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 July 9

Noctilucent Clouds Tour France
Image Credit & Copyright: Simon Lericque (GAAC)

 

Explanation: Bright noctilucent or night shining clouds are not familiar sights from northern France. But these electric-blue waves coursed through skies over the small town of Wancourt in Pas-de-Calais on July 6, just before the dawn. From the edge of space, about 80 kilometers above Earth’s surface, the icy clouds still reflect sunlight even though the Sun itself is below the horizon as seen from the ground. Usually spotted at high latitudes in summer months the diaphanous apparitions are also known as polar mesospheric clouds. The seasonal clouds are understood to form as water vapor driven into the cold upper atmosphere condenses on the fine dust particles supplied by disintegrating meteors or volcanic ash. NASA’s AIM mission provides projections of the noctilucent clouds as seen from space.

Moon near Jupiter again on July 9

 

Author

The Wisdom of Buddha

It is better to travel well than to arrive.

Your Daily Influences
July 9, 2016

 

Ten of Swords
Goals may be unmet. Plans are in jeopardy. Sorrow may be felt deeply. Be kind to those in need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laguz
Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period.

 

 

 

Pisces the Fishes
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is escapist and idealistic, secretive and vague, weak-willed and easily led. This person probably relies to heavily upon you to make decisions for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:
You are at a physical peak–particularly from a sexual perspective. Enjoy the next few weeks, for they can be remarkable if you let them.

General Description:
In India and Tibet the Dorje or Thunderbolt of Jupiter, is a favourite and greatly valued talisman. It is worn to protect against magic, all spiritual evils and to bring abundance, fruitfulness, and riches. The Dorje is shaped much like a dumb bell with pointed ends, and is the symbol of power and indestructibility. It is supposed to overcome the Buddhist gods Ahi and Vrittra, the serpents, which the Buddhists believe swallow up the waters and cause drought, starvation and death; compelling the serpents to disgorge the waters, and to pour down the fertilizing showers.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Futility

Sadly sometimes our desires lead us down paths which have no end and offer us no chance of achieving the results we want. If we persist we end up like Sisyphus: forever rolling a boulder uphill only to have it roll back downhill before we ever get to the top. Futility suggest the existence of just such a situation–we are chasing a prize that will never be ours. Futility indicates a need to rethink our ambitions and direct our energies towards a goal or goals that can be attained.

As a daily card, Futility implies that you are putting energy into goals that cannot be met. It suggest the need to rethink your desires and possibly find a new goal or goals to chase.

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 Hermit

The Hermit denotes a need to have some space between you and everyday hustle and bustle of our busy world. The Hermit needs to retreat. Indeed, happiness for The Hermit requires seclusion, freedom from material wants, and time for intense introspection. The answers The Hermit needs cannot be found in our physical world. The truths he seeks are internal, spiritual, and the distraction of a well developed social life can only impede his quest for his personal truths. Still, although not anything remotely resembling extroversion, The Hermit does sometimes need to share time with others; so he can learn or teach, guide and be guided. The Hermit’s time spent amongst people depletes his energy rapidly. To avoid an overload he has to retreat from social settings quickly.

Your Odin Rune Reading for the Day

(which basically presents, Your Past, Present & Future readings)

The Past
Perthro

Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.

 

 

The Present
Hagalaz

Hagalaz is the hail Rune. It denotes chaos, destruction and disruption on a primal level. You may experience delays in moving toward your goals.

 

 

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

Your Rune For Today
Ingwaz

Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, July 10th

by Rick Levine

 

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

If Today is Your Birthday: July 9

You have a strong desire for success, yet you also have a strong sense of family and security, so that for the most part you stay grounded. You generally work well under pressure, and often appear unaffected by what is going on around you. Few know your strongly emotional nature and your sensitivity, as you tend to keep a calm and cool appearance. You are enthusiastic about new approaches, but you don’t easily abandon the traditional values that you hold dear. Famous people born today: Tom Hanks, Fred Savage, Jimmy Smits, Courtney Love, Jack White, Kelly McGillis, Toby Kebbell.

Your Birthday Year Forecast

Your birthday occurs around a Third Quarter Moon this year, and you are reaching an important turning point in terms of personal growth. You may be more emotional this year, and should watch for unnecessary conflicts and making hasty decisions as a result. Otherwise, this is a year of greater understanding and a strong desire to take care of business. This should be a busy, dynamic period in your life.

This can be an especially strong year for intuition. At times, you will have a “what will be, will be” attitude. Activities that engage the imagination and release tension are appealing and beneficial. Dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment are favored. If you are an artist, this could be an especially inspired, imaginative, and productive year. Pay attention to your gut feelings, which will, more often than not, give you valuable information. If you are involved in sales, you will be able to tune into your client’s inner desires and motivations.

Venus conjuncts Jupiter and squares Saturn in your Solar Return chart this year, affecting either your finances or romantic relationships, or possibly both areas. In these areas, you may often find that you have to make a choice in which both alternatives are desirable, but you must choose one at the expense of the other. Venus with Jupiter suggests ease, indulgence, generosity, freedom, material comforts, and an expansive love nature. Saturn asks you to be responsible, hard working, dutiful, and serious. You need to assess areas of your life that have become dysfunctional and, in the process, you may need to sacrifice a material benefit for a spiritual good (or vice versa). The urge to expand and socialize is great, but circumstances may be such that you are unable to “play” as often as you’d like. Or, you may find that extravagances in your spending have a way of catching up with you, and buckling down is necessary this year. At times, there can be very pleasing circumstances surrounding your love life, finances, and creative pursuits. You might receive financial backing or special gifts.

Pluto opposes your Sun beginning in March 2016. It’s important to choose your battles wisely, as you can very easily become drained by obsessive thoughts and possibly resentments. You are learning to reclaim your personal power through the mirror of your relationships. This transit marks a major growth period in your life in which you struggle with the buried elements of your personality and ego as you learn to accept, transform, or face them. You may be acting in a controlling, jealous, or overbearing manner which should be watched for. This comes from a deep fear of letting go and surrendering to the idea that some things cannot be directed or controlled. As this fear surfaces, your behavior may be compulsive or obsessive; or you may experience these traits through someone close to you. Either way, you are learning to detach yourself or let go of something, someone, or attitudes that are no longer serving you well. You might fear the loss of a person, a lifestyle, a job, or other significant part of your life. What you need to do is avoid turning this into a self-fulfilling prophecy. The fear itself may lead you to compulsive, suspicious, or difficult behavior; and this behavior might cost you the very thing that you hold dear. You tend to act on impulse and often don’t listen to reason–even your own! However, being aware of these tendencies can help you to overcome the negative side of this transit. This is a period for really getting to know yourself, what you’re capable of, and what you truly want from life. By the end of this transit, you’ll ideally be in a more personally powerful position, as you reclaim and fully own what you may have been giving away to others. You’re likely to feel more independent and self-aware.

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 take on a more creative approach to pursuing your desires and reaching your goals this year, and this can be an inspiration to others. This can be a strong period for learning, communicating, and new mental interests. There can be some struggles with others, particularly those in authority or people who have had an unhealthy hold on you, but ultimately you’re becoming more independent.

2015 is 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.

2016 will be a Number Seven year for you. Ruled by Neptune. This is a year of preparation, chance, and refinement. It is not a time of dramatic changes. Instead, it’s a year when reflection on the past is helpful, and when refinements to your life path should be made. It’s a good year to study and analyze. Unexpected twists to your life story and “chance” meetings are probable. Advice – take stock of your life in order to prepare for more exciting years to come, examine the past and plan for the future, get in touch with your deepest needs and uncover your personal power, don’t strain yourself or actively try to expand.

Source

Cafe Astronomy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, July 9th

 

Aries

Breaking free from the past in some manner is made a little easier today, dear Aries. Although there can be a small disappointment in a love relationship this morning, you are in a mostly positive, forward-looking mood. Service to others can grab much of your time, and you’re likely to thoroughly enjoy coming to others’ aid. You are letting go of resentments and you are more able and willing to focus on what needs changing within. Home life is fulfilling at the moment, and you may be able to hone in on difficult areas in order to make improvements. Enjoying the company of loved ones and family can figure strongly now.

Taurus

There is a tendency for you to brood or to feel slighted in the first half of the day, dear Taurus. Once past that, you’re feeling much better off not worrying about what others think and do, and are happy to pursue your own interests. While the day can get off to a somewhat unstable start, there is especially forward-looking, positive energy surrounding you later today. You may be putting more than usual energy and effort into your friendships, dating life, and new learning endeavors and interests, and there can be pleasant advances in these areas now. You can be feeling on top of things. Creative ideas emerge that can be very beneficial.

Gemini

You can experience a very pleasing sense that you’re moving forward today, dear Gemini, and adapting to changes is your forte. Flexibility and freedom in your relationships are key themes right now. While early today you may experience a small letdown with money or practical matters, as the day moves forward, you are likely to be feeling enthused about a person, an idea, or a feeling – whatever it is, you can feel especially alive and motivated. You can feel a sense of accomplishment or hopefulness in business, and in your personal life, a stronger feeling of security and connectedness. There can be a sense that you’re growing and heading in the right direction with business or family – or both. There is contentment and a feeling that you’re on top of things, particularly on financial and domestic levels.

Cancer

Your enthusiasm is building today, dear Cancer, after a possible small disappointment in the first half of the day. While there can be a feeling that a bond has lost some of its innocence, you tend to look forward to an improved and strengthened relationship. This is a good time for creative writing, applying yourself to a new interest or learning endeavor, and for short trips. It’s also a fine time for an important conversation or for resolving problems. There is warm and friendly energy in your life, and others are appreciating your point of view as well as your company.

Leo

In the first half of the day, you may need to back away from a problem temporarily in order to let your mind rest and give your intuition free rein, dear Leo. Distractions can lead to a frustrating state of absent-mindedness otherwise. As the day advances, you become more focused and positive. You are especially insightful now, and you can uncover a resource or information that benefits you greatly. You may be connecting to a special someone or to your own inner power. This is also a good day for business and money-making strategies. You might begin to see eye to eye with someone about important issues, and you feel both valued and wanted, which puts you in an intimate and giving frame of mind. Strengthening your relationships may require taking a leap of faith today.

Virgo

It may be a little difficult to count on others early today, dear Virgo, but while the morning can be a little disappointing in the relationship department, as the day advances, you are likely to enjoy happier moods, bigger thinking, and opportunities to expand your reach. Take the time to think about problems that have recently stumped or frustrated you, as there is good energy for coming to clear decisions and for finding effective solutions. A friend can provide you with a sounding board or simply a bit of feedback that helps you to come to important conclusions. You might get the chance to show off a little as a talent is put to good use. Your sense of timing is strong. Others are putting their faith in you and you’re likely to feel sociable and supported. This is a good time for getting a broader or higher perspective, taking stock, and acting upon it.

Libra

This morning, there can be a disconnect with someone or a feeling that you’re not especially appreciated, dear Libra. Wishful thinking can interfere with perceptions of value. The day’s energies, while mixed, nevertheless bring good intuition for work and money matters, particularly as the day advances. Business affairs can prosper as a result. Jupiter in your privacy sector receives a boost from the Sun, encouraging some level of alone time in order to better draw upon your intuition. You may be playing a supportive role to someone now, and this can make you feel good about yourself. Giving back is rewarding now. Moral issues may occupy your thoughts more than usual, and problems suddenly seem a little easier to solve. –

Scorpio

The morning can involve a small disappointment, change of plans, or confusing situation in a relationship, dear Scorpio. However, as the day advances, you grow increasingly more confident and focused. You are helping others or sharing with people now, and it can feel especially good. You’re naturally drawing success and resources to you. This can be a good day for feeling that you are making progress in key areas of your life. Emotionally, you can be feeling renewed. It’s a strong time for sharing ideas with others. Promotional and marketing efforts may be particularly successful now. You might be attracted to a new line of study or feel motivated to explore a topic more deeply.

Sagittarius

There can certainly be some confusion or a bit of chaos in your schedule this morning, dear Sagittarius, but as the day advances, your optimism begins to take over and outshine small problems. You have opportunities to be heard and to connect to others in happy ways now. Revealing conversations can occur today that give you a fresh new perspective on important people in your life. There could be a mystery to unveil, an interesting problem to solve, or simply some absorbing research to do that keeps you happily occupied. You can learn something of real value in the process. There can be a significant advancement enjoyed now. You are likely to feel quite comfortable in your own skin today, and this is especially the case in a close relationship. You may get feedback that boosts your ego now.

Capricorn

It can serve you well to spend much of your day around others today, dear Capricorn, even if the morning can involve some confusion surrounding relationships. It’s a good time for drawing up plans for a writing, speaking, or learning project, conversing with a special person in your life, and self-improvement efforts, particularly as the day advances. Progress and self-improvement are in focus. Close relationships and partnerships benefit greatly from sharing ideas and plans. Others tend to listen to what you have to say now. Problem solving is easier. Approach a relationship matter with willingness and openness today for best results and rewards.

Aquarius

You may be wrestling with your perceptions or with distractions in the first half of the day, dear Aquarius. However, thinking gains more positivity and focus as the day advances. In fact, you’ll find yourself in the zone, focusing on what truly matters and finding solutions to problems. If you have the opportunity to work on a budget, work project, resumé, or whatever else that can help you to advance your practical goals, do so, as you have special insight into practical affairs. You can be filled with ideas and are especially open to making changes that contribute to growth and progress. Intimate relationships can open up now, and you might come to a pleasing agreement with a partner.

Pisces

Even if there are some problems in your love life this morning, dear Pisces, this is a strong day for moving ahead with more confidence. You are not interested in doing the same things, particularly in your love life and/or in your creative life, and instead you are seeking out growth, improvement, progress, and a sense of meaning. As a result, it’s easier to accept new ideas and explore new subjects. Your energy levels are elevated, and you can be stimulated to start taking steps to fulfill a dream or goal, although you may miscalculate on a few details. A partner or love interest can inspire you to be the best you can be. There is strong energy for relationships available to you now, and you may be attracting positive people and circumstances into your life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – July 9, 2016

 

• The Moon is in Virgo all day (until Sunday, July 10th, at 4:32 AM).
• The Moon is void from 11:27 PM forward (until tomorrow at 4:32 AM).
• The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Crescent phase.
• A New Moon occurred on the 4th and a First Quarter Moon will occur on July 11th.
• Mars is direct and in its post-retrograde shadow until August 22nd.