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 11

Light Pillars over Alaska 

Image Credit & Copyright: Allisha LibbyExplanation: What’s happening behind those houses? Pictured here are not auroras but nearby light pillars, a nearby phenomenon that can appear as a distant one. In most places on Earth, a lucky viewer can see a Sun-pillar, a column of light appearing to extend up from the Sun caused by flat fluttering ice-crystals reflecting sunlight from the upper atmosphere. Usually these ice crystals evaporate before reaching the ground. During freezing temperatures, however, flat fluttering ice crystals may form near the ground in a form of light snow, sometimes known as a crystal fog. These ice crystals may then reflect ground lights in columns not unlike a Sun-pillar. The featured image was taken in Fort Wainwright near Fairbanksin central Alaska.

Bright star Vega on May evenings

Tonight, look for the star Vega, the fifth brightest star in the sky. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll find this beautiful bluish star easily, simply by looking northeastward at mid-evening in May.

Try it! Just look northeast in mid-evening in May. You’ll see this bright bluish star shining above that horizon. From far south in the Southern Hemisphere, you can’t see this star until late at night in May because Vega is located so far north on the sky’s dome. Vega will reach its high point for the night around 3 to 4 hours after midnight, at which time people in the Southern Hemisphere can see this star in the northern sky. As seen from mid-northern latitudes, the star shines high overhead at this early morning hour.

Because it’s the brightest star in the constellation Lyra the Harp, Vega is sometimes called the Harp Star.

Vega is a lovely star to come to know. When I was first learning the night sky, nearly 40 years ago, I spent hours, days, weeks, months poring over charts and books. So I sometimes came to know the names and whereabouts of certain stars before seeing them in the night sky. One soft May evening, I happened to glance toward the northeast. I was thrilled at the sight of Vega – gleaming, sapphire-blue – and surprisingly bright for being so low in the sky.

Like all stars, Vega rises some four minutes earlier each day as Earth moves around the sun. So Vega will ornament our evening sky throughout the summer and fall.

Although Vega is considered a late spring or summer star, it’s actually so far north on the sky’s dome that you can find it at some time during the night, nearly every night of the year at mid-northern latitudes.

Bottom line: It’s easy to identify the star Vega in the constellation Lyra at this time of year. Just look northeast in the evening for a bright, bluish star above the northeastern horizon.

Author

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded the website EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website and blogs frequently about astrophysics, the night sky and other topics related to Earth, space and the human world. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. “Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers,” she says.

Article published on EarthSky

The Wisdom of Buddha

Without health life is not life; it is only a state of langour and suffering – an image of death.

Your Daily Influences
May 11, 2016 

The Hierophant
A lover of tradition and ceremony, The Hierophant needs social approval and appreciates the positive aspects of conformity

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.

Necklace of Charms
This aspect is obscured by to much information. There is much confusion about. It will take some time to sort these things out.

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.

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 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 Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

The Past
Hagalaz

Hagalaz is the hail Rune. It denotes chaos, destruction and disruption on a primal level. You may experience delays in moving toward your goals.

The Present
Mannaz

Now is the time for you to explore your inner self and those of others. Your intelligence and creativity are very well honed at the moment. Cooperation from and with others should be very easy to attain.

The Future
Othala

Othala represents a solid, immovable home, prosperity and safety. Good fortune based on your heritage and character is yours to enjoy.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, May 12

by Rick Levine

General Horoscope

We yearn for the deep connections that communication brings today. However, the fiery Leo Moon encourages self-expression rather than two-way interactions. Nevertheless, retrograde Mercury trines potent Pluto, reminding us that a meaningful conversation about an important subject can quickly transform the dynamics of a relationship. We may realize the discussion will take us into unexplored territory, yet we can’t avoid the unfolding drama.

Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

You are motivated to say exactly what’s on your mind now. However, you must pick your topics of discussion carefully because your words might stir up more controversy than you wish. You won’t be satisfied to tow the party line today, yet you still appear to have ideas that are intelligent and sensible. Be clear and stick to the point; others will listen to you even if they don’t agree with your opinion. Keep all communication channels open to maximize positive growth.

 
Part of the Daily Insight Group

If Today is Your Birthday: May 11

You are gifted, talented, and well-respected. You are not fond of others telling you what to do, so a position in which you lead others or you are your own boss suits you best. You are independent but also thrive in partnership. While you are reliable, hard-working, practical, and solid overall, your emotions can be quite contradictory. A perfectionist at heart, your calm exterior can sometimes hide a worrying nature.

Famous people born today: Salvador Dali, Natasha Richardson, Martha Quinn, Phil Silvers, Cory Monteith.

Your Birthday Year Forecast

When a Quarter Moon occurs in your Return chart, as it does this year, you are at some sort of a turning point in your life, in terms of personal growth. Events that occur this year act as catalysts that get you in touch with some important issues in your emotional life. Your emotions run high, and mood swings or identity crises are possible. There may be some kind of conflict in your life arising from a great urge to do something different. The year ahead promises to be a busy, dynamic, and significant period in your life.

Your personal magnetism is strong. A humbly confident approach to life earns you respect. You tend to be looked upon favorably by others. You have the chance to shine, largely because you are projecting yourself with self-respect and modesty at once. You are especially appealing and charming just by being yourself. Opportunities – both personal and professional – are likely to present themselves as a result. You are not looking for credit for what you do, which frees you up to get it anyhow! Teaching others may be part of the picture this year, informally or formally.

You are likely to be popular with others when it comes to your ideas and communications, especially as you are communicating with optimism and cheerfulness, and this can bring rewarding experiences and opportunities into your life.

Even so, with Mercury in challenging aspect to Neptune in your Solar Return, some difficulties with communications are likely. There can be misunderstandings, misinformation, wishful thinking, confusion, carelessness, and deception. Verify the facts before making decisions and avoid taking precipitate action. Read all the fine print before signing a contract or making an agreement.

You have a stronger focus on, and dedication to, work in the period ahead. You can make significant headway in specific areas this year, and you are likely to feel a strong sense of direction and purpose.

In partnerships and close relationships, you may be working together on a big project or doing a lot together. Otherwise, excess energy could lead to some restlessness and disagreements.

Jupiter transits trine your Sun from November 2015 to July 2016, and you have a stronger than usual desire to improve, grow, and learn. This is a fortunate aspect that helps boost optimism and confidence, and you are able to attract fortunate circumstances into your life as a result. Problems are easier to resolve. Matters related to universities, higher education, organized religion, publishing, legal affairs, and foreign interests can be especially strong. It’s a strong time to further your education. You are likely to enjoy a larger perspective on matters that keeps you from getting lost in details or overly frustrated by everyday stresses.

You are a little more confident in yourself this year, yet your humbleness is also pronounced and popularity increases. Partnering up to get something specific accomplished can be very successful. Opportunities open to you for travel, education, or business expansion, particularly from November forward. People are looking on you more favorably in general, but you should watch your communications, as you can be glossing over important details.

2015 is a Number Six year for you. Ruled by Venus. This is a year of relative contentment. It is a time when love is the easiest to attract, and partnerships formed under this vibration have a better chance for longevity. You are able to attract others, and material things as well, this year. This is a good year for establishing harmony in the family and in the home. Advice – develop existing relationships, be positive and receptive because these kinds of energies help you to attract what you desire.

2016 will be a Number Seven year for you. Ruled by Neptune. This is a year of preparation, chance, and refinement. It is not a time of dramatic changes. Instead, it’s a year when reflection on the past is helpful, and when refinements to your life path should be made. It’s a good year to study and analyze. Unexpected twists to your life story and “chance” meetings are probable. Advice – take stock of your life in order to prepare for more exciting years to come, examine the past and plan for the future, get in touch with your deepest needs and uncover your personal power, don’t strain yourself or actively try to expand.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, May 11

Aries

The Moon’s position continues to direct your attention to home and family matters until this evening, dear Aries, when you’re ready to move out of your comfort zone. Whether to stick with tradition or familiar situations or to branch out can be an issue today. If a disagreement about a particular belief leaves you more than just frustrated later today, consider whether it’s triggering something deeper. Try to rise above it. Think big and don’t sweat the small stuff too much right now. Envision your plan, and let the details fill in later. Worries about money may be useful if they prompt you to make adjustments. You’ll find loosening up much easier to do tonight and tomorrow.

Taurus

The Moon’s position in your communications sector until late afternoon can keep you mentally stimulated and not quite able or willing to relax and focus, dear Taurus, but its subsequent move into your family and home sector motivates you to seek out more peace and quiet. Insecurities about what’s yours and what belongs to others make this a less than ideal time for settling financial matters. You are likely to have a self-protective quality about you right now, and should be wary of defensiveness, as this will get you nowhere fast. When in doubt, perhaps it’s wiser to keep quiet until you’re more sure of yourself. Try not to let disagreements get your goat. Take the high road and be patient.

Gemini

You may feel that you have to deal with resistance from all sorts of angles today, dear Gemini. While there are strong forces pushing you to go after what you want, there seem to be powerful forces resisting this as well. You certainly have to dig deep to uncover the strength in order to move obstacles blocking your path. The best approach is to move forward, back off, and then try again. Proving that you have the endurance to outlast obstacles will obliterate them over time, slowly but surely. This is not a great time to see eye to eye with a partner or to negotiate a matter. However, by tonight and into tomorrow, your conviction returns.

Cancer

The Moon continues to transit your sign until late afternoon, dear Cancer, and you are seeing the world through a more emotional lens than usual. The general atmosphere might feel a little tense later today, but consider that if you are having an off day and might be meeting the world from that position. Awkwardness is likely when it comes to returning social gestures, and others might hold you at a distance as well or because they’re uncertain how you feel. Someone might disappoint you, particularly on the job, and quite possibly a higher-up or older person. Ground yourself and recognize that “you get what you give”, but not always instantly! Be patient. There is good energy coming for deep, insightful thinking and connecting tomorrow.

Leo

The day can begin rather quietly, dear Leo, but you can do some important inner work with the Moon in your soul sector until late afternoon. The Moon enters your sign later today, and while it’s not an ideal day for improving or pursuing a romantic affair, overall you’re coming across with strength and presence. Warmth may be lacking somewhat in the second half of the day, but that shouldn’t stop you from making sincere gestures towards others. Recognize that any coolness expressed by others now is likely rooted in insecurities, and rise above it.

Virgo

The Moon in your social sector for much of the day keeps you wanting to feel connected and in the loop, dear Virgo. A period of relative withdrawal begins late afternoon with the Moon entering Leo, the sign just behind yours. This monthly cycle that lasts roughly two and a half days requires that you take extra moments to yourself for rebuilding your energy, and it’s also a time for reflection on recent events. The goal now is to let go of those things that are draining you emotionally, so that you can begin anew when the Moon enters your sign, which will occur shortly into the day on the 14th. You may be see-sawing when it comes to whether or not to entertain your adventurous side, or to stick with the tried and true.

Libra

With the Moon at the top of your chart until late afternoon, dear Libra, you have a strong sense of your practical priorities today. Even so, you can be feeling quite spirited and quietly inspired now, helping you to have more confidence as you see things proceeding pretty much according to plan. Think big, but don’t push too hard too fast. Go with the flow now but with positive, uplifting thoughts. Encountering some resistance is natural, and it actually helps you to draw on your creativity. There can be some adjustments in your thinking to be made now, after which you’ll be in a far better position to reach your goals.

Scorpio

You can begin the day feeling rather free-spirited, dear Scorpio. The pressure to perform and to take charge can be on you later today with the Moon moving to the top of your chart and a Venus-Saturn influence that tends to remind you of your responsibilities. However, there’s nothing about it that you can’t handle. If you feel as if you’re under a microscope, understand that there are points in the month when you simply can’t escape getting noticed. More importantly, as uncomfortable as it can feel at the moment, it can also help you to get back on track and to be more conscious of your responsibilities. Monetary limitations may make themselves known now, or there can be an irritating inability to agree with someone close to you. However, getting over this hump will ultimately make your goals more realizable.

Sagittarius

The Moon continues its transit of your intimacy sector until late afternoon, dear Sagittarius, and this tends to promote a rather contemplative mood. You’re more inclined to observe than to jump into action. The Moon then moves into an outgoing sector of your solar chart, although a Venus-Saturn aspect active now can give you more reason to pause. You might experience a small disappointment with a friend or co-worker later today, which can bring you to the conclusion that you may have been neglecting your own needs for the sake of others. It’s time to review the balance of work and play in your life so that you can feel better about your life – and your relationships.

Capricorn

There is easy energy for relating in the first half of the day, dear Capricorn, but there can be some off timing that interferes with healthy relating as the day progresses. Small disappointments with a love interest or partner could occur later today, but be careful to assess whether your expectations are too high at the moment. With self-honesty, you might come to the conclusion that your need for affection runs high right now, and that you might not be truly asking for what you need from others. If not, then consider having a talk with your loved one, but save it for a more auspicious day, as today’s energy is a bit standoffish. Recognize that others are dealing with their own “issues” right now, and it’s best to let that play out for now.

Aquarius

Build your karma today by giving readily of yourself, dear Aquarius. You may be asked to provide a shoulder to lean on. If you feel put upon by someone who seems to take a lot and not give back, be polite, but be firm as well. However, don’t expect returns right away. Balance doesn’t have to be achieved in a day. The Moon in your work and health sector until late afternoon actually helps in this respect – this sector of your solar chart is about service and is not about immediate reward – after which you’re likely to work hard at getting there.

Pisces

The Moon continues to transit your romance and creative sector until late afternoon, dear Pisces, which tends to stimulate a rather carefree energy. However, be wary of indulgences or activities later today that compromise your values. You may not be feeling as firm or solid today as you have felt recently, so that you might be questioning your natural instincts. This indecisiveness can lead you to do or say something that you later regret. Put off major decision making just for now, and take care of the responsibilities that may be nagging at you.

Astrology of Today – May 11, 2016

Summary:

• The Moon is in Cancer until 5:31 PM.
• The Moon is void from 3:33 AM to 5:31 PM.
• The Moon is in Leo from 5:31 PM forward (until Saturday, May 14th, at 1:51 AM).
• The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Crescent phase.
• A New Moon occurred on the 6th, and a First Quarter Moon will occur on May 13th.
• Mercury is retrograde (Mercury is retrograde from April 28-May 22).
• Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from April 17-June 29).