Category: Articles

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Star Cluster, Spiral Galaxy, Supernova

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.

Your Earth Sky News for May 25th: Why you won’t see the new supermoon

Why you won’t see the new supermoon

By

The new moon of May 25, 2017 is a supermoon. In fact, it’s 2017’s closest and largest supermoon. This is the first time since 2009 that a new moon (not a full moon) is the closest and largest moon of the year. And, paradoxically, we can’t see this very large moon, although Earth’s oceans will feel it. What’s a supermoon? Check out the timing of the events below …

New moon (moon most nearly between Earth and sun): May 25, 2017 at 19:44 UTC
Lunar perigee (moon closest to Earth): May 26, 2017 at 1:23 UTC

See? New moon and lunar perigee are separated by only about 6 hours. In recent years, this coincidence in time has given rise to the word supermoon.

When it’s a full supermoon, the moon really is slightly larger than usual in our sky, and it’s definitely brighter. So full supermoons are much-watched events. But the new supermoon? We won’t see it because the lighted half of today’s new moon faces entirely away from us … and because, like all new moons, this one crosses the sky with the sun during the day. A new moon is too close to the sun’s glare to be visible with the eye.

And yet – although we won’t see it – the May 25, 2017 new moon will be the largest moon of this year. Sound paradoxical? It is, but it’s also true. Here’s one way to think about it. If there were a total eclipse of the sun on May 25 (which there isn’t) – an event where the body of the moon passes in front of the sun – it would be a particularly long eclipse. That’s because the moon will be so close to us on that day and hence – although we won’t see it – so large in our sky.

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).

 

BRUCE MCCLURE

Bruce McClure has served as lead writer for EarthSky’s popular Tonight pages since 2004. He’s a sundial aficionado, whose love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and sailing in the North Atlantic, where he earned his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. He also writes and hosts public astronomy programs and planetarium programs in and around his home in upstate New York.

Article originally published on EarthSky

 

The Wisdom of Buddha

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.

Your Charm for May 25th is Gemini the Twins

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 Ancient Symbol Card for May 25 is The Hand

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.

Your Daily Influences for May 25th

Your Influences for Today

 

Tarot Influence

The Sun Reversed

The outcome of future plans is nebulous. Trouble with relationships and work is very possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Aquarius Reversed

This card signifies the closing of both heart and mind, which leads to stagnation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Water Reversed

Water reversed denotes secrets to which you are not privy. Approach all ventures with caution.

Your Lucky Tarot Card for May 25th is The Fool

Your Lucky  Tarot Card

This reading represent elements that favor you.

The Fool

This card represents the dreamer in you, the idealist, the mystic. The Fool desires to do great things, but is often unaware of just how difficult great things are to do. He must always be very careful of the choices he makes, and remember knowledge is his ally. The Fool often symbolizes a new beginning, unrestrained optimism, and curiosity that hasn’t been dulled by time. While The Fool may well indicate a lack of experience or grasp of the pitfalls along the path he is taking, it is equally true that his lack of experience leads him to believe all things are possible, which brings even impossible goals within his grasp.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for May 25 is The Devil

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Devil



The Devil is the more perplexing cards one can draw in a reading. He represents all that most find undesirable, distasteful. He embodies the seven deadly sins (Lust, Gluttony, Avarice, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride). The Devil is evil personified. However, it is unlikely his presence in your cards means you are most suited to be a child of Satan. Think of the saying “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” The more plausible explanation is that you are actually quite moral, and feel a deep duty to oppose the dark forces The Devil embodies. This in no way implies you should establish your own inquisition, but simply that you are acutely aware of the destructive influences in our world and have the strength to resist them.

Dating Your Same Sign

Dating Your Same Sign

Explore the ins and outs of inner-sign dating

 

By Simone Butler

Zodiac, Love, Astrology

Dating your own zodiac sign can be tricky, as the other person will mirror both your best and worst traits back to you.

For example, Cancers are as cozy together as two bugs in a rug, but can also drive each other crazy with their moodiness. Aquarians may be the best of friends, but could remain so detached that true passion never quite catches fire. And Leos? Heaven forbid you should both want to be the center of attention at the same time! Look up your zodiac sign below to see how dating your own sign might work for you..

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