A mother and baby camel are talking one day when the baby camel asks, “Mom why have I got these huge three-toed feet?” The mother replies, “Well son, when we trek across the desert your toes will help you to stay on top of the soft sand”. “OK” said the son.
A few minutes later the son asks, “Mom, why have I got these great long eyelashes?” “They are there to keep the sand out of your eyes on the trips through the desert”, “Thanks Mom” replies the son. After a short while, the son returns and asks, “Mom, why have I got these great big humps on my back?” The mother, now a little impatient with the boy replies, “They are there to help us store fat for our long treks across the desert, so we can go without water for long periods.”
“That’s great mom, so we have huge feet to stop us sinking, and long eyelashes to keep the sand from our eyes and these humps to store water, but Mom …” “Yes son?” “Why the heck are we in the San Diego zoo?”
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 April 7
Wolf-Lundmark-Melotte
Image Credit: ESO, VST/Omegacam Local Group Survey
Explanation: Named for the three astronomers instrumental in its discovery and identification, Wolf – Lundmark – Melotte (WLM) is a lonely dwarf galaxy. Seen toward the mostly southern constellation Cetus, about 3 million light-years from the Milky Way, it is one of the most remote members of our local galaxy group. In fact, it may never have interacted with any other local group galaxy. Still, telltale pinkish star forming regions and hot, young, bluish stars speckle the isolated island universe. Older, cool yellowish stars fade into the small galaxy’s halo, extending about 8,000 light-years across. This sharp portrait of WLM was captured by the 268-megapixel OmegaCAM widefield imager and survey telescope at ESO’s Paranal Observatory.
The new moon of April 7, 2016, is the closest new moon of the year. It turns new some six hours before reaching perigee – the moon’s closest point to Earth in this monthly orbit. The April 7 moon counts as a supermoon despite the fact that we won’t see the moon in our sky. In fact, when you see the sun on April 7, think of the moon, too. It’ll be between us and the sun – but not exactly between – crossing the sky with the sun throughout the day.
Wait, you say? Supermoon? But the moon isn’t anywhere near full on this date!
That’s right. This isn’t a full supermoon. It’s a new supermoon. In fact, the new moons on March 9, April 7 and May 6 all qualify as supermoons.
There are six supermoons in 2016, but this April new moon ranks as the second-closest supermoon of the year, after the November 14 full moon supermoon. Some two weeks from now, on April 22, the full moon will closely align with apogee – the moon’s most distant point – to stage the smallest and farthest full moon of 2016. This sort of full moon is sometimes called a micro-moon or mini-moon.
What is a supermoon? The term supermoon didn’t come from astronomy. We used to call these moons perigee new moons or perigee full moons. Perigee means near Earth. An astrologer, Richard Nolle, is credited with coining the term supermoon. He defines them as:
. . . a new or full moon which occurs with the moon at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth.
By this definition, a new moon or full moon has to come within 361,524 kilometers (224,641 miles) of our planet, as measured from the centers of the moon and Earth, in order to be a supermoon.
It’s a very generous definition, and it’s why supermoons are common in popular culture. According to Nolle’s definition, the year 2016 gives us a total of six supermoons: the new moons of March, April and May, and the full moons of October, November and December.
What time is the April 7 new moon? How close to perigee? The April 7 moon is new at 11:24UTC. Lunar perigee – the moon’s nearest point to Earth for the month – happens about 6 hours after new moon, on April 7, at 17:36 UTC. The March 9 and May 7 new moons also qualify as supermoons, although these new moons don’t coincide as closely with lunar perigee as the April 7 new moon.
The March 9 new moon occurred at 1:54 UTC. Lunar perigee – the moon’s nearest point to Earth for the month – happened about 1 day and 5 hours after new moon, on March 10, at 7:02 UTC.
The May new moon will come on May 6 at 19:30 UTC, or about 15 hours after reaching lunar perigee (May 6, at 4:14 UTC).
Spring tides accompany April 2016’s supermoon. Will the tides be larger than usual at the March, April and May new moons? Yes, all new moons (and full moons) combine with the sun to create larger-than-usual tides, but perigee new moons (or perigee full moons) elevate the tides even more.
Each month, on the day of the new moon, the Earth, moon and sun are aligned, with the moon in between. This line-up creates wide-ranging tides, known as spring tides. High spring tides climb up especially high, and on the same day low tides plunge especially low.
The April 7 extra-close new moon will accentuate the spring tide, giving rise to what’s called aperigean spring tide. If you live along an ocean coastline, watch for high tides caused by the March, April and May 2016 new moons – or supermoons.
Will these high tides cause flooding? Probably not, unless a strong weather system accompanies the perigean spring tide. Still, keep an eye on the weather, because storms do have a large potential to accentuate perigean spring tides.
Can I see the April 7 supermoon? Don’t expect to see the new moon on April 7. At the vicinity of new moon, the moon generally hides in the glare of the sun all day long, pretty much rising with the sun at sunrise and setting with the sun at sunset. On the other hand, if you were on the moon looking at Earth, you’d see a full Earth.
What is the closest supermoon of 2016? As we said above, the year 2016 will have six supermoons: the new moons of March, April and May, and the full moons of October, November and December.
The full moon on November 2016 presents the closest supermoon of the year (356,509 kilometers or 221,524 miles).
This year, in 2016, the March 9 supermoon featured the first eclipse of 2016.
Last year, in 2015, the September 28 supermoon presented the final eclipse of 2015 – and the fourth total lunar eclipse of a lunar tetrad – also known as a Blood Moon.
Farthest full moon of 2016 on April 22. One fortnight (approximately two weeks) after the year’s nearest new moon on April 7, it’ll be the year’s farthest and smallest full moon on April 22, 2016. People are calling this sort of moon a micro moon.
Bottom line: The April 7, 2016, moon counts as a supermoon because it’s new and near Earth. No, you won’t see this moon, because the new moon hides in the glare of the sun, but you might discern the higher-than-usual tides along the ocean shorelines.
Bruce McClure is the chief writer for the popular EarthSky Tonight pages. Since joining EarthSky in 2004, he has written thousands of astronomy articles, enjoyed here by millions. He also writes, gives planetarium shows and hosts a wide assortment of public astronomy programs in and around his home in upstate New York. If you ask an astronomy question on our site, it’s likely to be Bruce that answers it. His love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, and he has sailed the North Atlantic, earning his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. Bruce is also a sundial aficionado. He says his number one passion – besides his wife Alice – is stargazing.
Article published on EarthSky
The Hanged Man Reversed
The card of false prophecy and time wasted. The reversed Hanged Man represents a preoccupation with the worldly and wasted energy.
Ingwaz
Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.
The Tau Cross
A journey that you or someone close to you must make will have a positive influence on this aspect. This trip may be over a great distance.
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.
Today’s 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.
General Description:
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.
One/Six
Now is a time for you to “sew up lose ends”. It will benefit you to finish any projects you have avoided completing, so you can move on to new and more fulfilling ventures.
The Golden Egg denotes the opportunity for substantial material gains. However, the Golden Egg is also a reminder that unmanaged greed ensures what gains are made will be lost.
As a daily card, The Golden Egg suggest that the prospects for you to increase your financial wealth are very strong today. Seize whatever opportunities come your way, but don’t ride them too long or you may find yourself no better off than you were before they came along.
Witches Rune for the Day
The Blank Rune
Meaning: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances
Like The Sun, The Universe brings good blessings. The Universe appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The Universe promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The Universe suggests you have found or will find your place in the scheme of things—that place where all is as it should be.
This is a very simple five Rune cast used to explore your personality.
Where You Are In Life
Sowilo
The Sun Rune, denotes power and strength. That which you want may be attained. Sowilo also denotes mental clarity and added warmth to your relationships.
Your Primary Thoughts
Raidho
Raidho may mark the coming of a physical or spiritual journey. Whichever the case, changes in your life are soon to come. Spiritual or material goals may be attained.
What You Desire
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.
Your Goals
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.
Your Future Deeds
Thurisaz
Thurisaz embodies the polarity of life and death and the struggle to keep them in balance. Expect conflict, hardship and obstacles, but be assured that remaining focused and in touch with your inner strengths will see you through whatever comes your way. This Rune may also represent protection from your enemies, which is never a bad thing.
April 7th, 2016
______________________
| Summary: Seek counsel from someone you trust. He will assist you through your difficulties. |
| Line One of Your Hexagram is a 6: Be cautious and do not take action before the time is right. |
| Line Two of Your Hexagram is a 6: Remain true to yourself and principles even in the face of adversity. |
| Line Three of Your Hexagram is a 9: Bad times will pass. |
| Line Four of Your Hexagram is a 6: Do not play the martyr. Ask for help when you feel overwhelmed. |
| Line Five of Your Hexagram is a 9: Do not be afraid to ask for help. |
| Line Six of Your Hexagram is a 6: Only assistance from those you trust will see you through. Do not act before you are prepared. |
This reading focuses on your ambitions and dreams.
The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man is the most enigmatic card of the Tarot. Even Tarot giants like Waite, Crowley and Levi had trouble deciphering The Hanged Man’s true meaning. Generally The Hanged Man is thought to represent the value of surrender and selfless acts. The Hanged Man embodies the notion that sometimes to lose is to win. Unlike the aggressive Chariot, The Hanged Man creates his fate through inaction and accepts his fortune passively, without resistance. He does not struggle to control the path his life takes, but rather allows events to sweep him where they will, even if he is called upon to sacrifice himself. He is so at ease with the Fate the Universe chose for him that even hanging upside down from a tree does not ruffle his inner peace.
When The High Priestess or Strength is among your personal cards, the influence of The Hanged Man may be increased. Having The Magus or Chariot in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Hanged Man.
The Empress
The Empress is “The Earth Mother” of the Tarot. She embodies all that is nurturing, clean and wholesome. Her powers resonate from her drive to create and care for life on a grand scale. She is in tune with Nature’s rhythm and realizes that life’s most pleasurable moments often stem from the simplest things. She is not afraid to enjoy herself–to let loose—to the point of being lavish. Abundance and luxury are important to her. The Empress is completely comfortable with her femininity and her sexuality. She is sensual, earthy, generous, and likes the good life. Still, her driving force is a need to create and nurture, and fulfilling this need overrides everything else.
When The Lover or The Star are among your personal cards, the influence of The Empress may be increased. Having the Emperor or Death in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Empress.
The Emperor is blessed with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order and provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t careful not to over use his powers he may well become a tyrant.
Aries
Your emotions are stabilizing after some rather high-energy days, dear Aries, and you can benefit from centering yourself and feeling more grounded. The Moon moves out of your sign and into Taurus, and while you may need to adjust to the change of pace, it’s a fine time to get your bearings. This is a good day for attending to chores step by step. While you’re very independent-minded these days, you’re fully capable of working well with others. Intuition also seems to be serving you well, which can help now and in the next few days, which together can be considered one of the stronger opportunity periods of the month.
Taurus
Much has been going on behind the scenes and in your inner world in recent days with quite a bit of planetary attention to your privacy sector, dear Taurus. You may have been making some sacrifices for others and putting your own needs on a shelf in the process. Today, you’re ready to focus on your emotional needs and perhaps ask for what you want. You may be feeling stronger about a romantic relationship or friendship now. You can be especially productive and positive today with a sense of a higher mission, and motivation is easy to find. The general pace of the day suits yours with the Moon’s move into Taurus very early into the day.
Gemini
In the past few days, dear Gemini, you may have been looking hopefully to the future and feeling a nice sense of moving forward. However, today, you can find yourself reviewing the past once again. As long as you don’t feel stuck there, you can do some important work taking care of loose ends and closing important chapters in your life. Friends can be supportive at times these days, but also a little unreliable, and this can be especially obvious this week. Find ways to enjoy the good times and avoid taking things personally when things are not as pleasant. Be sure to take time out for emotional recharging with the Moon now in your privacy sector until early Sunday.
Cancer
The Moon moves out of your career sector and into your social sector early today, dear Cancer, and you are drawn to more relaxed and less pressured experiences. Some of you have been quite wound up the past few days, and it’s time for slowing down just a little to catch your breath. You’re likely to enjoy friends and time to daydream today. Keeping an open mind and your options open can invite positive, interesting experiences. Today’s atmosphere is mostly cooperative. As long as you allow yourself to go with the flow instead of trying to push the pace, you’ll be in a great emotional place now.
Leo
With the Moon’s move into your solar sector of reputation and accountability early into the day, dear Leo, you may be more focused on responsibilities and long-term goals. Your ambitions are stimulated. Today can feel as if it’s moving more slowly than it has been, but instead of concerning yourself with the speed with which you are going, concentrate on what needs to be done right now. This will free you up for bigger adventures later. Money matters can be taking on a little more meaning to you these days, as money is not only about security but also about freedom, which can be a motivating force right now.
Virgo
With the Moon’s move into your sector of spirit and adventure early today, dear Virgo, you can be feeling a need for a breath of fresh air. You might also be a little more outgoing, optimistic, and forward-looking than you have been in recent days. You can feel motivated to be your best as others seem to be really putting their faith in you.The day is strong for a sense of adventure and connection, but perhaps more importantly, for giving your mind a break from over-analyzing. It’s not the best day for focusing on details or routines, but if you can’t escape these things, you can still feel inspired with where your mind and emotions take you.
Libra
With the Moon’s move into your solar eighth house early today, dear Libra, you have a stronger desire to get to the root of problems and you have much to discover by looking below the surface of things. However, it’s important not to rush a financial or intimate matter, as you’re inclined to do right now. In fact, today is strong for slowing down and pacing yourself, and you’ll find that things fall into place if you do so. With some research and an eye out for untruths, you can uncover some important information or solve a problem that previously stumped you. It’s also a good time to discriminate and eliminate activities that no longer have as much meaning to you.
Scorpio
Your social life is in focus and in good shape today, dear Scorpio. You have no shortage of admirers. Conversations may not be especially meaningful but they are pleasant and serve to help you center and pace yourself. Even though you may not be at your peak energetically speaking, this can be a fine time for relating, enjoying others’ company, and connecting. You tend to be more emotionally invested in your relationships today. You can quite readily get onto a particular train of thought or embrace a new idea and go with it, but your intuition is also very strong and serving you well right now.
Sagittarius
You are emotionally oriented towards taking care of business and tending to details today, dear Sagittarius, with the Moon’s move into your solar sixth house early today. Take advantage of the added energy you have for solving problems and organizing your environment. However, your energy levels can run so high that the rest of the world doesn’t seem to be moving along fast enough to keep pace. Try not to focus on what others are doing (or not doing) and work on your own goals and happiness. Tending to areas that you have neglected, even small things, can give you a strong sense of accomplishment today, and this can pertain to both physical and psychological weaknesses in your life.
Capricorn
The Moon’s move into your creative sector very early into the day can be an emotionally freeing one in many ways, dear Capricorn. The energies of the day seem to have the effect of slowing us down just enough that we are better able to catch our breath, yet emotionally you’re also feeling lighter. This is a potentially strong day for personal enjoyment and romance, and you are likely to be coming across quite charmingly. If some people in your life are bothering you with being unreliable or inconsistent, which is a minor theme running through the week, be sure to write your own terms, even while giving them some space.
Aquarius
You have an instinctive need for some privacy and relaxation today, dear Aquarius, with the Moon moving to the lowest point in your solar chart and signalling a need for connection with your roots and your heart. If it can be managed, this is a good day for spending extra time around the home or with family (and friends who are like family to you). Your more worldly goals may be on the back burner just for now. More adventurous days do await, but for now, some self-pampering and nest building can serve you well. You continue to invest a lot of yourself in your projects and ideas, but require some emotional centering now.
Pisces
The day is likely to be a busy one for you, dear Pisces, but pleasantly so. In fact, while you are thinking quickly today, you’re also a little more Zen on an emotional level than you have been in recent days. This is a day for honoring your need for more variety and stimulation. There is much to learn, and to teach as well. Focus on the unique elements that you bring to your projects, studies, and conversations, and enjoy yourself as you attract the right resources and people to you. Communications are mostly positive and constructive now. You might find that people are especially drawn to you for advice and perhaps a little nurturing or inspiration as well.
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