Astronomy Picture of the Day – Sputnik Planum vs. Krun Macula

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

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

Article originally published on EarthSky

Earth Sky News for Saturday, June 18th: Moon and Saturn

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

Your Daily Witches Rune for June 18th is Man

man
manToday’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

Your Celtic Ogham Symbol for Saturday, June 18th is Gort

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.

 

 

Article published on & owned by About.com

Shuffling the Cards for Everyone Else, What Does the Future Have In Store for You on June 19

Your Pyramid Reading for Sunday, June 19th

 

 

Tomorrow’s Theme

Two of Swords

Relationships are rife with tension. Indecisiveness may be a problem. The rhythm of life is well sensed, but without direction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow’s Challenge

The Fool Reversed

This is the card of folly, indiscretion and poor choices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow’s Ally

Virgo Reversed

Virgo reversed signifies a lack of honor and settling for the superficial.

Casting the Stones, What Does June 19th, Father’s Day, Have in Store for All Our Dads?

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

We Love You, Guys!

 

bw-mannazThe 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.

 

 

bw-berkanoThe 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.

Shuffling the Cards, Your Personal Tarot Growth Reading Given On June 18th

Your Personal Tarot Growth Cards for the Upcoming Week

This reading represents influences you will need to take advantage of over the next week to weave your way through life optimally.

Justice

Justice signifies the principle that although things sometimes seem askew the Universe is ultimately fair. We may not see or understand why things happen, but most of us sense there is in fact a reason and that balance exists even when we cannot see it. Justice denotes fairness regardless of who you are. At its purest the forces embodied by Justice give us the power to see without bias, and the courage to be accountable for our actions. These powers also test our faith at times. These powers also give us the tools and strength to fight injustice in our everyday life. All we have to do is use them.

When The Emperor is among your personal cards, the influence of Justice may be increased. Having The Devil in your personal cards may diminish the influence of Justice.

The High Priestess

Completely feminine and the counterpart to The Magician, the High Priestess is the Gatekeeper of the subconscious, the unknown. She travels in worlds which most of us only glimpse in our dreams. Her realm is that of unseen truths, untapped potentials, and hidden dangers. The Calling of The High Priestess is to go beyond the obvious and visible to tap those powers which are veiled from normal vision. While she is passive by nature, she has the power to uncover unknown potential and is very aware of the infinite potential all humans harbor within them. She is also very patient. She can wait for events to blossom in their own time.

When The Hermit or Hanged Man are among your personal cards, the influence of The High Priestess may be increased. Having the Magus in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The High Priestess.

Your Daily Tarot Card for June 18th is The High Priestess

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card

The High Priestess



The completely feminine counterpart to The Magician, the High Priestess is the Gatekeeper of the subconscious, the unknown. She travels in worlds which most of us only glimpse in our dreams. Her realm is that of unseen truths, untapped potentials, and hidden dangers. The Calling of The High Priestess is to go beyond the obvious and visible to tap those powers which are veiled from normal vision. While she is passive by nature, she has the power to uncover unknown potential and is very aware of the infinite potential all humans harbor within them. She is also very patient. She can wait for events to blossom in their own time.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, June 19th

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, June 19th

 

Aries

Aries Horoscope
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

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

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

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

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

Virgo Symbol/Glyph
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

Libra Glyph-Symbol
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

Scorpio Symbol Glyph
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

Sagittarius Glyph Symbol
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

Capricorn Symbol/Glyph
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

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

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.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, June 18th

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, June 18th

 

Aries

Aries Horoscope
Aries

This can be a day in which interruptions steer you off course temporarily, dear Aries. Changes of schedule may very well lead to new ideas and positive directions, however. Timing can be off – for example, you may be passionate about something, while others may be indifferent. This can be stimulating if you aim to learn from your differences, but very frustrating if you expect to make a deeper connection. Watch for pushing yourself too hard today due to impatience to reach a goal. Pace yourself as much as possible. Mental energy also runs high for you right now, so do be careful not to say something you’ll later regret. It’s a high energy day – one in which you need to think on your feet, and fortunately you’re very equipped to do so. How you react to not getting your current desires met can define the mood of the day.

Taurus

Taurus

With rebellious Uranus in your solar twelfth house acting up today, dear Taurus, you may want to watch for provocative commentary and impatience. In some cases, somebody close to you could be insecure and acting out or bringing up uncomfortable topics. Adjustments, working with differences, making compromises, and trying to find a balance are all important strategies now, as passions run high and there is a distinct air of competitiveness around you – and within you. There can be imbalances between what you want from someone, and what they want from you, and it can be difficult to come to a clear agreement. Overreacting can stir up trouble that you don’t need. Changes of plans and distractions may very well lead to new ideas and methods.

Gemini

Gemini

As much as you’d like to today, it can be difficult to focus on your work, passions, and projects, dear Gemini. Distractions and interruptions can make it hard to concentrate. Friendships can bring surprises, and perhaps not especially pleasant ones. When it comes to a belief or idea, you might also feel quite impatient if others are not understanding or catching on. Watch for rebellious or knee-jerk reactions. Although you’re itching to make changes, consider them carefully before implementing them. Consider that you might take a detour from your usual routine that ends up lifting your spirits or teaches you something worthwhile. Changes of plans can end up working in your favor, after all.

Cancer

Cancer

Timing can be a little off today, dear Cancer. There is a rebellious, unexpected, and unreliable energy to the day. Some awkwardness expressing yourself is possible now – if timing is off with a love interest, try not to read negatively into it. Aim to learn from your differences, and eventually feel closer as a result. Private matters tend to come to light today, rather unexpectedly, but if you’d rather keep things to yourself, watch that you don’t speak ahead of yourself. The day can move more quickly than you’d like, and while you’re expected to stay on top of things, you can also take some time for yourself. Make allowances for unexpected changes and interruptions of your usual schedule, and stay as flexible as possible.

Leo

Leo

You may be on the fence about whether to stick with what or who you know, dear Leo, or to take a risk and stick your neck out. A small disagreement is a possibility now – timing is a little off. It can be difficult to feel in sync with others and in touch with your true desires temporarily. Try not to let this drain you. If you’re faced with pressures or sudden attention when you’d rather spend some time alone, gracefully bow out and seek out ways to build up emotional strength. Consciously pull your energy away from the little problems that have been taking up too much time in your brain. Uranus is strong and slightly challenging today, which can point to interruptions and unexpected changes. While these can be disorienting at times, they may very well lead to new ideas and interesting experiences.

Virgo

Virgo Symbol/Glyph
Virgo

You can be feeling quite impassioned about a project or idea today, dear Virgo, but it can be difficult to entertain it for too long, as distractions and interruptions seem to be plenty. A private attraction, relationship, or past experience can figure strongly now. Try to rise above insecurities, as you learn more when you’re not on guard. Look for ways to free yourself of guilt, overwork, or attitudes that may be holding you back from enjoying your life. Avoid the pitfalls of impulsive decision-making without first considering the consequences. Speaking too soon on a matter is something to watch for. Your ideas may be too scattered or ahead of the times to get a warm reception just for now.

Libra

Libra Glyph-Symbol
Libra

While today can be an oddly flustering day in some ways, dear Libra, changes of mind or schedule can lead to fresh new ideas and experiences. There can be sudden awakenings and insights that nudge you into a new position or stance regarding independence in relationships. Sudden infatuations or complete turnarounds of feelings can figure. Money can be a sensitive topic right now, however. Resolve to not allow off the cuff remarks or impatient people get to you. Flexibility will be your major key to success right now. Try to embrace differences and changes as opportunities for you and/or for a relationship to grow.

Scorpio

Scorpio Symbol Glyph
Scorpio

Constructive, physical outlets might help release pent-up emotions today, dear Scorpio, but it may take quite a bit of trial and error to get there. You may be dealing with defensiveness in others, making it difficult to enjoy healthy, focused conversations. Mistakes can be made in haste, and failures in communications can test your patience today. This can be especially the case with work, dealings with banks, exercise, and even regular routines. Try your best not to rush things now as hasty actions or words can lead to regret at a later date. Consider making considered changes. Change can be stressful, however, even if you’ve made the choice to make it, so reward yourself with understanding.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius Glyph Symbol
Sagittarius

You could be tempted to stir the pot today, dear Sagittarius. You may be looking for reactions and trying to gauge how others feel about you. However, the day’s energies are on the unpredictable side. Taming the desire for drama can in fact help you to better see the opportunities of the day. Absent mindedness can also be a problem today, as well as a tendency to speak too soon. Even so, many of the issues that seem to be tripping you up now are very temporary, and in fact may be pushing you into the direction of making small changes and adjustments that will truly improve your life. Relationships require more sensitivity than usual right now.

Capricorn

Capricorn Symbol/Glyph
Capricorn

There can be a competitive and restless tone to the day, dear Capricorn. We can be feeling rather desirous but might find it difficult to fulfill our needs. You may be easily sidetracked, particularly if you try to juggle work and socializing. Others may be pushing your boundaries today. Frustrations with the way you’re living your life, with work and routines, or with health can be distracting, but can ultimately stimulate you to make small but important changes and adjustments. Releasing pent-up anger should be done in ways that don’t eventually bring you or others down.

Aquarius

Aquarius

It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what others want from you today, dear Aquarius, yet they can still seem to be on your case. There is a tendency to speak too soon or too hastily – impatience is likely. Others may be interpreting rebelliousness in your communications. Frustrations may come out in small but disruptive ways if you’re not careful. There is a tendency to take things that are said and done quite personally. Be kinder to yourself by detaching yourself from irritating situations. It may be a good idea to establish your priorities and determine whether it’s best to shelf an issue so that you can come back to it when you’re feeling clearer and calmer. Changes of plans today can be irritating in the moment, but can also lead to new and improved approaches.

Pisces

Pisces

Emotions and desires can run high, temporarily clouding decision making today, dear Pisces. Blockages can frustrate and stimulate restlessness. Try not to jump to conclusions now, as they may be premature, and avoid clinging to what is familiar if this keeps you in a mental rut. Love feelings are powerful today, but satisfying them may not be straightforward. Others may have a lot to say but are not necessarily considering your viewpoint or needs just for now. It’s not an ideal time to accomplish things cooperatively. However, you are likely to discover that you’re in a good position regardless. Learning that you can handle certain things on your own can be empowering.

Your Love Horoscopes for the Weekend of June 17 – 19

 Weekend Love Horoscope

June 17-19: Tender love

Love planet Venus shifts into Cancer this Friday, changing the focus and style of romance to something more secure, emotional, and domestic. You might notice that you’re more interested in hanging around the house with your love than you are going out and painting the town red.

It’s a great weekend to spend time with each other’s family, or the family you have created together. Consider throwing a dinner party with your mate and inviting your closest friends or relatives over. If you insist on a date night, a cooking class or dinner at your favorite restaurant will work nicely. If you’re dating someone new, now is the time to introduce him or her to members of your clan.

This Weekend’s Romantic Rating*

* Heart ratings are based on the lunar cycle. They range from low to full, with low indicating a rocky weekend for romance and full indicating plenty of passionate potential.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group