh energy. You are instinctively starting a new phase in your life. It’s time to give your life a makeover and to branch out into the untried.

This can be a year in which you are bolder, more assertive, and energetic. You are especially interested in setting goals and challenges for yourself this year, and taking the necessary action to meet them. You may meet or interact with others who encourage or inspire you in some way to have more confidence in yourself. Your energy levels are generally strong this year, and your sense of timing better than usual. Independent work is favored and competitive activities may also thrive this year, although you may need to tone things down at times, and learn more patience. Your passions and enthusiasm run high, and the trick is to channel this extra energy constructively.

Making new contacts through learning and mental pursuits figures strongly at this time in your life. You might find that others are more cooperative with you this year.

Even so, with Mercury in challenging aspect to Neptune in your Solar Return, some difficulties with communications are possible during this period. 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.

You take more pride in your relationships this year, and you tend to crave more activities with a partner or meaning and purpose to what you’re doing together. This can be a strong year for dedication to a particular craft, personal interest, or your work.

A Jupiter-Uranus trine in your Return chart suggests that an enterprising spirit this year can really take you places. Sudden opportunities for advancement in different areas of your life appear. At the heart of this is your ability to recognize and capitalize upon opportunities and potentials. Fortunate events occur as a direct result of your willingness to entertain the unusual and to think outside of the box. This aspect favors group activities, financial endeavors associated with groups or organizational efforts, educational pursuits, writing, publishing, speaking, and humanitarian efforts.

You can feel as if you are beginning a new chapter of your life this year, and your enterprising spirit is strong. You’re bolder and more courageous, and you’re quick to take the initiative. Be assertive rather than aggressive for best results this year. You might watch for impatience or rebelliousness, which can trip you up at times. Overlooking important details can also be a problem. It can be a good year for both independent work and partnerships. Others are more cooperative with you.

2015 is a Number Five year for you. Ruled by Mercury. This is a year of exploration and freedom. It’s a time when exploration and reaching out to others brings opportunities. It’s a good time to advertise and sell. Surprises are in store, and the routine is broken. This is a year when exciting relationships can be formed, or, if you are already in a partnership, new life is breathed into the relationship. Advice – explore, look for adventure, keep your eyes open for opportunities, mingle.

2016 will be a Number Six year for you. Ruled by Venus. This is a year of relative contentment. It is a time when love is the easiest to attract, and partnerships formed under this vibration have a better chance for longevity. You are able to attract others, and material things as well, this year. This is a good year for establishing harmony in the family and in the home. Advice – develop existing relationships, be positive and receptive because these kinds of energies help you to attract what you desire.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology