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.

2017 May 25

Star Cluster, Spiral Galaxy, Supernova
Image Credit & Copyright: Paolo Demaria

Explanation: A cosmic snapshot from May 19, this colorful telescopic field of view spans about 1 degree or 2 full moons on the sky. Spiky in appearance, foreground Milky Way stars are scattered toward the royal constellation Cepheus while stars of open cluster NGC 6939 gather about 5 thousand light-years in the distance near the top of the frame. Face-on spiral galaxy NGC 6946 is toward the lower left nearly 22 million light-years away. The helpful red lines identify recently discovered supernova SN 2017eaw, the death explosion of a massive star nestled in the galaxy’s bluish spiral arms. In fact in the last 100 years, 10 supernovae have been discovered in NGC 6946. By comparison, the average rate of supernovae in our Milky Way is about 1 every 100 years or so. Of course, NGC 6946 is also known as The Fireworks Galaxy.

Why you won’t see the new supermoon

This year will have 13 lunar perigees. Sometimes the year’s closest perigee is called proxigee. In any year, it’s either the new moon or the full moon that aligns with the closest perigee (proxigee). So watch out for any proxigean new or full moon because that’s when large perigean spring tides (or proxigean spring tides) are likely to occur.

For the first time since 2009, the centers of the Earth and moon will not come closer than 221,830 miles (357,000 km) in 2017. Although it’s the proxigee new moon that brings the moon closest to Earth for the year on May 25, 2017, it’s actually the absence of a proxigee full moon in 2017 that enables the proxigee new moon to lay claim to the closest supermoon crown in 2017.

The full moon loses out to the new moon this year because proxigee full moons recur in periods of 14 lunar or synodic months (14 returns to full moon). This 14-lunar-month cycle is appreciably longer than one calendar year in length, representing a duration of about one year and 48 days. Since the last proxigee full moon came late in the year in 2016, the following proxigee full moon won’t come until after 2017 has passed, or in early 2018. The most recent proxigee full moon (356,509 km) took place on November 14, 2016, and the next proxigee full moon will happen on January 2, 2018 (356,565 km).

Proxigee full moon cycle

Amazingly enough, proxigee full moons recur every 14 lunar months (14 returns to full moon) because 14 lunar months are nearly commensurate to 15 returns to perigee:

14 lunar months x 29.53059 days = 413.428 days
15 returns to perigee x 27.55455 days = 413.318 days

This 413-day period of time is approximately equal to one year, one month and 18 days. Therefore, the proxigee full moon comes about one month and 18 days later each year, as shown on the list of proxigean full moons below.

Proxigean full moons from 2010 to 2020

2010 Jan 30 (356,593 km)

2011 Mar 19 (356,575 km)

2012 May 06 (356,955 km)

2013 Jun 23 (356,991 km)

2014 Aug 10 (356,896 km)

2015 Sep 28 (356,877 km)

2016 Nov 14 (356,509 km)

2018 Jan 02 (356,565 km)

2019 Feb 19 (356,761 km)

2020 Apr 08 (356,907 km)

Alas, the proxigean full moon skips the year 2017 altogether because the most recent proxigee full moon fell on November 14, 2016, and the next one won’t occur until January 2, 2018.

Bottom line: For the first time since 2009, the new moon – instead of the full moon – will coincide with the year’s closest perigee (proxigee); and also for the first time since 2009, the year’s closest perigee (proxigee) will NOT come closer than 357,000 km (221,830 miles).

The Wisdom of Buddha

There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.

Consult the Psychic Eight Ball Oracle

Query: How will our Memorial Day Weekend Be?

Informative as usual, lol!

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is adaptable, versatile, communicative, witty, intellectual, eloquent, youthful and lively. This could be a sibling, a child or a very close friend.

General Description:
Third sign of the Zodiac, May 22nd to June 21st. Ruling planet Mercury; correct metal, Silver. Those born under the influence of Gemini were believed to be endowed with strong intellectual powers, high aspirations, to be shrewd, ingenious and vivacious, but restless and fond of change. The Gemini stones are Agates and Emeralds. Agate talismans were worn by the orientals for eloquence, and adverting ill health, also to bring fortune and good luck. The Greeks and Romans had great faith in AGate amulets, wearing them for health, wealth, and long life. Queen Elizabeth possessed a large engraved Agate, which was supposed to be endowed with magical powers

Your Daily Domino
May 25, 2017 

One/Three
Your spiritual self can move to new heights, strengths, and understanding if you allow it to. Now is a good time for you to devote a portion of your energy to better understanding your relationship with the universe and your God.

Your Daily Tile
May 25, 2017

Wan 1
Symbol: Entering
The Entering tile indicates that barriers you now face will soon be lifted. Opportunity and success are ahead, but you must have the courage and energy to take advantage of them

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.

Dating Your Same Sign

Explore the ins and outs of inner-sign dating

By Simone Butler

Zodiac, Love, Astrology

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This can be a tough match. You’re both hot-headed, want your way, and tend to blame the other person when things go wrong. On the other hand, you spark each other’s passionate nature, and will have lots of active fun together. Fighting fairly is the key to your success … as there will be fights! “Never go to bed angry” should be your mantra.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

The Bull is stubborn, with a one-track mind. If you’re on the same track, great! If not, you’ll both need to expand your comfort zones — not an easy task for either one of you. You’re both passionate about your own ideas and opinions, so if one of you is conservative and the other liberal, you’re in for trouble. Sports and sensual enjoyment can keep you together.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Twins never bore each other. In fact, there may be too much unpredictability in this match. One of you will have to become the “stable one” and cultivate a home life, or you may not stay together long enough or go deep enough emotionally to put down roots. At least you can talk through whatever comes up, and enjoy a diverse social life.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

This is one of the best same-sign matches. You’re both nurturing and love to snuggle up at home. So what if you don’t go out much? The biggest drawback, once you learn to tolerate each other’s moods (and not take them personally!), is that your tendency to mother each other can smother the sexual spark. You make great parents, though.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

This is a volatile match! You both need a lot of attention, and tend to pout if you don’t get it — so you’ll need to trade off making the other person feel special. Passions run high, which is great for sex, but take care you don’t say or do something in the heat of a fight that fatally damages the relationship. Mutual respect is the key to this union.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

If you’re both dedicated to the higher goals of health and service, this could be a match made in heaven. Just don’t try to improve the other person or criticize their behavior — which kills the passion. Overanalyzing the relationship can also make it wither on the vine. Plant a garden or do yoga together and you’ll bring out the best in each other.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

This can be a lovely union — you’re both attuned to pleasing the other person and cultivating balance and fairness. The danger, though, is that you’ll stay too superficial — projecting a beautiful image of love while resentments seethe below the surface. You’ll have to be willing to rock the boat a bit so this match can come into its full potential.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Passion, danger, intrigue … two Scorpios have it all! Maybe too much so. Trust is the crucial ingredient that makes this match work. If one or both partners are suspicious or jealous, you’re in for a rocky ride. It’s essential to share your deepest feelings in this union, but don’t bonk the other person over the head with them, or you’ll spur resentment.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Here’s a fun match! You’ll be kayaking and motorcycling together to your hearts’ content. Your strong opinions can lead to spirited discussions, but you’re both okay with that. Real trouble looms when one of you wants a commitment and the other prefers to stay footloose. A higher spiritual purpose can keep you together.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You might not think this would be a great romantic match, since both of you are hard-headed realists. Yet that very practical nature lets you appreciate who the other person really is, devoid of illusions. You can be yourself in this relationship. Just don’t let your worldly ambitions or need for status take precedence over a nurturing home life.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Aquarians are very open-minded, and can tolerate (or even enjoy!) each other’s eccentricities. And, you make the best of friends. However, the emotional realm is not your forte — so you both may shy away from declaring your feelings and taking things into deeper waters. To cultivate passion, you’ll have to venture out of your comfort zone.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

You’re both dreamers — which works both for you and against you. Two Fish can float around endlessly in a lovely fantasy, never casting anchor into a secure reality. You tend to wear rose-colored glasses, and that means your sweetheart can do no wrong — which is great, unless that person has serious problems. Get a third party to handle your finances.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

How to Find Love Using the Tarot

Learn how to change the course of your romantic future

By Tarot.com Staff

Tarot-reading, Tarot, Readings, Love, Dating

Here are some ways the Tarot can help the future of YOUR love life:

It shows you what you really want. Sometimes it isn’t finding what you want, but knowing what you want that’s your biggest challenge. What kind of relationship are you looking for? Who is your ideal partner? You already know the answers in your heart, but you may need a little help so you can finally see them. The Tarot allows you to tap into your intuition and discover what you’ve already known all along.

It reveals what is preventing you from finding love. True love starts from within. Everyone has insecurities, and we’ve all been burned by former lovers. These things can create emotional obstacles that hinder you in your quest to find — and keep — love. Maybe you’ve been choosing the same type of partner over and over again, or it could be that you’re unknowingly sabotaging potential relationships. The Tarot will shine a spotlight on what you need to do to create positive and lasting love in your life.

It shows you what you’re working with. In order to attract your soul mate, you must first recognize all of the unique qualities that you offer to others. The Tarot pinpoints exactly what it is about you that you bring to your relationships. Maybe you’re an incredibly dedicated and loyal partner, or perhaps you’re a pillar of strength when it’s needed most. Like attracts like, and by knowing exactly who you are you will more easily find someone you are truly compatible with.

It allows you to see the truth about your situation. They say that people who are with the wrong person are farther away from finding true love than those who are single. This is why it’s important to choose wisely in dating and relationships. Maybe you’re on the fence about someone you’ve just met, or you’re not sure if you should continue pursuing a relationship with someone you’ve been out with a few times. The Tarot gives you the insight needed to decide if you should hit the brakes, or continue moving forward in a specific situation.

We all want love, but finding it isn’t always that simple. Stop and think about what it is that you need to know right now. Are you looking for guidance on how to attract the right mate? Do you need advice on how to overcome pain from the past so you can find love again? No matter what questions you may have, the Tarot can provide you with the answers you’re looking for.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

You are in a timeless state of grace where all is well.

General Meaning

The World card points to the presiding wisdom which upholds life on this and all worlds. In most Tarot decks, it is a female figure that has become our standard World image. She originates in Hebrew, Gnostic, and Alchemical lore, and stands between heaven and Earth as the cosmic mother of souls, the wife of God, and our protector from the karmic forces we have set loose upon the Earth in our immaturity and ignorance.

The goddess of The World card invites us into cosmic citizenship — once we come to realize our soul’s potential for it. It announces the awakening of the soul’s immortal being, accomplished without the necessity of dying.

This card, like the Sun, is reputed to have no negative meaning no matter where or how it appears. If the Hermetic axiom is “Know Thyself”, this image represents what becomes known when the true nature of self is followed to creative freedom and its ultimate realization.

In the Advice Position

Be serene in knowing you are succeeding in your goal.

The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.

The World card may be giving you permission to do whatever you want. Presently, your motivation is close to the will of the divine. Even if you commit an error, it will be turned to the greater good. Stay active and just keep moving forward. It is unnecessary to keep checking or interrupting your spontaneity with calculation. Rather than look for consensus or affirmation from others, simply dance the dance. In other words, express yourself, react naturally, and let the chips fall where they may.

What matters is divine intention. Whether or not human beings approve is less important. If you allow your ego to inflate, however, you cease to be useful to the greater plan.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017