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.

2017 January 9

In the Center of Spiral Galaxy NGC 5033
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Hubble, MAST – Processing: Judy Schmidt

 

Explanation: What’s happening in the center of spiral NGC 5033? Many things — some circular, some energetic, and some not well understood. NGC 5033 is known as a Seyfert galaxy because of the great activity seen in its nucleus. Bright stars, dark dust, and interstellar gas all swirl quickly around a galactic center that appears slightly offset from a supermassive black hole. This offset is thought to be the result of NGC 5033 merging with another galaxy sometime in the past billion years. The featured image was taken by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2005. NGC 5033 spans about 100,000 light years and is so far away that we see it only as it existed about 40 million years ago.

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Moon near former pole star on January 9

 

The Wisdom of Buddha

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.

Your Charm for the Upcoming Month

The Swastika Reversed

Matters of the Spiritual, Education and Dreams Will Present Themselves, the difference this time, you will have the insight to see their true meaning.

Over the next weeks and months this aspect should be one that requires little effort on your part to keep things moving forward. This is one of the few charms that has the same meaning upright or inverted.

 

History of the Swastika

This curiously shaped charm, a pre-Christian cross, has been universally popular in all countries and throughout all ages. The Ancients believed that it bestowed upon the wearer long life, great happiness, good fortune, and the best of good luck. These symbols have been found in North and South America, India and China, where they were used as religious emblems at least ten centuries B.C. and are met with on very old Buddhist coins and inscriptions. The Swastika is also called the Gammadion, from the Greek letter gamma placed together four times.

Your MahJong Tile for the Upcoming Month

Orchid
Symbol: Refinement
The Orchid tile suggests there may be rare and refined experiences coming into your life. Enjoy them!

Your Weekly Oracle

Ancestors represent that which you should be learning at this time

Ancestors represents the ongoing influence and remarkable contributions those who came before us have made to our state of being. Ancestors also reminds us that sometimes old wisdom is the best wisdom–especially when events are moving in ways we do not understand. Ancestors can bring comfort to a shaken spirit. It is a card of warmth in the sense that it reminds us that the spirit of past generations remains with us and can be called upon for guidance at any time.

The Hanged Man

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You have reached a crossroads, making it possible to clear the slate and start over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Meaning

The Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. The energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and to form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience, and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience.

In the Advice Position

Accept the consequences of your decisions. Go through it, get it over with, and free yourself up for new pursuits.

The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.

The Hanged Man advises you to surrender illusions of control. Accept that you have been overcome and deceived by your own devices. Having made your bed, you now need to lie in it. This is not a negative judgment. It’s just that sometimes there are consequences for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bad things can happen to good people. These consequences are not fatal, even if they are inconvenient — or perhaps even embarrassing.

Stop resisting your circumstances and let some time go by. Eventually, you will be released a little wiser and not much the worse for wear. You will come to realize in time how you collaborated with the problem. However, the issues you were stuck on when you were first hung up have subsided and no longer concern you. You are free to take up new endeavors. You will ultimately feel refreshed and grateful that you were derailed from your former track.

 

Get a Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, January 10th

Aries

As ambitious as you are these days, there can be many distractions preventing you from mastering all that you want to accomplish, dear Aries. Today, it may be your inner need for change that’s doing all the interfering! Watch for a tendency to challenge authority or tradition in ways that stir up trouble rather than help bring positive change. Look within for a need to make changes and answer that call, rather than simply reacting to others and circumstances. Tone down rough edges and consider ways to make changes without making so many waves. Fortunately, you become far more strategic as the day advances. You might decide to take charge of a private, past, or health matter now as you instinctively hone in on your priorities. Good energy is with you for tackling long-standing problems or work. Working anonymously or from behind the scenes can prove beneficial.

Taurus

While you’re seeking out new ideas and experiences these days, dear Taurus, there can be roadblocks along the way, mostly in the way of unmet responsibilities. Today, you may be your own worst enemy in this regard. Unresolved problems from your past or issues that were left up in the air can stand in your way. There can be surprising new information or circumstances that throw off your schedule or plans with a Sun-Uranus square coloring the first half of the day. Seek to satisfy your cravings for something different by varying your routine, learning something new, or enjoying a new activity, rather than stir up trouble or remain in limbo, doubting yourself. Later today, good energy is with you for networking and for feeling that you are part of a team. If it means giving up something for the sake of the group, be willing. Group work can be beneficial, or a friend can build your confidence or convince you to pursue your goals and desires.

Gemini

Surprises or changes in plans and moods can point to the need to adjust expectations and attitudes today, dear Gemini. If you’re feeling especially tense or restless, try to channel excess energy into worthwhile pursuits. Investigating new approaches and experimenting with new methods can satisfy an itch for doing something different and unusual. While it can seem natural to part with things or even people now, wait until you’ve thought or talked things through. There can be uneasy feelings about commitments temporarily. As well, there can be conflicting feelings as you crave intimacy and independence in equal measure. With Mars in your career and reputation sector, you’re feeling more ambitious these days, and later today, either people or
circumstances seem to work entirely in your favor. You are especially detail-oriented, and with research and analysis, you can solve a difficult problem.

Cancer

A square between the Sun and Uranus colors the first half of today with some tension and rebellious energy, dear Caner. It may be particularly challenging following all of the rules or sticking to a schedule. There can be some difficult or erratic energy in a relationship, particularly with a partner, parent, or authority figure. If a change in approach is needed, try out one now. Rigidity seems to create more resistance, so aim to be flexible. While you crave more understanding in a close relationship, if long-term goals are clashing, find ways to work around and accept this. You’re not in any mood for others telling you what to do today, but as the day advances, you see the benefits and strategic value of working with instead of against someone. You may be teaming up with a significant other to achieve a goal with great success. It’s a commitment-friendly time. Your instincts are excellent for putting your energy into activities that are likely to thrive and leave you feeling accomplished or empowered.

Leo

You may stumble upon a new way to approach an old health or work problem today, dear Leo, so try to stay positive and centered if your schedule changes abruptly. There can be difficulties concentrating with numerous things distracting you. There can be a real disdain for routine now, however, and even if you want to stick close to your plans, something can come up that changes them. New interests can distract you from the task at hand. Aim to find ways to fill your need for change, new horizons, and learning new things, but keep your routines going so that you stay grounded. The key is to find a better balance. The second half of the day has great potential to be increasingly more productive and satisfying. You are rather fearless when it comes to problem solving and might discover a solution to a problem now, or you can turn a negative situation into a positive. You are willing to make important changes and to put the necessary effort in as well. Sharing work with someone can be enjoyable and productive now.

Virgo

In the first half of the day, a Sun-Uranus influence challenges you to better understand your feelings and expectations of others, dear Virgo. The atmosphere can be a little excitable or chaotic, and it can be difficult to discern how you feel. However, Uranian energy is also useful for awakening your mind to new ways of doing things that pull you out of ruts. You might find creative inspiration right now. Expect the unexpected and avoid hanging too tightly to traditions or the past. If you can manage to work at your own pace today, take the opportunity. Consciously pull your energy away from tense situations and let go of stress, but keep an open mind to new approaches and fresh perspectives. In the second half of the day, you are in a more focused and deliberate frame of mind. There can also be very productive activities with a significant person in your life. You seek out more intensity and passion in a relationship or project, and you’re likely to find it now.

Libra

Competitive energies with family or a partner may keep you on edge in the first half of the day, dear Libra. Uranus is active today and can be a fickle and rebellious energy, but it also has the effect of awakening us to new ways of thinking and new spins on old traditions. Change can be unsettling, but if it helps us to move forward and away from bad habits, then it’s beneficial. What’s important now is to work with Uranus instead of resisting it. Think of new ways to relate to others, freshen your mind with alternative possibilities, and open your heart to change. Interruptions to your plans may set you on a detour that ends up feeling right. In the second half of the day, focus improves tremendously, and you can barrel through tasks that usually would take much longer to complete. Concentration and commitment are the keys right now. This is a great time to get a leg up on work or health routines.

Scorpio

A Sun-Uranus square aspect today suggests some unrest or interruptions of plans, dear Scorpio. However, this can inspire a new perspective on a matter and, ideally, sends you in happy new directions. A minor work or scheduling crisis may need managing. If you’ve been suppressing frustration, it might emerge suddenly. It can be difficult to be productive with scattered energy, and stress can have a way of aggravating health problems, so do what you can to center yourself and relax. Today and tomorrow as well, remember your limits and avoid over-scheduling. In the second half of the day, your confidence builds. You can successfully channel your energy into creative or productive pursuits. This can be a great time to begin a new project or to apply yourself to important works in progress. You have more influence and persuasive power than usual.

Sagittarius

The desire to stick with what’s comfortable and familiar is strong these days, dear Sagittarius, but today, there can be some wild cards that keep you on your toes. Playing it by ear is necessary. Changes in plans can stimulate new approaches and ideas, so keep an open mind. Watch for some impatience, particularly in dealings with romantic interests or friends. Also be careful with your valuables, as you are a little more inclined to lose or misplace something. Later today, you might consider getting a new project started as you have the foresight and patience for devising a long-term strategy. This is also a strong time for romantic relationships and interactions with children. Home renovations may be in focus, but reorganization may just as well be in order. Take a closer look at expenses and think in terms of what you already have and how to better use these resources.

Capricorn

With the Sun and Uranus forming a square to one another today, if you’ve been burying frustrations, they may very well emerge and disrupt things now, dear Capricorn. Family relationships can be a little tense or strained, or unexpected events in your personal life have you feeling off schedule. Try to take a break from the routine and find new ways to enjoy yourself if your current setup seems stifling. However, be sure to entertain ideas for incorporating more stimulation into these things going forward so that abrupt mood changes are less likely. Changes of plans can sometimes lead to new ways of looking at a matter, and this can be helpful even if the initial disruption annoys you. Later today, your energy reserves are strong, so you may want to take on projects that require concentration or competitive activities. You may uncover answers to complex problems.

Aquarius

This morning, there may be changes to plans to deal with, dear Aquarius, or possibly news or conversations that touch a nerve. There may also be a tendency to speak of a matter prematurely. You can be quite stubborn when it comes to doing things on your own or your own way, and this can lead to conflicts with others now. Don’t be afraid to look within for answers. Uranus is your ruler and is also known as the awakener, stimulating change. Even if disruptions seem abrupt, they offer you a chance to see yourself and your inner motives more clearly. Boredom with your routine can lead to new adventures or a bit of mischief now! Later today, focused energy and determination can help you turn around a financial or emotional matter. Satisfaction comes from a job well done. This is a great time for getting rid of excess baggage in your life, as you have a stronger ability to see what needs to be left behind.

Pisces

Through the events of the day, and possibly disruptive ones, dear Pisces, you become aware of the need to make changes to your long-term goals or approach to friendships. People may be emotionally excitable, and schedules may not be honored as the Sun and Uranus clash in the first half of the day. You can feel pressure to come up with ideas for new projects. Erratic returns on your projects can be a source of tension. Some of you may feel motivated to fix a friendship, or you may want to break free of someone’s hold on you. Address the need for change and a little more freedom, but aim to make these changes consciously rather than reacting abruptly to the limits or restrictions you may be feeling. Later today, your display of strength of character can open up opportunities to you, as others are seeing you as particularly competent. Your desire to make things happen has been strong recently with Mars in your sign, and now you benefit from the support of Pluto to make positive changes and improvements.

If Today is Your Birthday: January 9

Although you can be impatient when things are not turning out according to plan, you are very patient with people overall. Forever curious about how others “tick”, you are a natural psychologist and extremely observant. At times, you are restless and certainly thrive on change more than the typical Capricorn. You are extremely committed to what you do, however, and you can most certainly be counted on. You are able to look at the big picture, which is very comforting to others. Famous people born today: Simone de Beauvoir, Richard M. Nixon, Dave Matthews, Bob Denver, Joan Baez, Jimmy Page, Joey Lauren Adams.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

Transiting Pluto transits in conjunction with your Sun this year, marking a period in which you are re-defining your basic personality and life path. Your personal goals come up for evaluation, and you may find that you are becoming a “new” person in many ways. There may be some event that leads you to uncover a stronger “you”. Frustrations on the job or in your personal life are likely to enforce some kind of positive change. This is an extremely creative and dynamic period in your life when you should expect to make some significant changes in your life. Some struggles are more than likely as you forge a new identity and life path. Something has to change, and change it will! Your best bet is to avoid resisting change, simply because resistance tends to attract chaos. The result will be a re-worked and re-defined “you”.

Business benefits from a more creative approach, but you should be especially careful that you aren’t missing important details. This can be a year in which you are building faith and confidence in your personality, skills, and talents. You can experience a stronger desire to seek out meaning, wisdom, and mental stimulation in your life during this period. Others might frequently turn to you for guidance.

You might find that you become more goal-oriented this year, as superficial goals no longer satisfy you. You want your objectives to reflect what you’re really about, and you are likely to rid yourself of unsatisfying goals this year. You benefit from being more decisive than usual, and your ability to concentrate and focus helps you to achieve what you set out to do. A new project or goal begun this year has a good chance of being successful and long-lasting. Your sexual and physical activities tend to be more intense, passionate, and focused. It’s an excellent year in which to make a lifestyle change, as your ability to concentrate on what really matters to you is enhanced.

Venus conjunct Neptune in your Solar Return chart this year is an extremely romantic influence. This could be a year in which romance enters your life or is enhanced. The only real danger with this aspect is the tendency to be starry-eyed about your romantic and social relationships. Fresh beginnings on creative levels are likely. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality characterize the year ahead. You are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. You are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance, and gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. It can certainly be a magical time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. You should be more vigilant with money matters and watch for a tendency to glamorize your situation or relationships at times.

This can be a powerful year for friendships. You are especially concerned with being fair to one another in your relationships. You seek out balance and peace, and the platonic elements of a relationship may be emphasized now with great success. There can be a focus on sharing or blending beliefs, morals, and values; or there can be a strong focus on growing and improving through one another. This can also be a very creative, artistic time.

This can be a year in which you reassess your love relationships or friendships to determine whether they’re helping you grow or holding you back.

The year ahead is an enterprising one, particularly along creative lines. It’s also a very important period for making lifestyle changes. You meet with people who inspire you to be your best. You have much energy to pour into your pursuits, although you can be a little moody when it comes to motivation for your projects – you need to feel inspired for the energy to flow well. Your ability to pace yourself leads to greater happiness and health. There is more intensity in your approach to your projects. Ambition increases.

 

2017 is a Number Two year for you. Ruled by the Moon. This is a year of potential companionship. It is a quiet, gentle, and mostly harmonious year that is less active than other years. Instead, you are more responsive to the needs of others. If you are patient and open yourself up in a gentle manner, you will attract both things and people. This is an excellent year in which to build and develop for the future. Advice – be patient, be receptive, enjoy the peace, collect.

2018 will be a Number Three year for you. Ruled by Jupiter. This is a year of sociability. It is a friendly time when it is easy to enjoy life and other people. Focus is on personal freedom, reaching out to others, making new friends, and exploration. You are more enthusiastic and ready for adventure. It is likely to be a rather lighthearted year when opportunities for “play” time are greater than usual. It’s also a good year for expressing your creativity. Advice – reach out, but avoid scattering your energies.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

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Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, January 9th

 

Aries 

Today’s energies favor pleasant conversations and cooperation, dear Aries. There can be a rather sudden awareness that you need some time to yourself, and while you’re especially motivated to get things done, don’t ignore your need for down time. We are approaching a Mercury station, which can bring some challenges when it comes to being understood, but later today, the general intent is positive and cooperative, so it’s important to pay more attention to gestures than specific words chosen to express ourselves. There can be a pleasant feeling of devotion to a person, fantasy, or the idea of love today, and this can inspire creative works or ideas.

Taurus

While the first half of the day can be somewhat temperamental, dear Taurus, there is generally good energy for warm, affectionate conversations and overtures. Surprising news may be part of it. There is particularly nice energy for combining friends and family or home life in pleasing ways, and for having an especially positive faith in the people you care about and domestic matters in general. You are more idealistic than usual, and happily, most people around you are unlikely to burst your bubble. Happiness is natural and easy, as it’s coming from within.

Gemini

Life can be hectic in many ways today, dear Gemini, and you can find some obstacles to your personal plans, but fortunately your mood is surprisingly peaceful at heart now so that you are far more tolerant of problems. A warm communication might occur now that boosts your spirits and makes you feel understood or cared for. Your sensitivities are heightened now, and you can be especially creative in your work or projects. Artistic achievement is favored. Mercury is approaching a direct station in your sign, so that it’s important to take more time to digest events and ideas in the coming few days.

Cancer

Tensions in the first half of the day are very likely to be resolved, and quite satisfyingly at that, in the second half, dear Cancer. This morning, you may be wrestling with restlessness and unsure of where to direct your energy. Don’t allow restlessness to rule you or to choose your mood for you. As the day advances, you can find very creative ways to satisfy a desire for safety and comfort, as well as the need to feel more adventurous and experience different things. There is good energy for making, spending, or sorting out money, taking care of valuables, as well as for a feeling of abundance.

Leo

If you’ve been ignoring your needs for deep connections, intimacy, or time to yourself recently, you’ll feel the imbalance today, dear Leo. As much as you enjoy and benefit from friendly interactions, emotionally you’re craving a little more. As the day progresses, you’re likely to come to peace with someone, and also with yourself, as your emotions smooth out. In fact, you are able to find creative ways to express your feelings and to connect with others. There may be compliments or other shows of appreciation coming your way. You might attract an admirer.

Virgo

If you’ve been too busy to really spend time with a significant other or friend recently, dear Virgo, today you’ll feel the lack and you are likely to be quite anxious to make things right. It’s not easy to find that balance, however, as you can be pulled in different directions. It may be difficult to understand a partner or a job requirement, as messages you are receiving are unclear and conflicting right now. As the day advances, though, life remains busy but you’re more likely to let go of the tendency to overthink. There is very good energy for finding creative ways to satisfy your various needs and spend time with others. You can be especially gracious, and a partner or special person can be especially comforting and accepting.

Libra

Today and the next few days can be somewhat challenging if you’re looking for clear facts or conversations, dear Libra, with Mercury approaching a direct station. However, today is wonderful for imagination, and if you pay closer attention to the intentions of the messages you’re receiving, you’ll find people are really quite cooperative. Avoid premature decisions, but enjoy the opportunities of the day, as you’re likely to get quite close to a friend or associate. While the morning can present a conundrum involving responsibilities, as the day progresses, you can find wonderful ways to satisfy your need to set things straight and tend to work, as well as your desire to socialize and network.

Scorpio

There can be some tension that results from a conflict between your will and your emotions with a Last Quarter Moon occurring just before noon today, dear Scorpio. Today and in the next few days, try to give in to the idea that you won’t get the whole picture now, and let go. Matters will reveal themselves to you soon, and you don’t have to push anything. This can be a real load off your back! As the day advances, the pace is likely quite busy, but more pleasantly so. There is very creative energy that ties your sector of romance and entertainment with your sector of career and responsibility. You may feel freer to express yourself through your work, or your more playful side to others.

Sagittarius 

If emotions are being released in spurts, or if you are not expressing yourself confidently, then your outbursts may be confusing to others, dear Sagittarius. Although we’re often encouraged to express our feelings, it’s sometimes kinder to ourselves and others if we sort out some of the less evolved ones on our own before releasing them. The Last Quarter Moon this morning can stimulate a strong need for comfort and groundedness, but others are also drawing you out, so you’ll have to find a balance. As the day advances, though, there is better energy for finding comfortable solutions, particularly as you may be able to satisfy the desire for familiarity as well as adventure in creative ways. A nice message or conversation can take place that puts you right at ease.

Capricorn

Responsibilities to others or to your work can seem to clash with a sudden and strong need to explore your own interests or have an overdue conversation, dear Capricorn. While you can have a bit of a struggle trying to juggle too many activities, you’re also likely to find creative ways to tend to a variety of needs by combining them or adjusting your expectations of each. There can be a very lovely, accepting, and healing conversation or discovery of a more intimate or personal nature today. Diplomacy can help an important sale or advance today.

Aquarius

Relationships may be a little puzzling in the first half of the day, dear Aquarius. Your feelings may not be see-sawing, but your fears or worries may very well be. Money matters may also be an issue or cause for some concern. Even so, there is powerful energy for finding creative ways to satisfy a variety of seemingly conflicting needs. You can find ways to take risks or to enjoy yourself that don’t leave you feeling spent or overly indulgent. There is also beautiful energy for coming to an understanding with a partner or significant person. This can be due to a sense of shared values or respect for differing ones. There is more acceptance in the energy of the day that becomes you. This is a strong time generally for personal appeal and solutions to relating problems that are much more than just cosmetic.

Pisces

People are especially amenable today, dear Pisces, and health or work can be pleasing. You are able to relax sufficiently to let your guard down. You are seeing more beauty in family, work, or simply circumstances around you, and life through this “lens” is more entertaining. You are imaginative by nature, but today this is enhanced, and can be in full force when it comes to finding different ways to enjoy your daily life. It’s a wonderful time to beautify your surroundings. It’s also a strong day for personal appeal.