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.

2015 November 18

A Sudden Jet on Comet 67P
Image Credit: ESA/Rosetta/MPS

Explanation: There she blows! A dramatic demonstration of how short-lived some comet jets can be was documented in late July by the robotic Rosetta spacecraft orbiting the nucleus of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The featured animation depicts changes in the rotating comet with three illuminating stills. Although the first frame shows nothing unusual, the second frame shows a sudden strong jet shooting off the 67P’s surface only 20 minutes later, while the third frame — taken 20 minutes after that — shows but a slight remnant of the once-active jet. As comets near the Sun, they can produce long and beautiful tails that stream across the inner Solar System. How comet jets produce these tails is a topic of research — helped by images like this. Another recent Rosetta measurement indicates that the water on Earth could not have come from comets like 67P because of significant differences in impurities. Comet 67P spans about four kilometers, orbits the Sun between Earth and Jupiter, and has been the home for ESA’s Rosetta spaceship since 2014 August. Rosetta is currently scheduled to make a slow crash onto Comet 67P’s surface in late 2016.

November is the month of Pleiades

Tonight, look for the tiny, misty dipper of stars known as the Pleiades or Seven Sisters.

November is the month of the Pleiades star cluster. On these November nights, the Pleiades cluster shines from nightfall until dawn. It’s low in the east at nightfall, high overhead around midnight and low in the west before dawn. Locate it by the bright star Aldebaran this evening, or any evening soon.

You can view the Pleiades with either the unaided eye or an optical aid, on these November nights. The Pleiades cluster is one of the most recognizable star patterns in the night sky. Its six brightest stars do look like a little dipper. In fact, people in the Northern Hemisphere often mistake the Pleiades for the real Little Dipper asterism, which is located farther north on the sky’s dome. The misty-looking dipper of the Pleiades hovers over the northeastern horizon as darkness falls. It moves across the night sky from east to west, much like the sun does during the day.

So look tonight for the Pleiades!

By the way, Seven Sisters is just another name for the Pleiades. If you look with your eye alone, it’s likely you’ll only see six stars in the Pleiades. Some old Greek legends explore what might have happened to the missing sister, sometimes called the Lost Pleiad.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Pleiades’ all night appearance coincides with late autumn. As this part of the world moves toward winter, it’s easy to imagine the Pleiades as a frosty patch on the dome of night. But in the Southern Hemisphere now, where spring flowers are blooming, this cluster of nocturnal suns watches over the season of awakening and agriculture. In South Africa, for example, the Pleiades are called the hoeing-stars.

Yearly, on or near November 20, the Pleiades cluster culminates – reaches its highest point in the sky – at midnight. (In this instance, midnight means midway between sunset and sunrise.) Historically, the midnight culmination of the Pleiades was very significant to many ancient and primitive peoples. Some of these Pleiades midnight celebrations still linger into the present, such as the old Druid rite of Halloween. Although the midnight culmination date for the Pleiades advances over the long course of time, the date of Halloween has remained fixed by tradition.

 

Source:
Earth Sky News

 

The Words of Confucius

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

Your Daily Influences
November 18th, 2015

 

Knight of Swords Reversed
Given to bragging. A bully, prone to fighting. Possibly self destructive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenaz
Kenaz reversed represents a lack of needed knowledge and possible isolation. Information you may need is being withheld from you, or you may not be open to receiving it. Although others may seem distant, if you seek their friendship you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

 

 

The Food Charm
You must take steps to protect your body from what you ingest. This aspect is affected by a poor diet. You have a bad habit of filling your body with things you know are not good for you.

 

 

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 Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect is need of some pampering, you are in need of some pampering and who better to do it than yourself? Do something extravagant, something out of character and make this aspect a more pleasant place to be.

General Description:
This is a Roman amulet and was worn for many centuries as a charm to attract good fortune. The Cornucopia represents Amaitheia’s Horn, and is a symbol of prosperity, abundance and fruitfulness. Amaltheia daughter of Melissus, King of Crete, nursed the infant Jupiter with goats milk. Jupiter afterwards endowed the goats horn with magical properties, and promising that it would supply in abundance whatever she desired, gave it to his nurse. The idea most probably originated from using the horns of oxen and goats as drinking cups.

Attaining Your Goals Reading

This reading is to assist in reaching, or possibly even defining your goals for the future.

 

 

Outcome

Circles 7
Symbol: Insect
The Insect tile indicates short-term gain through a short flurry of hectic work. It is important to realize that the gains the Insect tile offers are not lasting, or of long-term importance. At best they are a stopgap until more substantial goals come along.

Issues to Address

Circles 4
Symbol: Jade
The Jade tile indicates hard work resulting in spectacular results. Jade is thought to be an “immortal stone” to many. Therefore is also denotes longevity of relationships, life and principled values.

Goal

Circles 3
Symbol: Phoenix
The Phoenix tile indicates great happiness and joy. The Phoenix is said to be reborn out its ashes. Accordingly the Phoenix tile also denotes sure recovery from any setbacks encountered.

Primary Strength

Red Dragon
Symbol: Center
The Red Dragon tile is indicative of success and the fulfillment of your goals.

Primary Weakness

Chrysanthemum
Symbol: Pleasure
The Chrysanthemum tile indicates you will enjoy a happy time filled with social activities and leisurely moments untainted by the demands of everyday life.

Your Daily Tile
November 18, 2015 

Bamboo 6
Symbol: Water
The Water tile denotes a need for communication. A trip may be necessary to communicate properly. You may be called upon to present proof of ownership or that an event actually took place.

Your Animal Spirit for Today
November 18, 2015 

Wolverine

Wolverine is thought to be a bridge between the physical and spirit worlds. He has the ability to survive in the most difficult terrains—and his message to you is of inner strength. Have you forgotten just how powerful you really are? If so, it’s time to refocus and re-dedicate—and remember that Wolverine medicine runs through your blood.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Hand

Although the exact meaning may vary, The Hand is a symbol of some form of personal power in many cultures and religions. The presence of The Hand is an indication that your personal powers are at or near their zenith. The Hand suggest a time when you should leave your mark on the world.

As a daily card, The Hand suggest that now is a time for you to leave your mark on the world. Your unique strengths are heightened to a point where you can not only expect to make substantial progress towards your goals, but enjoy recognition for your efforts as well.

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Thursday, November 19th

 

Aries

The Moon slips into your privacy sector this morning, dear Aries, and from now until Saturday morning, you’re more inclined to seek out some form of solitude or withdrawal from overly demanding situations. You are in need of an emotional recharge and perhaps some review before a new lunar month begins. You can do some important digging today, whether this is in your own psyche or some form of research, and become completely absorbed in what you’re doing. Whether it’s just for fun or more serious work, this can be a day in which you’re especially motivated. Try not to waste your time on trivial matters, as there can be a tendency to obsess or become mentally wrapped up with something, and it’s best channeled into something worthwhile and constructive. Take extra care in your communications, as your intent may be misinterpreted.

Taurus

Today is strong for expressing and showing your loyalty, dear Taurus, and for throwing yourself into a special project or cause. You’re looking for some level of devotion from the people around you, although this can be tricky, as not everyone is on your wavelength right now. Try not to stress over conflicting perceptions of the way you feel things should be, or over differences of opinion, as people tend to be wrapped up in their own personal issues right now. You can enjoy a nice escape from everyday concerns through friendships or networking activities. Take the pressure off and don’t over-think things today, unless, of course, you’re enjoying the process or topic!

Gemini

Your tendency today is to dig a little deeper in whatever you’re doing, dear Gemini, as you’re not especially content to live life on the surface of things. It can be a strong day for business and work of all kinds, and particularly projects that require dedication or focus. It’s quite easy for you to become thoroughly absorbed in your work and experiences right now. Today and the next few days bring a Pluto theme, which can intensify your feelings but it can also stimulate any tendency to dwell on problem areas, so watch for that. Harness the passion and direct it into a worthwhile cause, or something that truly helps you. You may be trying to push the envelope today, which can be a good thing if you want to take something further. Use this time to find answers to problems rather than to entertain negative or suspicious thoughts.

Cancer

With the Moon moving into your solar ninth house this morning, dear Cancer, you can feel as if you’re coming into the light, feeling more outgoing and adventurous. Even so, Pluto is strong and a little difficult today and in the next couple days, which can point to a tendency for people to be more serious than usual. Don’t tolerate people who are trying to play games with you through double talk or other manipulative methods. You don’t need to be taken down that road. Also, if you begin to feel a little threatened by others’ behavior, try to pull yourself out of a negative or jealous mindset. As long as you don’t absorb others’ tension, and focus instead on what you’d like to accomplish, you should have a fine day. There is strong energy with you for creative or educational pursuits that require an extra dose of passion or dedication, both of which are easier to come by today.

Leo

This morning, the Moon moves into your intimacy zone for a couple of days, dear Leo. This is a slightly more introspective phase when you’re more inclined to watch and see than to jump into action. With Pluto strong and a little challenging today and the next two days, this quality is emphasized. You may be feeling especially passionate about something or someone, and if you channel this intensity constructively, this can be a strong time for important research or progress on a project. Watch that you don’t waste energy on negative thinking or dwelling on problems that you have no power to change. The need to make important changes to your routines or your work situation can be pronounced now. Try not to become obsessed over finding answers to problems, but do try to focus your energy so that you can really make headway. Directing your own work, if possible, is ideal for you right now, as you can resent others controlling your schedule. Today is good for researching health and self-improvement topics, especially alternative therapies for healing.

Virgo

Your ruler, Mercury, is in a minor tense aspect with intense Pluto today, dear Virgo, which can give you a rather serious or intense aura. Try your best to avoid negative lines of communicating and thinking, as these can spiral downward rather quickly! There is no need to dwell on problem areas. Your inclination is to go your own way, and stick to your way. A stubborn streak surfaces! This can work to your benefit if you find a constructive channel for your passion and determination. In fact, you can make wonderful progress on a project or explore an interest more deeply today with good results and much satisfaction. You are not very content with falseness or superficiality, and a little less willing to overlook these things than usual. The Moon moves into your partnership sector this morning, and you tend to want to have company in most things you do.

Libra

With the Moon’s move into your work and health sector this morning, dear Libra, you’re shifting focus to slightly more serious matters. A Mercury-Pluto influence with us today furthers this theme – you’re likely to be seeing the details that aren’t working more than the systems that are. This can be helpful if you use it constructively. In fact, it can be a very productive day when problem solving skills are emphasized. Avoid negative thought patterns. Around the home front, here may be some frustrations surfacing that need to be aired. Clear these up and work on resolving problem areas, but don’t overdo things. Overextending yourself won’t help. This can be a good day for handling a financial or work matter with finesse. You might also find the motivation and dedication to pursue a fitness or health goal.

Scorpio

You are especially sharp and curious today, dear Scorpio, and might be asked to speak or express yourself about an important matter. However, there may be a tendency for certain others to misunderstand some of the things you say, so strive to be as clear as possible. Watch for pushing a matter too far, and protect your light by avoiding negative thought patterns. Do encourage the investigator and detective in you, as today requires a deeper analysis, and you are particularly skilled at getting to the bottom of things. The Moon’s move into your sector of recreation, entertainment, romance, and creative pursuits encourages your more spontaneous side. It can be an expressive time!

Sagittarius

The Moon moves into your family and soul sector this morning, dear Sagittarius, where it will spend a couple days, turning your emotional focus to personal and familiar matters. It’s time to explore your inner and domestic worlds and get into better touch with your needs for nurture and comfort. Interactions with a partner or good friend can be warm and passionate, but also quite intense. A powerful conversation that might feel uncomfortable at first can actually be healing, but only if you are especially conscious that suspicion and negativity are avoided. Don’t be afraid to tackle the deep stuff, but don’t push for “truths” if you don’t like what you’re currently hearing. This can be a good time for throwing yourself into a home project or domestic activity.

Capricorn

Getting through your schedule or routine could be a tad challenging today, dear Capricorn, as your mind is somewhere else altogether – on your personal issues. Avoid frustration by opening your mind and making room for the unexpected. You may be feeling a strong desire to micromanage things, or to be in control of situations that probably should be given some space! Unusual and possibly tricky situations with friends or acquaintances can occur today. Try your best not to get into power plays. Keep your mind stimulated by mixing up the routine in small ways with the Moon moving into your solar third house – a sector of your chart that demands a bit of variety. Even so, this can be a good time for putting extra energy into a particular project, cause, or study.

Aquarius

The Moon moves out of your sign this morning, dear Aquarius, and into your resources sector. A quiet day would be ideal for you as emotions tend to settle in. Both professional and personal responsibilities can weigh heavily on your mind now, particularly if there are rumors circulating or if you hear something that you are inclined to take the wrong way. People can be moody today, and there can be some double talk or manipulative tactics at play, which can be frustrating, as you’d prefer that people say what they mean. Try not to absorb others’ negativity, and focus on your own projects and goals. In fact, today is strong for investing time and energy into a pursuit that requires concentration or dedication.

Pisces

The Moon moves into your sign this morning, and this brings out your need to be part of the main story line, engaged, and involved, dear Pisces. The tone around you can be a little tense or intense at times today, however, and you’re inclined to soak things in like an emotional sponge. Be sure to avoid taking on others’ poor moods or immersing yourself in tense situations. Conversations today tend to be intense rather than light. While you shouldn’t avoid important topics altogether, you can certainly let others know that you’d like to defer them for a better time. If something can’t wait, be as aboveboard as possible. There is good energy for doing something creative, particularly a project or activity that requires passionate involvement and concentration or dedication.

If You Were Born Today, November 18

You are passionate and loving, and very dedicated to those you love. Your sense of drama is large, and you are extremely perceptive. Love and companionship are especially important to you. Your motivation on the job is often fuelled by your sense of fulfillment in your personal life. If you are feeling loved and wanted, your productivity is at its peak, and vice versa. You easily absorb the emotions of others and the atmosphere of your environment.

Famous people born today: Margaret Atwood, Linda Evans, Elizabeth Perkins, Kim Wilde, Owen Wilson.

Source:
Cafe Astrology

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, November 18th

 

Aries

The day favors social activities, networking, reaching out to others, and entertaining new ideas, dear Aries. Neptune turns direct today, a yearly occurrence, and over the coming weeks, you’ll find that counting on your own intuition comes more naturally. Information and signals you receive are improved and more reliable, or it may be that your ability to process them increases. Believing what you hope is true can leave you somewhat blind to the reality of situations, but you can never truly deceive yourself. In fact, believing a lie that you’re telling yourself can wear away at your confidence in yourself, in others, and in life itself. Some realities may need to be faced this week, but you have every tool available to turn this into a positive. Your faith in the unknown as well as your desire to help others increases going forward.

Taurus

There can be a stronger awareness of your responsibilities today, dear Taurus, and a desire to push your life forward in important ways by getting your act together in some significant way. Today’s energies can leave you temporarily on the fence, but bring good energy for entertaining dream plans. Recent months may have found you wondering who your true friends are with Neptune moving in retrograde motion in your solar eleventh house. When you’ve needed a shoulder to lean on, you may not have found it, or you’ve ended up offering your own shoulder instead. With Neptune turning direct today, something that occurs each year around the same time, in the coming weeks, some of the confusion about friendships begins to clear up, or at least you are a little clearer about what to do about it. There may be some truth uncovered now that is a little hard to face at first, but that truly alters your course in a happier direction. Goals and alliances become clearer.

Gemini

Today’s energies favor envisioning your future, dreaming up new ideas, and imaginative activities more than they do practical affairs, dear Gemini. Fortunately, you can feel particularly inspired and optimistic now. With Neptune transiting your solar tenth house, your professional and public image may have been a little confusing as of late, possibly because you haven’t been in touch with what it is you’d like to project. With Neptune turning direct today, as it does around the same time each year, you might face some truths that may not feel completely comfortable at first, but that move your life forward in significant ways, particularly when it comes to career, life path, and reputation matters. Perhaps you hear from someone about gossip or opinions of you that don’t sit well with you. In the coming weeks, you are more able to make the necessary tweaks to your career and public image that improve your position. The only way to do so is to be as clear as possible. Don’t let others fill in the blanks and make assumptions. Correcting misconceptions is important now. This is also a good time for bringing more creativity, imagination, and idealism into the work you are doing.

Cancer

This can be a good day for putting concerted energy into a creative project or to apply some structure to your “play” time, dear Cancer. It may be exactly what you need at this time. Neptune retrogrades for several months and then turns direct each year around the same time. Today, Neptune’s direct turn can point to a turning point in a project or simply an attitude/faith. Your panoramic view of life returns to you now and in the coming weeks. Recently, you’ve been working closely with details – perhaps too closely – and you’ve been distracted from the larger plan or the bigger picture. This may have been a form of procrastination, as you haven’t had a lot of faith in moving ahead. There are always more details for you to sort out, but going forward, you’re more able to focus on the details that truly do matter. Faith in others, and in yourself, is rebuilding, making it easier for you to reach higher and dream bigger. For some of you, plans related to travel, education, or publishing can move forward.

Leo

Today can stimulate a strong desire to pair up in some way, dear Leo, as you tend to enjoy having some company as you go about your day. With Neptune at its direct station, there can be some confusion or mental fog to deal with now, but it’s a good day for entertaining new ideas and dreams. In recent months, you may have been experiencing confusion about boundaries with others – what you own, what others own, what you owe, and what others owe – as well as with your own limits. You’re turning a corner regarding these matters now. While there are still quite a few details to sort out, you’ll be clearer on what you have and what you need, as well as what you are able to provide for yourself. You may have been feeling dependent on someone else, and haven’t had the energy or courage to turn that situation around, or even to know that you could do so. Days of procrastination on finances and dependencies are nearing an end. Money matters can move forward.

Virgo

The Moon transits your solar sixth house all day, dear Virgo, and while this tends to stimulate your innate desire to make sense and order out of your daily life, today’s Neptune station can confuse matters somewhat. Neptune is turning direct as it does every year around this time, and while this tends to clear some of the fog, the shift itself can be slightly disorienting. At times in recent months while Neptune was retrograde, you may have felt at the mercy of the whims and moods of a significant person in your life, or others in general. Perhaps due to a decrease in energy or courage, you have let that part of your life slide. In the coming weeks, however, you are ready to face some truths and turn the situation around – not all the way, because you don’t want to be at the helm of a confusing situation, but around enough that you feel more comfortable. Things that have been taken for granted now get a second look. Be ready and willing to tend to small problems in your interactions so that they don’t have a chance to grow into overwhelming ones.

Libra

The Moon transits your sector of creative expression and entertainment, dear Libra, and it’s a good time to let loose your more imaginative side. As well, Neptune comes to a station today as it begins direct motion as it does each year around the same time. Recently, you may have had some trouble keeping routines going smoothly. You may have also procrastinated on health matters or work that you haven’t seemed to be able to fully throw yourself into while Neptune was retrograde in your solar sixth house. While fixing the problem may have been difficult, in the coming weeks, you get insight into how to straighten out at least some of your daily affairs and routines. As you do, you’ll find that your overall mood changes significantly. You can choose to turn a blind eye to things, but somewhere inside of you, the guilt remains for letting them slide. As such, getting a handle on your work, health, and daily routines will help clear your mind and free you of burdensome guilt.

Scorpio

The Moon is transiting your home and family sector all day, dear Scorpio, and there is a general tendency to stick with familiar people, places, or situations. It’s a natural time for tending to the hearth. Neptune comes to a station today as it turns direct. While the shift itself can bring a bit of mental fog or confusion over the day, in the coming days and weeks, you’ll find that distractions become less of a problem, and you’ll get a better handle on those things that you’ve been avoiding or ignoring. Your love life or creative instincts may have been a little muddled as of late, particularly if you have been avoiding getting in touch with your heart’s desire. Signals you have been sending out have been mixed, so you cannot expect that signals received will be clear! Facing some truths may be part of the picture, but can act as a wake-up call to make important edits. Take the time today to reflect, and don’t ignore what your own inner voice is telling you. You’ll feel increasingly in touch with your intuition going forward, and more motivated to express yourself.

Sagittarius

The Moon is animating your communications sector all day, dear Sagittarius, and you’re a little more curious and communicative than usual. You’re inclined to scatter your energy a little, and this is fine as you feel out new ideas and interests. With Neptune at a station today, there can be some confusion or lack of concentration to deal with temporarily. Direction and focus may have been issues in your life in recent months while Neptune was retrograde, especially regarding all things revolving around family and home life. An introspective period that involved some delays and procrastination is now turning a corner. In the coming weeks, it will be easier and more intuitive to sort out patterns of conditioning and behaviors that have prevented you from moving forward. There can be some significant “eurekas” forthcoming. The inner “troubleshooting” that you’ve been doing will begin to pay off in the form of a stronger and more focused “you” in the weeks ahead.

Capricorn

With the Moon in your resources sector all day, dear Capricorn, you can be especially tuned in to matters of comfort and security. Your desire to build upon what you already have in place is strong now. While practical affairs capture your interest today, Neptune’s station as it turns direct can point to some level of confusion or mental fog. This is temporary as we adjust to the shift. While Neptune has been retrograde in your communications sector in recent months, it may have been rather difficult concentrating on mundane or routine tasks. There is a greater need for your imaginative, intuitive side to engage in order for you to maintain focus and interest in what you’re doing. There is also more spontaneity in your thought processes and your speech, as you don’t always know in advance where your words or thoughts are taking you. Neptune turning direct today after months of retrograde motion can bring some misconceptions to light. There can be some restoration of faith in projects, learning, studies, and possibly relationships with siblings.

Aquarius

The Moon transits your sign all day, dear Aquarius, stimulating stronger attention to emotions and personal needs, as well as a desire to feel connected to the world around you in meaningful ways. There is a dreamy theme to the day with Neptune, the planet of illusion, at a station as it turns direct. This event occurs every year around the same time. Dreams, visions, and intuition are powerful today, and could prompt you to act in unusual ways. Important truths are coming to light now that can stir up all sorts of mixed feelings, but help pave the way for personal changes that truly improve your life. You may have not had much faith in your ability to attract the right resources to you in recent months, or even to make the kind of living you want, but this is beginning to change with Neptune’s direct motion. Money matters can begin to move forward. Some of you could also feel more courage or inspiration to stand up for yourself and your values now and in the coming weeks.

Pisces

The Moon is transiting a hidden, private part of your solar chart all day, dear Pisces, and your more intuitive, introspective side is engaged. Neptune, your ruler, stations today as it turns direct after months of retrograde motion in your own sign. This brings a shift in attitude and perhaps some forward motion to projects or personal plans. Matters of personal image can emerge more strongly, and in the coming days and weeks, you are likely to feel more confident about making changes and tweaks that you have been considering. You could arrive at some new and improved ways of presenting yourself to others. You may have some slightly uncomfortable revelations regarding how others see you, whether it’s by way of direct or indirect feedback, but these provide you the chance to make some necessary and helpful edits. Your ability to lead will firm up now and in the coming weeks, helping to get you back into the groove of things.