Astronomy Picture of the Day – ISS and Mercury Too

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 May 13

ISS and Mercury Too
Image Credit & Copyright: Thierry Legault

 

Explanation: Transits of Mercury are relatively rare. Monday’s leisurely 7.5 hour long event was only the 2nd of 14 Mercury transits in the 21st century. If you’re willing to travel, transits of the International Space Station can be more frequent though, and much quicker. This sharp video frame composite was taken from a well-chosen location in Philadelphia, USA. It follows the space station, moving from upper right to lower left, as it crossed the Sun’s disk in 0.6 seconds. Mercury too is included as the small, round, almost stationary silhouette just below center. In apparent size, the International Space Station looms larger from low Earth orbit, about 450 kilometers from Philadelphia. Mercury was about 84 million kilometers away. (Editor’s note: The stunning video includes another double transit, Mercury and a Pilatus PC12 aircraft. Even quicker than the ISS to cross the Sun, the aircraft was about 1 kilometer away.)

Earth Sky News for May 13: Moon and constellation Leo, May 13-15

Moon and constellation Leo, May 13-15

Tonight – on Friday, May 13, 2016 – and for the next few evenings, as soon as darkness falls, look outside for the moon. On May 13, the moon is at or near its first quarter phase. The nearby point of light will be Regulus, brightest star in the constellation Leo the Lion.

Just don’t mistake a much-brighter point of light – the king planet Jupiter – for Regulus. Jupiter blazes to the east of the moon and Regulus, and the waxing gibbous moon will meet up with Jupiter on May 14.

If your sky is dark enough, you might see that Regulus marks the bottom of a backwards question mark pattern of stars. This pattern is known as The Sickle, and it outlines the Lion’s head and mane.Regulus, meanwhile, is often called the Lion’s Heart.

The name for Leo’s second brightest star, Denebola, comes from an Arabic term which translates tothe Lion’s Tail. Two other stars – Zosma and Chertan – form a noticeable triangle with Denebola to draw out the hindquarters and tail of Leo the Lion. (See the chart of Leo the Lion below.)

The glare of the moon might make it difficult to envision the celestial Lion this upcoming week. However, if you can locate the star Regulus, you can view the Lion in all his starlit majesty during the upcoming moon-free evenings in the last week week of May and the first week of June.

Are you familiar with the Big Dipper? If so, this star formation serves as a wonderful guide to the Leo star Regulus.

From mid-northern latitudes, the upside-down Big Dipper shines way up high in the northern sky as darkness falls. The Big Dipper is even visible from the southern tropics, though it sits lower down in their northern sky on these May and June evenings.

Draw an imaginary line from the star Megrez and through the star Phecda, and then take a long jump to the star Regulus. Try this star-hopping trick tonight. Then try it again when the moon leaves the evening sky in another couple weeks.

Bottom line: On the night of May 10, 2016, the bright star near the moon is Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo the Lion, often called the Lion’s Heart.

 

Author

Bruce McClure

Bruce McClure

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

Feng Shui for Love

 

 

 

 

 

Feng Shui for Love

Prep your home for passion

By Stephanie Dempsey

Love, Feng Shui

 

Feng Shui practitioners believe that the best way to attract love to your life is to adjust your environment accordingly. Dingy surroundings, piles of clutter, and self-absorbed artwork can actually drive Cupid from your door.

Here are 10 simple tips for finding your perfect mate, or for increasing the passion in your long-term relationship or marriage.

Create cozy seating arrangements

Single chairs send a loud and clear message to prospective suitors and spouses: back off! If you’re looking for love, create cozy seating arrangements from love seats, sofas, and chairs. Putting chairs at comfortable angles to each other will signal that you’re ready to welcome a relationship.

Replace images of lone figures with pictures of happy couples

Artwork has a tremendous impact on the subconscious. When you surround yourself with photos, paintings, sculptures, and knickknacks of solitary figures, you’ll carry yourself accordingly. Replacing such images with representations of happy couples will make you more receptive to love.

Keep the television out of the bedroom

Nothing kills romance like the drone of late night television. If you have trouble falling asleep, try unwinding by reading love poetry or romantic novels. Your subconscious will shift accordingly, making you a virtual love magnet.

Treat yourself to sensual bedding

That old ratty pillow from college and those serviceable sheets aren’t doing your sex life any favors. Go ahead and splurge on pillows, blankets, and sheets that invite you to linger in bed.

Downsize from a king to a queen

Sleeping on a huge mattress won’t encourage intimacy. Invest in a comfortable queen-sized bed if you’d like to cultivate more love in your life. If you simply can’t make the switch, make sure to sleep on patterned sheets to add some zest to your sex life.

Make space for each other

Avoid making your partner feel crowded out by your possessions by reducing your personal clutter in shared areas of your home, closets, drawers, etc. When you demonstrate you are willing to share your physical space generously with your partner, the space in your hearts can open up, too.

Pull your bed away from the wall

Pushing your bed against the wall effectively crowds out any chance for love to expand in your life. Arrange your bed so that it has enough space to walk on either side. Before you know it, you’ll be cuddling close with your special someone, instead of hugging your pillow for comfort as if you were alone.

Make your “Gua” a shrine to love

Using the front door of your home as a reference point, the far right corner of your home represents relationships and is known as the “Relationship Gua” in Feng Shui. Therefore, you need to keep this area intimate and inviting. A love seat illuminated with adjustable lighting is ideal for this special spot.

Keep the family at bay

Your bedroom represents your romantic life. Therefore, the last images you want to see here are photos of dear old Mom and Dad. Children’s artwork and toys will also undermine your sex life. Celebrate these relationships in other areas of your household, but keep your boudoir a private retreat.

Think pink!

Warm colors like pink and red can enliven your love life considerably. Soft shades like rose, salmon, and coral can attract a gentle partner who is attentive to your needs, while bold colors like scarlet, crimson, and burgundy will draw a passionate adventurer to your side.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

Top 10 essential oil burners

Here is a list of my top picks of decorative essential oil burners.  Basically used as scented oil warmers, these burners were chosen on criteria of unique looks, durability, display of oil scents, and ease of use.

Those made of soapstone and metal will be a bit hardier than those that are ceramic or have glass parts to them. Still, take a look at my below gallery of choices:

See Eupterra Foundation’s Gallery

Which one is your top pick?

Visit Eupterra’s Store to peruse these and essential oils to go with!

Your Daily Influences for Friday, May 13

Your Daily Influences
May 13, 2016

 

Eight of Swords Reversed
Fresh starts are possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The Amulet Box
There are papers in your near future. This aspect is affect by legal papers of some kind–a contract, a deed or a license of some kind. These papers will bring improvement to your life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 May 13th is The Inscribed Amulet

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect is affected by a narrowly averted dangerous situation. The dangerous event could be a personal confrontation or even an accident you narrowly miss.

General Description:
In ancient times inscribed charms were believed to possess great potency and influence. Some Egyptian written amulets have been found dating as far back as the 12th dynasty, some 2,500 years B.C. and at the present time great numbers of these inscribed amulets are still in use in Egypt. Our picture is of one of the Graeco-Roman period dating 400 years B.C. It is a formula which gives instructions as to the course to follow in the outer world in order to obtain bliss and immortality, and worn to avert danger.

Shuffling The Cards, Your Relationship Reading for the Weekend of May 13th

Your Relationship Reading for the Upcoming Weekend

 

 

Your View of Your Partner

Ten of Wands

Strength and power may be misused. Heartache is possible. Persistence will eventually solve all problems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Partner’s View of You

Queen of Coins Reversed

A lack of trust may prevail. Obligations and duties are not attended. Failure is feared.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Needs

Seven of Swords Reversed

Good things may come from unforseen sources. Freedom from burdens and the easing of tension are possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Partner’s Needs

Three of Swords

Upheaval and loss in love and all other types of relationships is possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Current State of Your Relationship

Prudence Reversed

Prudence reversed denotes folly and a lack of wisdom and insight. Beware of impulsiveness. Gather your courage and open your mind to see what is really going on around you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aspects of Your Relationship to Consider

The King of Wands Reversed

Ruthless, the misuse of power, intolerance and prejudice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

The Star Reversed

The Reversed Star represents pessimism, doubt and obstinacy.

Your Daily Witches Rune for May 13th is Man

man
manToday’s Witches Rune

Man

Meaning: The Man rune demands action. It’s not longer time to quietly sit and think, or to hide yourself and heal. No, it’s time to get up and fight for what you want. If things are slow or stagnated, change them. Begin something new. It’s not a moment to let things flow as they will, but to grab the reigns and gain control over the situation. Be the leader and defend your stand.

While the Woman rune is about healing, this one can be about defending yourself, and, sometimes, hurting or getting hurt in the process. You may have to defend your opinions, your actions or choices against some aggressive people. This rune offers you a challenge, but is also shows that you have the resources needed to face it. Naturally, this rune has very aggressive potentials in it, and they need a good deal of discipline in order to not become sorely destructive.

The Man rune also accelerates everything… nothing stays still when its around. The outcome of your question may happen sooner than you expected, but the result will probably be unexpected. It does not mean that all will go wrong, no – things will simply develop in unseen ways.

In relationship readings, the Man rune promises a period of instability, so it’s important to not have high expectations. Under the influence of this rune, the relationship can be a stairway to Heaven or a ticket to Hell… and sometimes both, in a short period of time. It promises a bumpy journey for the heart, but with a great level of intensity. The Man rune can stand for love/hate relationship, cat and rat games and obsessions… the kind of things that turns one nuts (for good and for bad). This rune is good in questions concerning sexuality.

 

Additional information about Today’s Witches courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for May 13 is The Emperor

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Emperor



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.

Casting the Runes, What Does the Weekend of May 13 Hold for You….

Your Rune Reading for the Upcoming Weekend

 

 

Issues From The Past That May Arise
bw-wunjoWunjo

Wunjo denotes joy and shared bliss. It may also represent a job well done and the satisfaction one feels from completing such a task. Wunjo brings good fortune and harmony.

 

 

 

Present Experiences That Will Surface
bw-elhazElhaz

Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.

 

 

Your Glimpse of the Future That Will Appear
Uruz

Uruz reversed may represent a time of discord in your life and a disassociation from your inner strengths. You may be in a rut—absent of goals or challenges. The power to change this lies within you. While opportunities may seem to be nonexistent, they are there and waiting for you to find them.

Your Daily Tarot Card for May 13th is Five of Cups

 

 

 

 

 

Tarot Card of the Day

Five of Cups

May 13th, 2016
The Five of this suit traditionally portrays the mess that is left after an emotional upheaval, such as a tantrum or fit of rage. Consequences run the gamut from a hangover and lost wages, to abuse and ruined relationships.

This card is also sometimes called Inheritance, suggesting the cross-generational legacy of such tragedies. Violent family patterns magnified to a much larger scale can become war.

Part of the Daily Insight Group

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, May 14th

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, May 14th

by Rick Levine

 

Loose ends become more noticeable once the reflective Moon shifts into critical Virgo at 1:51 am EDT. We want to apply ourselves diligently as we step through our list of chores today. However, the lingering emotional intensity from yesterday’s Venus-Pluto trine won’t let us get lost in mechanical details while interpersonal dynamics remain unresolved. Nevertheless, real world issues become less important as our dreams grow stronger all day.

Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

There’s unfinished projects everywhere you look and you’re growing concerned that you’re not making sufficient progress on any of them. In fact, you may feel as if you’re just running around in circles as long as you try to do everything at once. Instead, choose one single task and stay on it until you are done. Only then will it be time to pick another item on your to-do list. Although you might not work your way through every chore today, at least you’ll be satisfied with your accomplishments.

Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20

Your creative genie has escaped from its bottle, yet you still may encounter unexpected resistance as you begin a new project. Generally speaking, taking decisive action is tricky business when so many planets are in retrograde motion, but you might not be able to delay your choice. Being well-informed is your secret weapon. Your new direction can prove to be fruitful, as long as your head isn’t in the clouds. The more practical you are in your approach now, the more you will have to show for your talent.

Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20

Buried feelings, though invisible to others, may follow you around today and color your attitude, making it more difficult to focus on your endeavors. Fortunately, you can consciously choose to dig into thoughts that aren’t specifically related to your current responsibilities, even if you choose not to tell anyone about your inner dialogue now. Monitoring your own psychological process helps you successfully cope with nearly any stress you experience. Knowing the difference between what you can and cannot control gives you peace of mind.

Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22

It might seem as if someone is picking on you today, or perhaps, somehow having fun at your expense. On one hand, it’s possible that you’re being overly sensitive. On the other hand, there’s no reason to simply remain quiet if you feel like a victim. Express any hurt you may be harboring so that your voice is heard, but then let go of any lingering resentment and move on. There’s nothing to be gained now by clinging to the past when the future is so bright.

Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22

A recent decision involving your career plans comes under reconsideration one more time today. But reassessing your situation isn’t enough; you need to take concrete action to solidify your position. It’s not that your current choices are set in stone. It’s just that you can’t afford to expend too much energy retracing your footsteps by going over the same ground again and again. Standing up for what’s most important to you now prevents trouble down the road.

Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22

You think you know exactly what you want one minute and then question your feelings just a few moments later. The inconsistency of your desires can be like a thorn in your side while the evocative Moon is back in your sign. Avoid growing frustrated if you can’t make up your mind. Postponing your final answer a few more days is actually the best choice for now. Play through the possibilities in your imagination one more time, instead.

Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22

Recent financial issues are returning for another round of analysis before you can launch a new venture. Complex partnerships are a lucrative playing field now for investing in your future, but you need time to tie up the loose ends from the past. You want to retreat to a quiet place so you have space to think, but a reflective break is a luxury you might have to forgo today. Even if you are being pushed to declare your position, don’t compromise your core values for the sake of expediency.

Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21

If your true intention is to help your friends, then resist the temptation to criticize them now. People might not be amenable to your unsolicited advice no matter how gently you deliver your message, even if you just want to offer some constructive comments. Setting the stage for a showdown is a dangerous move. If you sense any tension in the air today, keep your thoughts to yourself for a few days until the energy settles down. Show your support by simply listening to the dreams of others with an open mind and a closed mouth.

Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21

You’re destined to become a hero today if you stay focused on fulfilling your commitments. Although you’re not seeking the spotlight, you’re receiving more attention than you prefer now, prompting you to resist any additional obligations tossed your way. Instead of automatically rejecting new responsibilities, find a middle path so you can still save the day and tend to your personal needs at the very same time.

Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19

Your social life seems to be building in momentum now, but having fun isn’t enough; you’re also interested in using your personal connections to get ahead professionally. The good news is that you are able to combine work with play more readily these days. Don’t turn down an invitation just because it sounds boring; you never know who you could meet or what might happen. Synchronicity is the language of the stars.

Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18

You may receive unsolicited support from someone in power today, but your uncertainty could prompt you to politely decline the assistance. You might be so unsure of someone’s intentions now that they appear insincere even when they are well-intended. However, it’s possible that the only negativity is your own. Limitations appear to fall away when you believe in your dreams. Trusting in yourself is the first step to trusting anyone else. The universe will show up with magic if you’re open to it.

Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20

Your interactions with friends can be the source of great clarity today. However, you might prefer to cling to your diaphanous dreams instead of narrowing your vision in order to make it real. It could very well be to your advantage to take the advice that’s given and concentrate on the details necessary to reach your goals. The cues you receive from others now are crucial factors in the decisions you make over the next few days. Remaining open to an unbiased opinion is never a bad idea as long as you don’t surrender control.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group