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 May 26

IC 5067 in the Pelican Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Data – Subaru Telescope (NAOJ), R. Colombari, Processing – Roberto Colombari

 

Explanation: The prominent ridge of emission featured in this sharp, colorful skyscape is cataloged as IC 5067. Part of a larger emission nebula with a distinctive shape, popularly called The Pelican Nebula, the ridge spans about 10 light-years following the curve of the cosmic pelican’s head and neck. This false-color view also translates the pervasive glow of narrow emission lines from atoms in the nebula to a color palette made popular in Hubble Space Telescope images of star forming regions. Fantastic, dark shapes inhabiting the 1/2 degree wide field are clouds of cool gas and dust sculpted by the winds and radiation from hot, massive stars. Close-ups of some of the sculpted clouds show clear signs of newly forming stars. The Pelican Nebula, itself cataloged as IC 5070, is about 2,000 light-years away. To find it, look northeast of bright star Deneb in the high flying constellation Cygnus.

 

 

 

 

 

PLANET TRACKER

Jupiter in Virgo

Now Until Sep 9, 2016

 

Jupiter is the largest of all the true planets. Its mass is greater than all the rest of the planets combined. If it was only 20% larger it would develop enough heat at its core to be a star. Astrologically, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and optimism. Known as “The Greater Benefic,” it symbolizes good luck and fortune. In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit Jupiter is called “guru” or teacher. This fits its association with the higher mind, philosophy, truth and religion. Perhaps Jupiter’s good fortune derives from the capacity to give us a larger view in which to see the world.

Expansive Jupiter in the technically-oriented sign of Virgo is a wonderful time to develop new systems and skills. A broader understanding of how things function is possible now. This includes a greater awareness of psychological patterns so that emotions are used more intelligently.

Traditional astrology considered Virgo to be a difficult place for Jupiter. The planet of expansion can feel constrained in the sign of details. Putting too much importance on minor matters and turning molehills into mountains are possible. A little flaw can be blown up out of proportion, distracting attention from the big picture.

The key, as is often the case with Jupiter, is judgment. If we are overly concerned with trying to make ourselves right or wrong, we can miss out on the information that’s available to us. Instead of trying so hard to measure the results, the gift comes from watching the process. There’s an enormous amount to be learned when Jupiter’s overview and Virgo’s precision operate well together.

Jupiter in Virgo is common among female tennis stars. Steffi Graf, Venus Williams and Martina Navratilova are among the sport’s all-time greats who each have this planetary placement. A taste for the unusual is shown by Jupiter in Virgo individuals Art Bell and Whitley Streiber.

Actresses Cate Blanchett and Anne Heche belong to this club, as do Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Philip Roth, Steve Martin and Michael Douglas. Other members include Michele Kwan, Chelsea Clinton, Lisa Marie Presley and Larry Bird.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

The Words of Confucius

And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.