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 February 1

Find the Man in the Moon
Image Credit & Copyright: Dani Caxete

Explanation: Have you ever seen the Man on the Moon? This common question plays on the ability of humans to see pareidolia — imagining familiar icons where they don’t actually exist. The textured surface of Earth’s full Moon is home to numerous identifications of iconic objects, not only in modern western culture but in world folklore throughout history. Examples, typically dependent on the Moon’s perceived orientation, include the Woman in the Moon and the Rabbit in the Moon. One facial outline commonly identified as the Man in the Moon starts by imagining the two dark circular areas — lunar maria — here just above the Moon’s center, to be the eyes. Surprisingly, there actually is a man in this Moon image — a close look will reveal a real person — with a telescope — silhouetted against the Moon. This featured well-planned image was taken in mid-January in Cadalso de los Vidrios in Madrid, Spain. Do you have a favorite object that you see in the Moon?

Planetary Positions for February 2016

Sun
Sun is in Capricorn till 13th of Feb.
It then moves to Aquarius, which is a detrimental sign for Sun.
Comes under 4th aspect of Mars & 3rd aspect of Sun in Capricorn
Comes under 3rd aspect of Saturn
Jupiter & Rahu will aspect Sun when it is in Aquarius
Ketu would be conjunct with Sun

Mars
Is in Libra till 21st of Feb
Ketu starts aspecting Mars through its 9th house aspect once Ketu moves to Aquarius
Mars moves to Swakshetra of Scorpio on 21st Feb.
Mars and Saturn will be in Scorpio together for a long time in 2016.

Mercury
Is in Sagittarius at the beginning of the month and will move to Capricorn on 9th February
Mars aspects mercury though its 4th house aspect when Mercury is in Capricorn till Mars moves out of Scorpio
In sagittarius, Mercury is aspected by Jupiter and under close aspect of Rahu.
Venus starts conjunction with Mercury and continues as both planets are moving to Capricorn few days apart.
Mercury will be in close aspect by Saturn.

Jupiter
is in Leo through the month and is retrograde
Jupiter and Rahu are now close to each other

Venus
Venus is in Sagittarius till 12th and then move to Capricorn.
Saturn aspect Venus when in Capricorn.

Saturn
Saturn is in Scorpio through the month
Rahu will come under asepct of Saturn.
 

Source

Vedic Astrology

Use Big Dipper’s pointers to find North Star

Tonight, if you can find the Big Dipper in the northern sky in mid to late evening, you can find the North Star, Polaris. The Big Dipper is low in the northeast sky at nightfall, but it’ll climb upward during the evening hours, to reach its high point for the night in the wee hours after midnight. A well-known trick for finding Polaris, the legendary North Star, is that the two outermost stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper point to it. Those stars are Dubhe and Merak. They are well known among amateur astronomers as The Pointers.

Can’t find the Big Dipper? Yes, you can!

It really does look like a dipper, and it’s pretty bright. You just have to look for it at a time when it’s visible. And that’ll be tonight, and for many nights to come over the coming weeks and months … in the north in mid-evening. Once you find the Big Dipper, use the pointer stars to find Polaris, the North Star.

The Big Dipper isn’t a constellation, by the way. Instead, it’s an asterism, just a recognizable pattern of stars on the sky’s dome. It’s part of the constellation Ursa Major, the Greater Bear.

Bottom line: Use the Big Dipper to find Polaris, the North Star. Plus, early in the morning on February 2, look for the moon between Mars and Saturn.

Author

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded the website EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website and blogs frequently about astrophysics, the night sky and other topics related to Earth, space and the human world. 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.

Article published on EarthSky

The Words of Confucius

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

Your Daily Influences
February 1, 2016 

Justice Reversed
The upside down Justice represents injustice, inequality and a lack of mercy or understanding.

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.

Scorpio the Scorpion
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is determined, forceful, emotional, intuitive, powerful, passionate, exciting and magnetic. This person is probably an acquaintance you made at work.

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.

Shuffling the Cards, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

Past Influence whose impact on your life is waning.

The Lotus

The Lotus represents the spiritual self in its purest form. It reminds us that for most achieving a well developed spirituality is a journey which can be long and arduous. The spirit of the Lotus is not of our secular world, and the presence of The Lotus suggests that what is needed can be found by exploring your relationship with the Universe not as a physical entity pursuing material gain, but as a divine soul in need of celestial sustenance.

Present Influence whose impact on your life is very strong.

Strength

Strength denotes an inner power, mastery of will, development of inner might, and the ability to lead effectively. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Strength represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Strength also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Strength is not as much about winning as it is about overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to ease others to your side.

Future influence whose impact on your life is growing and will be very strong in the future.

The Owl

The powerful Owl easily makes its way through the darkest night on muted wings. Often it is only their haunting call echoing across the land that lets us know The Owl is near. Because of its amazing night vision, many cultures have attributed wisdom and the ability to uncover even the deepest secrets to the enigmatic, noble Owl. The Owl’s nocturnal prowess has lead many to see them as a messenger between the material and spirit worlds. Cultures as distinct as the African Zulus and ancient Celtics have ascribed magical powers to The Owl made them a revered companion to shaman and wizards.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Love

Love indicates that love is either present in our life or a distinct possibility. Be open to all possibilities, remembering that true love is given freely, without condition, and does not have to be earned. This is the kind of love we want to welcome into our life and to give to others. Be open to new ideas, and beware of judging against someone in an unloving manner. When Love appears, return to the place where you can love yourself and then seek out the same love from others.

As a daily card, Love suggests that for those who are currently in a relationship the opportunity to deepen the bond is present. For those who are single, Love implies that the prospect for them to begin a romantic relationship is very strong at this time.

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 Daily Horoscopes for Monday, February 1

Aries

This can be a strong day for research, work, solving problems, and devising strategies for long-term goals, dear Aries. Focus is vastly improved from yesterday, and there is a less scattered feeling as you pursue your priorities. Background and detail work can thrive now. Look for ways to boost your projects. Relationships strengthen through emotional centering and sharing quiet moments rather than too much focus on conversation and activity. Others tend to cooperate with you now, whether it’s about helping you or simply allowing you the time you need to get on with your pursuits with few distractions.

Taurus

Relationships tend to flow naturally and easily today, dear Taurus, as you’re communicating with heart and there is less “noise” around you to distract you from expressing the intentions behind your words. You may be giving good advice or showing your support for others’ beliefs and aspirations. Showing your gratefulness for the people in your life is favored strongly now, and can greatly improve your relationships. This is not the time to go it alone, as there are nice emotional rewards for sharing a bit of yourself and going the extra mile to help people out. There is joy to be found in responding to opportunities to grow emotionally.

Gemini

The need to bring some order to your environment continues to be strong today, dear Gemini, but unlike yesterday, you have an easier time getting what you want to do done. There are fewer distractions to deal with, making it quite natural to focus and concentrate. Your instincts for priorities are strong, and previously puzzling situations can clear up. It’s a good time for detail work, organizing, research, health pursuits and appointments, and generally getting to the bottom of things. Family may be especially supportive now.

Cancer

This is a natural and easy day for making contacts and connections, dear Cancer. This is not a time for going it alone, although you can be rather content with time to yourself, particularly pursuing hobbies and personal interests. You are communicating warmly and with quiet confidence, which further endears you to others. If there have been recent misunderstandings, today is strong for clearing things up, even if it’s about not addressing specific issues and instead more about showing you care through your actions, which can sometimes be more effective. The creative flow is easy today, and it’s likely through your interactions with others that you find the most inspiration.

Leo

Your desire to slow down and nest continues today, dear Leo, and the chances of filling this need are much improved. It’s a good day for catching your breath on an emotional level, which is exactly what you need right now. Intuitive sense for business, family, and health strategies that focus on improvement is well-developed now. You might stumble upon helpful ideas and methods for boosting comfort in your home or for developing healthier routines and habits. There may be opportunities to repair, heal, and nurture a close relationship.

Virgo

Your generous spirit is stimulated today, dear Virgo, and the day holds good potential for expressing yourself easily and warmly. Relationship repairs are favored if needed. Feedback is good, and this serves to motivate you. A healthy expectation of success tends to attract positive situations. Your own gratefulness is appreciated by others, and your intuitive sense for opportunities is on the mark. While you’re inclined to want to keep busy today, jump on any chance to heal, repair, and nurture good relationships with others and yourself.

Libra

You’re once again emotionally inclined to play it safe today, dear Libra, and your spirit is in need of a bit of comfort and familiarity. The first half of February in many ways carries this theme. Today is good for clarifications, particularly if there have been any disagreements or misunderstandings with family and loved ones. This can be a good time for healing activities that nourish the body and soul, and you may be drawn to alternative solutions to little problems. Business matters can benefit from a more holistic approach, and good advice that takes into account both practical and emotional factors can come your way.

Scorpio

Like yesterday, the Moon is in your sign all day, dear Scorpio, but unlike yesterday, there are plenty of opportunities to express yourself constructively and satisfyingly. As well, communications tend to be received well and as intended, and are more likely to reflect what’s going on in your heart. There can be helpful or simply pleasant conversations with friends, and some excitement is building regarding a communications project for some of you, which is a theme for the month ahead. There is a nice spirit of cooperation now, with a comfortable level of intimacy as well.

Sagittarius

You continue to need and benefit from a little time off on an emotional level, dear Sagittarius, so that if you can manage it, sidestepping overly noisy or demanding situations would be a wise choice. You may be quite happy working in the background in some manner today, and while you may seem a little withdrawn, your approach to others is nevertheless pleasant and positive. There is greater perception of business-related strategies and trends with you today, and this can be true in a general sense for the next two weeks as well. You may be meeting with people who help you further your business interests.

Capricorn

The Moon continues to transit your social sector, dear Capricorn, awakening your sense of community and desire to contribute in some manner. There should be general ease finding outlets for your desires and meeting with cooperation and support right now. Community-oriented or group activities can thrive. The need for friendship can be stimulated, and existing connections can be nurtured. The month ahead is strong for communicating and connecting with ease and mutual benefits.

Aquarius

This may not be an especially energetic day, dear Aquarius, but it’s strong for centering yourself emotionally, observation, and strategy. Coming to peace with yourself and making decisions about matters that have previously frustrated or confused you seems quite natural today. You may be attracting resources, support, or positive circumstances now as others are drawn to you and your quiet confidence. This is a good time for emotional and spiritual growth, and in many ways this will be the case for the first half of February. A New Moon in your sign on the 8th brings good energy for a personal new beginning, making the “work” you do now understanding your motivations especially important.

Pisces

You continue to look for opportunities to spread your wings in some way today, dear Pisces, as your desire to explore new ideas and experience new activities is strong. While you may have struggled with some inner reticence yesterday, today you feel freer to pursue your interests. This can be a strong time for clearing up unresolved issues with friends, and this is true in a general sense for the coming two weeks. Sharing ideas, networking, teaching and guiding, contributing to group efforts, and publishing are all favored now.