Day: March 16, 2018

Astronomy Picture of the Day for March 16th – The Seagull and the Duck 

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.

2018 March 16

The Seagull and the Duck 
Image Credit & Copyright: Raul Villaverde Fraile

 

Explanation: Seen as a seagull and a duck, these nebulae are not the only cosmic clouds to evoke images of flight. But both are winging their way across this broad celestial landscape, spanning almost 7 degrees across planet Earth’s night skytoward the constellation Canis Major. The expansive Seagull (top center) is itself composed of two major cataloged emission nebulae. Brighter NGC 2327 forms the head with the more diffuse IC 2177 as the wings and body. Impressively, the Seagull’s wingspan would correspond to about 250 light-years at the nebula’s estimated distance of 3,800 light-years. At the lower right, the Duck appears much more compact and would span only about 50 light-years given its 15,000 light-year distance estimate. Blown by energetic winds from an extremely massive, hot star near its center, the Duck nebula is cataloged as NGC 2359. Of course, the Duck’s thick body and winged appendages also lend it the slightly more dramatic popular moniker, Thor’s Helmet.

Earth Sky News for March 16th: Westward shift of Orion and all the stars

Westward shift of Orion and all the stars

By  

We always get this question at this time of year:

Orion seems to have moved and turned considerably in the last two weeks. Will Orion disappear before summer?

The answer is yes, it’ll soon disappear into the sun’s glare. And – although you might notice it more easily with this particularly bright and noticeable constellation – the fact is that, like Orion, all the stars and constellations shift westward as the seasons pass. Unless they’re in the far northern or southern sky – and so circumpolar – all stars and constellations spend some portion of each year hidden in the sun’s glare. In other words, like blooms on trees or certain flowers or even specific animals in your locale, stars have their own seasons of visibility.

Why does Orion go into the sun’s glare each year at this same time? Only because – each year, as we orbit continually around the sun – our motion in orbit brings the sun between us and Orion at this same time each year.

Of course, stars and their constellations also move westward in the course of a single night, due to Earth’s spin. Orion is no exception.

Exactly when Orion will disappear from your evening sky – into the sunset – depends on your latitude. The farther south you are, the longer you can see Orion. But for the central U.S., Orion is lost in the sun’s glare by early to mid-May (depending on how carefully you look for it).

And for all of us in the U.S., Orion is gone by the time of the summer solstice in June.

If you want to notice the westward shift of the constellations due to the passage of the seasons, be sure to watch at the same time every night. If you want to watch their westward shift throughout the night, just pull up a lawn chair and watch.

Either way, you can easily notice Orion moving steadily westward.

Bottom line: Why the constellation Orion – and all the stars – shift westward as the seasons pass.

 

DEBORAH BYRD

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. “Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers,” she says.

Published on EarthSky

 

Moon in Pisces

Moon in Pisces

 

The Moon is traveling through Pisces today. You may feel disconnected. Serve others. Listen to music. Paint a picture. Daydream.

We are not inclined to want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It’s a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

Your Current Moon Phase for March 16th is

Your Current Moon Phase for March 16th

Waning Crescent
Illumination: 1%

 

The Moon today is in a Waning Crescent phase. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this phase the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. This phase is best viewed an hour or 2 before the sunrise and can be quite beautiful if you’re willing to get up early. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Source
MoonGiant.com

Your Daily Witches Rune for March 16th is The Crossed Spears

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 Ancient Symbol Card for March 16th is The Swan

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Swan



The elegant Swan is an ideal symbol of beauty and grace. Its flowing curves and fluid movement give an ethereal air of perfection realized. The Swan’s beauty embodies the feminine (Yin) qualities of intuition and sensitivity. But The Swan does not begin life as a creature who appears to be the creation of divine inspiration. Indeed at birth The Swan is an ungainly creature that lacks any indications of the magnificent being it is destined to become. The Swan’s transformation from ordinary to extraordinary have made it an emblem of discovering the beauty and power of your true self.

As a daily card, The Swan is a reminder of the beauty, creativity and power your true self embodies. In this period it is best to let the real you rule and be known to all–to remember who you really are and what you are really about. The Swan also marks a time when your creative powers may be at their zenith.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for March 16 is Art

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

Art



Art denotes balance and harmony. The forces behind Art are those that keep us from succumbing to temptation or over-indulgence; steer us away from developing unhealthy addictions or behaviors. The Art driven Spirit avoids extremes, spreads harmony and brings opposing sides together. They find a happy, healthy median between what they want and what they need. Art provides an environment in which most will thrive, and a haven where the injured may heal, reenergize. Through Art success and contentment are found by practicing self-restraint, and using balance to create your own “shelter from the storm.”.

Your Weekend Influences for March 16 – 18

Your Weekend Influences

 

Tarot Influence

Page of Coins Reversed

Loss and overindulgence. Preoccupation with worldly possessions. Bad news may be on the horizon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Gemini Reversed

Gemini reversed denotes vacillation. Decisions are not made, because all side of the issue pull with the same strength.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Air

Air denotes freedom and the ability to transient the mundane. You may be, or may soon experience a spiritual or secular liberation.

 

Your Tarot Card of the Day for March 16th is Three of Coins

Tarot Card of the Day

Three of Coins

This suit, most often named “Coins” or “Pentacles”, is a symbol for a magical talisman that represented wealth or potential. This suit represents something supportive that is available to you — whether it be health, some kind of talent, a material or financial resource.

The Three is traditionally the card of genius. Here we usually see a master craftsman conferring with his masons on the installation of a beautiful stained-glass window in the cathedral. This designer is often likened to Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo, a multi-talented visionary who has no peers in talent or productivity.

The masterwork is being proudly showcased for future generations, as an object of personal and collective pride. On some cards, the genius is portrayed at his studio, alone and burning the midnight oil, in a creative ferment — driven to draw, paint, invent, or whatever work genius wants to bring into creation. As a subtext to the rewards of genius are the days and weeks of intense concentration it takes to solve the problems that great works entail.

Tarot.com is Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2018

If You Were Born Today, March 16

 

If You Were Born Today, March 16

You accept little at face value, and you are always looking for hidden meanings or deeper knowledge of people and circumstances in your life. You are generally very poised and charming, and you have a talent for coming up with money-making ideas and creative marketing projects. Periods of solitude are absolutely essential to your well-being, as quiet time is how you refresh yourself. You are self-motivated, perceptive, and versatile. Famous people born today: Jerry Lewis, Chuck Woolery, Isabelle Huppert, Erik Estrada, Pat Nixon, John Butler Yeats.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

The year ahead can be an ambitious time and a supportive period for reaching your goals. You might solve a long-standing problem, or capitalize upon a resource that was previously hidden.

The Moon is in its Balsamic phase in your Solar Return chart, marking this year the end of an important cycle, or stage of growth, in your life. You take more down time than usual, and this is natural, even good for you. This is a year when you are likely closing important projects or “chapters” in your life. This is an important year for reorienting yourself – discovering what you want, and identifying what you need to do in order to move forward more positively.

This is an excellent year in which to advance projects revolving around communications – writing, speaking, selling, and so forth. Your reputation may be enhanced through word of mouth. Making new contacts through learning and mental pursuits figures strongly as well.

Mercury conjunct Venus in your Solar Return chart adds charm to the way you present your ideas this year, certainly helping to smooth over differences in your personal relationships. This influence also helps you to express yourself more creatively. Even so, their square to Saturn suggests some obstacles to overcome. Getting serious about love and money can be a theme this year. The need to buckle down with your finances or with certain pleasures may be necessary. The responsibilities of partnership, love, or friendship can be magnified this year.

Bursts of creativity and energy emerge at seemingly perfect times and help you to further your goals. Healthy risk-taking is likely again this year, as you are more able to spot an opportunity when you see one. You are progressive, growth-oriented, and ready to take the initiative when the moment feels right.

This is also a fine period for expanding your connections, contacts, creative pursuits, and romantic relationships. Relationships benefit from increased generosity and goodwill. You’re more inclined than usual to indulge, shop, socialize, and enjoy yourself this year. Whether it’s a hobby, person, or pursuit, this is a good time for discovering what makes you happy.

Your energy levels run high this year, but you should watch for hasty or impetuous behavior. Remember that haste makes waste. This year is likely to be especially busy. You could be rather wilful and impassioned, and it would be best to channel excess energy into healthy physical outlets. You feel a great need for action, but if you don’t know where you’re headed, you might take the wrong turn. As long as you channel the excess energy constructively, instead of wasting your time arguing or getting yourself into conflicts with others, you can accomplish much this year.

Jupiter forms a trine to your Sun in October 2018, and you have a stronger than usual desire to improve, grow, and learn. This is a fortunate aspect that helps boost optimism and confidence, and you are able to attract fortunate circumstances into your life as a result. Problems are easier to resolve. Matters related to universities, higher education, religion, publishing, legal affairs, and/or foreign interests can be especially strong. It’s an excellent time to further your education. You are likely to enjoy a larger perspective on matters that keeps you from getting lost in details or overly frustrated by everyday stresses during the course of the month.

You may complete a major project this year. This can be an inventive time of your life that’s good for breaking out of old patterns and making powerful changes. You receive plenty of cosmic support for making big improvements or lifestyle changes. You do need to watch for impulsive moves and impatience. However, this can be a wonderful time for meeting new people or more thoroughly enjoying your current friendships.

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

2019 will be a Number Four year for you. Ruled by Uranus. This is a year of work and development. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. It’s a time to pay special attention to practical matters, and it’s not a time to be lazy or especially gregarious. Sometimes, it can be a year that feels hard, monotonous and routine, and/or lonely. Positive new relationships are often not formed in a Four personal year. However, it can be a wonderful year for building, development, and laying a solid foundation for future successes. Advice – get yourself organized, work to build your resources, keep busy

 

Source

Cafe Astrology