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 June 10

NGC 6888: The Crescent Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Michael Miller, Jimmy Walker

 

Explanation: NGC 6888, also known as the Crescent Nebula, is a cosmic bubble about 25 light-years across, blown by winds from its central, bright, massive star. This sharp telescopic portrait uses narrow band image data that isolates light from hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the wind-blown nebula. The oxygen atoms produce the blue-green hue that seems to enshroud the detailed folds and filaments. Visible within the nebula, NGC 6888’s central star is classified as a Wolf-Rayet star (WR 136). The star is shedding its outer envelope in a strong stellar wind, ejecting the equivalent of the Sun’s mass every 10,000 years. The nebula’s complex structures are likely the result of this strong wind interacting with material ejected in an earlier phase. Burning fuel at a prodigious rate and near the end of its stellar life this star should ultimately go out with a bang in a spectacular supernova explosion. Found in the nebula rich constellation Cygnus, NGC 6888 is about 5,000 light-years away.

M5.2 earthquake shakes California

There were no immediate reports of damage from the moderate earthquake that shook southern California residents awake early Friday morning.

The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting a 5.2-magnitude earthquake – a moderate but noteworthy earthquake – near the San Jacinto fault in southern California. The quake was centered in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. A local news outlet, the Desert Sun reported that the quake shook southern California residents awake early Friday at 1:04 a.m.

USGS gives the following information about the quake:
Time
2016-06-10 08:04:38 (UTC)

Nearby Places
22.0 km (13.7 mi) NNW of Borrego Springs, CA
24.0 km (14.9 mi) ESE of Anza, CA
25.0 km (15.5 mi) NE of Warner Springs, CA
43.0 km (26.7 mi) S of Palm Springs, CA
68.0 km (42.3 mi) ENE of Escondido, CA
98.0 km (60.9 mi) NE of San Diego, CA
109.0 km (67.7 mi) SE of San Bernardino, CA

Initial incomplete data had suggested two quakes of roughly the same size shook within a minute, but USGS deleted one of them shortly afterward.

California is an earthquake-prone region because it is located along what geologists call the Ring of Fire surrounding the Pacific Ocean.

Dr. Lucy Jones – a geologist in southern California – has posted many tweets about the June 10 earthquake this morning:

Author

Moon and Jupiter in Leo on June 10

Tonight – June 10, 2016 – as soon as darkness falls, look for the waxing crescent moon in the western sky. That nearby bright “star” is actually the king planet Jupiter, the brightest starlike object in the evening sky. The fainter light on the other side of the moon on June 10 is Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo the Lion.

There’s no way to mistake Regulus for Jupiter – or vice versa. Jupiter is by far the brighter object, outshining Regulus by some 20 times. That’s not to say that Jupiter is the more luminous of these two celestial lights. It’s not.

Jupiter, being a planet, shines because it reflects the light of the sun.

Regulus is a star, so it shines by its own light.

If Regulus were at the sun’s distance from Earth, it’d visually be 150 times brighter than our sun. Or, another way of putting it, the sun at Regulus’ distance of 79 light-years would appear 1/150th as bright as Regulus. You’d need an optical aid to see the sun at this far away.

The moon travels in front of all the constellations of the zodiac in about four weeks. As seen from Earth, the moon moves much more quickly relative to the backdrop stars of the zodiac than does any other celestial object.

For instance, the moon will move past Jupiter on June 11, and then will leave the constellation Leo to enter the constellation Virgo after a few more days.

Jupiter won’t enter Virgo until August 8, 2016.

Bottom line: Watch for the moon and the planet Jupiter to light up the constellation Leo the Lion as soon as darkness falls on June 10, 2016.

 

Author

The Words of Confucius

Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.

Your Daily Influences
June 10, 2016

 

Five of Swords Reversed
Victories may be empty. False pride must be avoided. Sorrow is possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jera
Jera denotes positive, recurring cycles, fertility and a time to harvest rewards from your hard work.

 

 

 

 

Magic Nails
The spirit of someone you knew dearly is trying to guide you in this aspect. In a dark room light a single candle and focus upon its light. Listen carefully with your heart and you will know what to do.

 

 

 

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:
The tortoise represents the dome of the sky, the universe. It tells you to take slow, deliberate steps and you can achieve everything you desire.

General Description:
In China, Japan, and many other countries in the East, the Tortoise is regarded as a talisman for repelling every description of magic, and the supposed malign influence of the evil eye. This jade charm is also used as a powerful amulet for good fortune, happiness, both of the heart and body, endurance, strength, and longevity. In Eastern Asia the Tortoise is regarded as the symbol of the universe, the dome of the sky being represented by the shell, and the earth by the body of the tortoise.

 

One Card Drawing of the Ancient Symbol Cards for the Upcoming Weekend

The Journey

 

While physical travel may be involved, The Journey represents an individual’s spiritual trek from one point to another. The Journey is represented by a sailboat gliding across an open sea. Like those traversing the ocean The Journey requires that we move off the firm ground of our present state and strike out for a new destination. The trip itself may well be full of adventure and challenges. There may be times when we lose sight of where we came from and possibly not even know where we’re going. Storms may crop up without warning. Diversions may slow our progress to our destination down. While it’s good to have an idea of where you want to go, it’s equally important to remember that often it’s the getting there and not the destination that is the most rewarding. To take such a spiritual voyage takes courage and conviction that direction in which your are moving is right for you.

Today’s Witches Rune

Woman

Meaning: The first meaning of this rune is quite obvious: it represents women. Any woman that is important in the question, whether you know her or not, will be represented by this rune. Mother, sister, aunt, grandma, a female boss, friend, lover or even enemy… all can be symbolized by the appearance of this rune.

In a more general sense, this rune is related to traditional female abilities and characteristics, such as giving birth, nurturing, comforting and healing. When this rune appears, you can count on the sympathy of others towards you or your situation. In its most negative aspects, the Woman rune can show over-protectiveness, a patronizing attitude or co-dependency. It often strives to maintain the status quo, refusing to change even if the situation is bad.

The Woman rune is connected to nurturing – nurturing a relationship, a person or a project. Like the Moon rune, it can be related to finding a safe place to rest and heal, but while the Moon implies a solitary retreat, the Woman often shows that you need to go back to the people you trust, the people you feel safe with.

Healing is another strong aspect of this symbol, as well as teaching. You can be both the patient/student or the healer/teacher when this rune appears. This rune is also connected to creativity, but in a way that is different from the Romance rune. While the latter is about the conception of a project – the initial stages of creation – the Woman is about the birth of this project. When your creation is brought out into the world, fully manifested.

In relationship readings, this rune isn’t bad, but rather weak. While it can indicate subtle ties between people, these are usually so, so subtle that the partners can easily drift away from each other. It can show that one of the partners sees the other as someone who needs to be protected and healed, rather than an equal. Usually, the romance is a bit stagnated when this rune appears, or very close to becoming a friendship.

 

 

Source:

Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

Death

First and foremost Death does not specifically pertain to our physical death. The Death card marks ends and beginnings. Although most illustrations of the Death card tend to be morbid, the forces behind the Death card are actually quite exciting. Yes Death does mark the end of something. But ends are often brought about by completion and not loss. Most endings are actually good, and make room for us to begin new adventures.

Your Pyramid Reading for the Upcoming Weekend

 

 

This Weekend’s Theme

Faith Reversed

Faith reversed may denote a pursuit of truth through spirituality that is out of balance. Beware of false prophets and evil posing as good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Weekend’s Challenge

King of Coins Reversed

Misuse of skills. Prone to vice. Easily corrupted. Possibly dangerous when angered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Ally for this Weekend

Capricorn

Capricorn denotes a drive to succeed through a pragmatic approach to life.

Your Rune Reading for the Upcoming Weekend

 

Your Current Situation
Wunjo

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.

 

 

Barriers You Will Face
Eihwaz

Eihwaz represents the Yew tree and its everlasting nature. The Yew may bend, but it does not break. You are on the right course and have the strength and ability to meet your goals. Congratulations!

 

 

Positive Influences That Will Assist You
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.

 

 

What’s coming soon
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 Long Term Results
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.