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 August 25

Closest Star has Potentially Habitable Planet
Image Credit & License: Y. Beletsky (LCO), ESO, Pale Red Dot Team

Explanation: The star closest to the Sun has a planet similar to the Earth. As announced yesterday, recent observations confirmed that this planet not only exists but inhabits a zone where its surface temperature could allow liquid water, a key ingredient for life on Earth. It is not yet known if this planet, Proxima b, has any life. Even if not, its potential ability to sustain liquid water might make it a good first hop for humanity’s future trips out into the Milky Way Galaxy. Although the planet’s parent star, Proxima Centauri, is cooler and redder than our Sun, one of the other two stars in the Alpha Centauri star system is very similar to our Sun. The featured image shows the sky location of Proxima Centauri in southern skies behind the telescope that made many of the discovery observations: ESO’s 3.6-meter telescope in La Silla, Chile. The discovered planet orbits close in — so close one year there takes only 11 days on Earth. The planet was discovered by theESO’s Pale Red Dot collaboration. Although seemingly unlikely, if Proxima b does have intelligent life, at 4.25 light years distance it is close enough to Earth for two-way communication.

Constellation Cepheus looks like a house

 

The Wisdom of Buddha

You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
You will find you have within you the ability to resolve all conflicts and disagreements with regard to this aspect. You will find an eloquence you did not realize before.

General Description:
The staff of Mercury was given to him by Apollo in exchange for the lyre. The rod was endowed with the remarkable power of deciding all quarrels and bestowing wonderful eloquence upon its possessor. Mercury proved this when he saw two serpents fighting. Placing the rod between them and using his eloquence he reconciled the serpents, who then embraced each other, and becoming attached to the rod formed the caduceus. The pine cone is credited with health giving power, and the wings symbolize speed and the flight of thoughts between friends. This ancient talisman was supposed to be a charm fo prosperity, rendering its possessor healthy, wealthy and wise.

Daily Witches Rune

The Wave

Meaning: This rune symbolizes your friends and family and their influence upon you. Its meaning is usually derived from the other stones closest to it. This rune is also associated with travel. A journey abroad is indicated especially if the Sun rune is nearby, but a journey for someone close to you if the Moon stone is closest. If it is near to the Rings it foretells a holiday or long distance relationship.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Journey

While physical travel may be involved, The Journey represents an individual’s spiritual trek from one point to another. The Journey is represented by a sailboat gliding across an open sea. Like those traversing the ocean The Journey requires that we move off the firm ground of our present state and strike out for a new destination. The trip itself may well be full of adventure and challenges. There may be times when we lose sight of where we came from and possibly not even know where we’re going. Storms may crop up without warning. Diversions may slow our progress to our destination down. While it’s good to have an idea of where you want to go, it’s equally important to remember that often it’s the getting there and not the destination that is the most rewarding. To take such a spiritual voyage takes courage and conviction that direction in which your are moving is right for you.

As a daily card, The Journey indicates a time in which you are likely to derive insight and spiritual growth by moving off your everyday path. Although the time span is short, this movement may have a profound and enduring effect on your life. Indeed you may be on the verge of experiencing a revelation, or enjoying a period of self actualization. Be open to new paths and you may well end up with some very positive changes in your life.

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, August 26th

by Rick Levine

 

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

©Tarot.com 2016. All rights reserved.

If Today is Your Birthday: August 25

Your clever mind, warm approach, and strength of character are traits that naturally put you into a position of quiet leadership. You are articulate and make an engaging conversationalist, and you especially love to talk with people. Your curiosity is powerful. You pick up and analyze the details of any given situation, and you need to know. As logical and analytical as you are, you nevertheless have powerful intuition, which you tend to develop more strongly as you mature – it takes experience to learn to trust it. You are a natural teacher, not because you want to prove what you know, but rather because you have a true love of knowledge and wisdom. You gravitate towards romantic partners who reflect dynamism, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. You are very idealistic in love. Famous people born today: Leonard Bernstein, Sean Connery, Gene Simmons, Elvis Costello, Billy Ray Cyrus, Claudia Schiffer, Blake Lively, Alexander Skarsgard, Rachel Bilson, Tim Burton.

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.

You have good artistic sensitivity this year, and you are especially candid and enthusiastic, which endears you to others.

Your ability to express yourself and to solve problems is enhanced. You may have opportunities to travel this year, and matters related to publishing, teaching, and writing should go especially well. You may find that you have the right information at the right time this year. You could also have big ideas and plans. Work, especially in communications, goes well. You are able to visualize in broader terms and see the “big picture” now. Your optimism can help you to attract positive circumstances into your life. You are especially enthusiastic about your ideas, and expressing yourself comes easily. Public relations and negotiations tend to run especially smoothly. This is a time for making long-range plans, seeing the big picture, and thinking about what is really important to you in the long run.

There can be significant involvement in publishing, television, or other areas where sharing ideas with large groups is a theme.

Pleasing circumstances surrounding your love life, finances, and creative pursuits are in store this year. You are generous, and others return the favor. You might receive financial backing or special gifts in the period ahead. You seek a little more from your love life and you are likely to receive it. Some of you could fall in love this year, or existing relationships are enhanced. Adventure-seeking is a theme.

With Mars conjunct Saturn in your Solar Return chart, you are more determined and hard-working than usual. This is an excellent time to get organized and to stick with projects through to the end. When you face obstacles to your goals, which is a likely scenario this year, you are likely to just keep on pushing. Progress may be slow, but it’s steady and solid. What you accomplish now will benefit you for years to come. You may be called to task for a responsibility that you’ve avoided in the past.

You are likely to attract growth-oriented relationships into your life. Your powers of negotiation are very strong.

Cooperation is a theme in your life this year. This can be a strong period for new interests, learning, and communications. You are better able to come to a good balance in attitude this year, and many life departments can benefit. You are more patient and willing to use strategy in your financial and romantic life. You’re in an exceptionally strong position for taking advantage of new opportunities while keeping your feet on the ground.

 

2016 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.

2017 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.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, August 25th

 

Aries

If there were road signs for your life, you’d be reaching one that reads “slow down” today, dear Aries. You will be most successful if you examine whether your actions have real meaning, as this gives you a purpose and a direction. Now is a better time for service to others than for self-seeking efforts. However, don’t take this too far – watch for con artists and impractical schemes today. When it comes to educational or transportation matters, there can be some confusion. Just for today, it’s better to work on projects that are already underway or in progress than beginning anew.

Taurus

While the Moon in your resources sector points to some stable energy now, dear Taurus, as the day progresses, there can be irritability as plans seem to be thwarted. Perhaps you didn’t notice something going awry or there could be someone who isn’t being completely honest with you. Even if others are questioning your motives or plans – or you theirs – it’s a time for listening to your heart and recognizing what you truly want. It can take some trial and error to get there, but it may very well be worth it. The day is best used for slowing down and realigning yourself rather than trying to push for something to go your way.

Gemini

A potentially challenging day is in store if you allow your heightened sensitivity rule, dear Gemini. Make a conscious effort to avoid focusing your attention on negative issues or small flaws now. Work matters can feel draining, and tasks that normally wouldn’t get to you might now seem far more challenging to complete. It can be difficult to see partnership, professional, and public matters clearly. You might feel that someone is pushing you towards a goal that doesn’t quite suit you, or that whoever you try to please, you just can’t seem to get anywhere. Try to use your imagination in constructive ways today and avoid going along with plans that don’t sit completely right with you.

Cancer

The inclination today is to pull back a little from situations or people who seem to demand too much of your time or energy today, dear Cancer. Rest is certainly appropriate today, but you may also need to make sure you handle at least some of your chores. Tasks that require concentration, focus, or deliberate, direct action can suffer today. If possible, apply your energy to more creative, inspirational, or spiritual efforts. You can be longing to get away, as the escapist in you is alive and well right now. Duplicity is possible in your dealings with others, but the tendency to deceive yourself runs high as well – you may be seeing things in terms of wishful thinking. Your body may be especially sensitive to allergens, drugs, or harmful elements in the environment. Find ways to de-stress and detoxify.

Leo

With Mars in your solar fifth house these days, dear Leo, there is more dynamism in your creative and romantic life. However, Mars aligned with Saturn yesterday, slowing you right down and alerting you to possible obstacles in your way. Now, Mars is challenged as it forms a square with Neptune, and conflicts with love interests can emerge but they can be very hard to define. Tensions regarding shared resources or finances with a partner (or ex-partner) can be part of the picture, as you’re inclined to become frustrated with an imbalance of power or matters of give and take. On a physical level, be gentle with yourself. Artistically, this can be a fertile period, however, but attempts to box yourself in or follow rules may no longer be viable.

Virgo

Although the energies of yesterday asked you to be mature and deliberate, dear Virgo, you may need to deconstruct things before you can make real sense of them today. As the day moves ahead, interactions with people – and outside world generally speaking – can be draining and confusing. There can be misunderstandings, or attempts to get things done that fizzle out. As much as you’d like to know what’s ahead, you may feel confused and in the dark for now. It’s better to help others out only if you truly want to, not for any other reason. Dealing with routine matters can be tricky. Your perceptions of a significant person can be way off, swinging to extremes. Try not to take concrete steps towards new endeavors now, and instead, work on gathering your strength.

Libra

Yesterday required a practical mindset, dear Libra, but there is a decidedly impractical, ungrounded energy to today, particularly as it progresses. Worry about things that you can’t control and letting your imagination run to negative scenarios of what might happen are tendencies today but are entirely not productive. Keep your wits about you. Don’t try to push or rush something that will take time to unfold. Transportation and communication can be unreliable. You’re unlikely to know where you stand with others, and emotions can be up and down if you let other people control your happiness. People may be deceiving you, or you could be fooling yourself with wishful thinking. Try to let go of the need to know and consider that sometimes not knowing is just fine.

Scorpio

While yesterday’s energies emphasized the need for order, definition, and structure, dear Scorpio, you could feel increasingly lost or in the dark today. This is not a day for pushing anyone or anything. The universe is giving you a message to slow down and to build your patience. Others might be irritated or frustrated, and so might you! However, you have a slightly better chance than many signs to model “go with the flow” energy today. Watch for unnecessary purchases, or on the other end of the spectrum, excessive worry about money. Personal plans are not likely to take off now, and it would be wise to simply wait for another day to push them forward. Past neglect of your resources can catch up to you. Mixing love and money can be regrettable, and gambling is unlikely to pay off. Be conservative.

Sagittarius

Mars in your sign stimulates all sorts of enthusiasm and energy for starting new things and for handling those projects that are already in progress with vigor, dear Sagittarius. However, today Mars squares Neptune, and this can have the effect of stopping you right in your tracks, likely due to confusion or doubt. Alternatively, it may lead you astray, chasing a dream that is out of reach. You might not know where to begin, or where to channel your energy, and you could end up spinning your wheels. Take this as a sign to slow down long enough to catch your bearings. As well, this is a time for visualizing what you truly want before making your next move. Projects that have less significance in your life may need to be put aside now.

Capricorn

Mars in your privacy sector squares hazy Neptune today, dear Capricorn. Your vision is clouded just for the moment. It can be very unclear what you want, or if you know what it is you want, how to go after your goals. Confrontation with reality these days can tone your enthusiasm down a tad. It’s not the time to jump to any conclusions or to sign on the dotted line. Guilt about the past can interfere with the present, and others might even be trying to make you feel guilty. Keep in mind that what’s most important is making yourself happy. Try to schedule undemanding activities today as much as possible.

Aquarius

You may be feeling a little out of sync today, dear Aquarius, as timing can be off. The tendency is to focus on matters that turn out to be a waste of time and effort, and in some cases, this is a form of procrastination. You may not be seeing the value of material things very clearly at the moment, so you should probably make big purchases at a better time. Mixing friends and business or money is not advised. Watch also for contributing so much to a group effort that you feel resentful and even taken advantage of. Draw boundaries if need be, although a better strategy today may be to observe and intuit rather than take hard action.

Pisces

There can be some problems staying focused today, dear Pisces, particularly as the day progresses. You may need to temporarily let go of an idea or back off from a problem in order to understand it better. However, you can begin to feel drained and depleted of energy. You may feel less than effective, and not especially strong. Your desires can be unusual or otherwise difficult to fulfill. You are not as practical as usual. It can be challenging to know what your next move should be, so if you can, take extra time for yourself if going with the flow is not comfortable. New business ventures may look better right now than they actually are. Watch for doing all the work and others grabbing the credit.