The Sky This Week: April 14 – 17

Thursday, April 14
Asteroid 6 Hebe currently lies among the background stars of eastern Leo the Lion, just a stone’s throw from 2nd-magnitude Denebola. This region rides high in the southeast during the early evening hours and peaks in the south around 11 p.m. local daylight time. This evening, 10th-magnitude Hebe lies some 2.5° due north of Denebola.

Friday, April 15
Although Jupiter reached opposition and peak visibility over a month ago (on March 8), it remains a stunning sight from dusk until the start of morning twilight. The giant planet shines at magnitude –2.4 against the backdrop of Leo the Lion. Turn a telescope on Jupiter and you will see a 43″-diameter disk with lots of atmospheric detail. And this evening, you also can observe the shadows of two of its large moons. Volcanic Io casts its shadow onto the jovian cloud tops starting at 6:55 p.m. EDT (unfortunately still during daylight), but the black dot doesn’t leave the disk until 9:10 p.m. If you miss Io, you don’t have to wait long for icy Europa’s shadow to show up. It traverses Jupiter from 9:32 p.m. until 12:18 a.m.

Saturday, April 16
Mars pokes above the eastern horizon just after 11 p.m. local daylight time this week and remains prominent until morning twilight is well underway. The Red Planet’s eastward motion relative to the background stars of southern Ophiuchus comes to a halt today; it then starts moving westward at the start of its so-called retrograde loop. This is a sure sign that Mars is approaching peak visibility, which it will reach at opposition in late May. Our neighboring world currently shines at magnitude–1.0, trailing only the Moon, Jupiter, and Sirius. When viewed through a telescope, Mars appears 14″ across and should display a prominent north polar cap as well as subtle dark markings.

Sunday, April 17
The waxing gibbous Moon’s motion through the night sky carries it near Jupiter tonight. The night sky’s two brightest objects appear only 2° apart, or about four times the Moon’s diameter.
 

Source

Astronomy Magazine

 

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Thursday, April 14th

Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 91.78° E
Sun Altitude: 18.57°
Sun Distance: 93.250 million mi
Next Solstice: Jun 20, 2016 5:34 PM (Summer)
Sunrise Today: 6:21 AM↑ 77° East
Sunset Today: 7:29 PM↑ 283° West
Length of Day: 13 hours, 8 minutes

 

Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 10.39° N
Moon Altitude: -36.81°
Moon Distance: 240447 mi
Next Full Moon: Apr 22, 201612:23 AM
Next New Moon: May 6, 20162:29 PM
Next Moonrise: Today12:46 PM
Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 54.1%

 

Source

timeanddate.com

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 April 12

Combined Solar Eclipse Corona from Earth and Space
Image Credits: J. Vilinga (Angola, IAP), LASCO, NRL, SOHO, ESA, NASA;
Processing: R. Wittich; Composition & Copyright: S. Koutchmy (IAP, CNRS)

 

Explanation: Sometimes, a total eclipse is a good time to eye the Sun. Taking advantage of an unusual juxtaposition of Earth, Moon and Sun, the featured image depicts the total solar eclipse that occurred last month as it appeared — nearly simultaneously — from both Earth and space. The innermost image shows the total eclipse from the ground, with the central pupil created by the bright Sun covered by a comparatively dark Moon. Surrounding the blocked solar disk is thetenuous corona of Sun imaged in white light, easily visible from the ground only during an eclipse. Normally, this corona is hard to track far from the Sun, but the featured montage matches it to false-colored observations of the Sun from NASAand ESA’s space-based, Sun-orbiting, Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). Observations like this allow the study of the constantly changing magnetic activity both near and far from the Sun, the same activity that ultimately drives Earth’s auroras.

Moon in Winter Circle on April 12

Tonight – April 12, 2016 – look for the moon and Winter Circle stars. It’s difficult to convey the humongous size of the Winter Circle, this lasso of brilliant stars that fills our western sky at dusk and nightfall. But you can see the circular pattern of stars around the moon tonight.

The Winter Circle stars aren’t the brightest star-like object in the sky on these April, 2016 evenings. Instead, the brightest “star” in the evening sky is actually the planet Jupiter. The king planet will be hard to miss, because Jupiter ranks as fourth-brightest celestial body to light up the heavens, respectively, after the sun, moon and the planet Venus. But throughout April of 2016, Venus will sit in the glare of the rising sun and will not be all that easy to catch before sunrise (especially in the Northern Hemisphere).

The Winter Circle can be seen from the Southern Hemisphere, as well. If you’re in that part of the world, the star Sirius will appear at the top of the Circle and the star Capella at the bottom (if you can see Capella at all; it’s far to the north on the sky’s dome).

No matter where you live worldwide, observe the Winter Circle at dusk/nightfall because the Winter Circle stars that loom low at nightfall will sink below the horizon by early evening.

Bottom line: Use the moon on April 12, 2016, to find the bright stars of the Winter Circle!

 

Author

Bruce McClure

The Words of Confucius

I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Solitude

Solitude is represented by a single person standing at the end of a boardwalk staring out at a vast, empty panorama. They are truly alone, but may not feel loneliness. They are at a place in their life where the need to withdraw from the our secular world is strong, because their focus should be on their inner self, their morality, and their dreams. The view before them is empty, but it is a canvas on which they may paint their future–a future restricted only by the size of their imagination and courage. For them Solitude is a choice. They chose to take the walkway that distances them from the rest of us. It is also a choice that can be undone. Just as they chose to take a path that leads them away from us, they may choose to turn around and come back at anytime.

As a daily card, Solitude suggest a period in which you need to distance yourself from those around you and explore your inner-self, what is driving your day to day life and decide if you are really on the life path that is best for you. This is a time to revitalize your spirit, and draw your dreams for the future.

Your Planetary Reading for the Week of April 12

 

Your Self Overall for this Week

Tiwaz

Tiwaz is the Warrior Rune. It represents pure, masculine power and the ability to successfully fight to meet your goals. However, you must be careful that costs of attaining your goals overshadow their values.

 

 

 

Matters Concerning Your Home this Week (The Moon Rune)

Naudhiz

Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.

 

 

Matters Concerning Business, Skills and Integrity This Week (The Rune of Mercury)

Thurisaz

Thurisaz reversed often represents your inability to come to terms with repressed issues. It is a warning that if you do not purge past demons they may return to harm you. This Rune is also indicative of a time when you should not act on impulse.

 

 

Matters Concerning Love This Week (The Rune of Venus)

Gebo

Gebo represents the coming of gifts and favors. While each are usually positive events, they often carry obligations with them. Gebo often represents strong bonds such as deep friendships and marriage.

 

 

 

Matters Concerning Hostility, Opposition and Aggression This Week (The Rune of Mars)

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.

 

 

Matters of Finance, Acquisition and Wealth This Week (The Rune of Jupiter)

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

 

 

 

The Final Outcome for this Week

Fehu

Fehu reversed represents material stagnation, possibly poverty as well as infertility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, April 13th

 

Aries

With the Moon in your home and family zone all day, dear Aries, you’re emotionally oriented towards wanting to relax, unwind, and seek out some comfort and peace. However, these needs may be in conflict, however, with your larger goals and plans, or you could find that people close to you are demanding a little too much of your attention or time. Try to pace yourself, avoid stressing over little things, and save important decision making for a better, quieter time when you can find your center. This can come as soon as early tomorrow with Mercury and Jupiter harmonizing in practical zones of your chart, energizing your hopes and plans.

Taurus

A slip of the tongue can reveal a little more than you bargained for today, dear Taurus. If you feel on edge today, it’s because something isn’t balanced. You may be neglecting an area of your life that needs more attention. Try to determine what that is so that you can act more mindfully. In all likelihood, it has to do with your attention to matters from the past. Guilty feelings can be disguised by righteousness but they won’t disappear that way. They come out in various ways and affect your mood until you deal with them. While thoughts and conversations can be a little raw now, as the day advances, you become clearer and excited about new or recent projects and ideas. It’s a good time for impressing others with your ideas or unique way of thinking and communicating.

Gemini

There has been more focus on your social life these days, dear Gemini, and/or your happiness goals, dreams, and wishes. Today, issues of stability and the long-term can surface in friendships, but the question is whether possessiveness has a place in the picture. While we can aim for unconditional affection in our friendships, this is not always possible, but sometimes letting go actually helps a relationship last. Certainly friendships can be complicated for you these days, but getting to the heart of any existing problems will be rewarding. For some of you, there can be a growing feeling of discontent with recent goals and how they’re progressing. This is an important time for prioritizing, reconnecting with nature, and taking some time for comforting activities. In other words, aim to slow down and discover what you truly want and need.

Cancer

Personal time to yourself, as well as some space or room for spontaneity, seem necessary today, dear Cancer, with the Moon in your sign all day. However, this may conflict with schedules and demands from others, as well as work. Your outer self – the personality that you convey to the world – can come into conflict with your inner needs today, and you may need to perform a balancing act in order to set things straight. There is a me-focused energy to the evening if you’ve been feeling a little shut out or out of touch. Mercury and Jupiter are heading towards a pleasant aspect, exact midday tomorrow, and this can help even things out for you. There can be a growing interest in a mental project or endeavor that excites you.

Leo

Your need for rest and time away from pressure-ridden situations becomes clear today, dear Leo, even if a good part of you wants to keep on the move. Listen to your emotions, which nudge you towards quieter moments and possibly some reflection. With more attention to your inner needs, your outer needs will be easier to fulfill. In fact, you might discover that you function better if you have some emotional space now. A Mercury-Jupiter connection is forming and is exact midday tomorrow. This helps you to focus on exciting ideas later today, particularly revolving around business or practical affairs.

Virgo

You are in a more intimate frame of mind these days with the Sun in your intimacy sector, dear Virgo, but today you’re craving some detachment. You could be looking for commonalities with others, and some socializing can be good for you now. Even so, you could feel conflicted or torn today until you find your center, or a way to satisfy both needs. Watch for mixed signals now, as you may be granting others their freedom but then worrying about what that might mean. A Mercury-Jupiter connection that comes exact midday tomorrow may be felt later today as growing excitement, focus, and enthusiasm, particularly for ideas and plans. You’re entertaining more positive thoughts about ways to grow, learn more, and experience more.

Libra

You may feel that you’re noticed more than usual today, dear Libra. Elements of your career or your competence and sense of responsibility can be subject to some scrutiny now, and it’s a good idea to consider ways to improve these areas of your life. The key now is to pinpoint areas that need to be left behind or downplayed so that you can better prioritize your tasks. Others may not be as cooperative as you’d like, but do your best to avoid worrying about their behavior and instead focus on what can reasonably be done. Responsibilities have a way of demanding your attention. Even if you don’t feel like meeting them, you’ll feel far more fulfilled and relaxed once you do.

Scorpio

A part of you wants to get the job done today, dear Scorpio, but an equally strong part wants to rise above the seemingly petty details and routines of your daily life. The result can be distraction, restlessness, or perhaps even a bit of shoddy workmanship. However, if you consciously work on feeding both desires, perhaps by mixing up your routine, you’ll be in a better place. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Even so, with a Mercury-Jupiter influence coming into play later today, you are likely to feel more in tune and comfortable. A conversation with a partner or friend can be part of this. Focusing on longer-term goals can do wonders for your mood now.

Sagittarius

You thrive on spontaneity, dear Sagittarius, especially these days with the Sun in your creative, expressive solar fifth house and Mars in your sign. However, with the Moon in your intimacy sector clashing with the Sun today, you might think of making some form of plan which can help shape and structure your life. You don’t need to follow it strictly – in fact, you can think of it as a perpetual work in progress. Having some sort of master plan can help you greatly at this point in your life, particularly with Mars turning retrograde in just a few days. Some introspection is in order today. An approaching Mercury-Jupiter influence helps you to see what truly matters and encourages big thinking.

Capricorn

The Sun in your home and family sector pulls you in one direction, dear Capricorn, and the Moon in your partnership sector pulls you in another. You can be all fired up and ready for action, but you may not know how and where to direct your energy. The tendency now is to look for happiness outside of yourself, which is always a tricky and usually disappointing move. Aim to make yourself happy instead. Avoid making executive decisions today, since including others is your better choice at the moment, but consider your own needs at the same time. It’s a juggling act, but can be done.

Aquarius

The pace of the day can be hectic if you let it run ahead of you, dear Aquarius. Take moments to center yourself and prioritize in order to avoid last-minute problems. The general atmosphere is less than cooperative, but you are flexible and willing to bend for others. Focusing on work, particularly detail work or small chores, can in fact be satisfying now, as it involves making yourself happy rather than relying on others’ responses, which can be a little unreliable just for the time being. If a recently taken-on project seems a little too big now, you may simply need to make adjustments. As the day advances, we move towards a Mercury-Jupiter trine, which encourages bigger thinking and learning, as well as positive conversations and thoughts.

Pisces

There is a tendency to want to take some risks, emotionally and financially, today, dear Pisces, but this feeling can contradict some of your larger goals and plans. Indecision is probably a good thing right now if it holds you back from making rash choices, but it isn’t the best feeling, either. Don’t mislead yourself into thinking that acting on a whim will make life more exciting. Instead, look for healthy ways to channel the extra energy. This is a time when you may be wanting to share your feelings, ideas, or creations with others. With the Sun in your security-conscious second house these days, you’re more inclined than usual to want to fall back on familiar paths and situations, but today you’re looking to do something different. Honor that need without throwing out your plans.