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 January 6

Comets and Bright Star
Image Credit & Copyright: Fritz Helmut Hemmerich

Explanation: This timely, telescopic, two panel mosaic spans about 10 full moons across planet Earth’s predawn skies. Recorded as the year began from Tenerife, Canary Islands, near the top of the frame are the faint coma and tail of Comet Borrelly (P/19). A comet with a seven year orbital period, Borrelly’s nucleus was visited by the ion propelled spacecraft Deep Space 1 near the beginning of the 21st century. Anchoring the scene at the bottom is brilliant star Arcturus (Alpha Bootes) and Comet Catalina (C/2013 US10) a first time visitor from the Oort Cloud. Catalina’s yellowish dust tail extends below and right. Buffeted by winds and storms from the Sun, the comet’s complex ion tail sweeps up and toward the right, across most of the field of view. Remarkably, one of the composition’s 30 second exposure subframes also caught the trail of a bright meteor, slashing toward the left between comets and bright star.

Upcoming, marvelous Venus-Saturn conjunction

Once again, tomorrow before dawn – January 7, 2016 – look for the slender waning crescent moon close to the planets Venus and Saturn in the eastern predawn sky. And know that Venus and Saturn are getting close! They’ll be closest on the morning of January 9, with a conjunction on January 9 at 0400 UTC. It’ll be their closest conjunction since August 26, 2006 (and the closest conjunction of any two planets since March 22, 2013).

At their closest, Venus and Saturn will be only 5 arc-minutes (1/12^o) apart from one another on the sky’s dome. For some perspective, 1/12^o is the equivalent of 1/6 of the apparent diameter of a full moon.

Get up early, or around 90 to 75 minutes before sunrise, to view fainter Saturn snuggling up close to dazzling Venus. If you get up late – say less than one hour before sunrise – aim your binoculars at Venus to view Saturn and Venus taking stage in the same binocular field.

And, by the way, Venus reached its highest point in the predawn sky some while ago. Day by day, it’s sinking downward in the direction of sunrise, while Saturn is climbing upward. Before much longer, Saturn will shine above Venus in the January 2016 morning sky.

Also, look for modestly-bright Mars roughly midway between Venus, the sky’s brightest planet, and Jupiter, the sky’s second-brightest planet.

While you’re at it, get an eyeful of the dark side of the moon, which is aglow in earthshine or sunlight twice-reflected from Earth to the moon, and then the moon back to Earth.

Although the moon will drop out of the morning sky in a day or two, you can rely on Venus to guide your eye to the planet Saturn for many mornings to come. These two worlds will appear very, very close together over the next several mornings.

Take advantage of this opportunity to watch all of these worlds through binoculars or a low-powered telescope.

Bottom line: On the morning of January 7, 2016, let the moon be your guide to Venus and Saturn in the eastern sky. Then watch for the great conjunction of Venus and Saturn over the next several days

Author

Bruce McClure

Bruce McClure is the chief writer for the popular EarthSky Tonight pages. Since joining EarthSky in 2004, he has written thousands of astronomy articles, enjoyed here by millions. He also writes, gives planetarium shows and hosts a wide assortment of public astronomy programs in and around his home in upstate New York. If you ask an astronomy question on our site, it’s likely to be Bruce that answers it. His love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, and he has sailed the North Atlantic, earning his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. Bruce is also a sundial aficionado. He says his number one passion – besides his wife Alice – is stargazing.

Article published on EarthSky

The Words of Confucius

In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.

Your Daily Influences
January 6, 2016

The Page of Swords
Youth if not in age then in spirit. Adept at diplomacy.

Ingwaz
Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.

The Axe Head
As an axe cutting toward the tree your actions have set into motion a course of events in this aspect of your life that you cannot escape. You will know soon if your aim was precise or reckless.

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 Three Dragon MahJong Reading for Today

In Chinese Culture the Dragon is generally considered a sign of great luck and power. However the Red, Green and White Dragons in Mahjong represent three distinct influences that can affect your life. The Dragon Reading creates a relationship between sets of tiles to each Dragon to explore how the Three Dragons will influence you now and in the near future.

The White Dragon is indeed a wily fellow. His domain is the great unknown, and the tile set under him suggests an area or areas that could affect your life in unexpected ways.

Bamboo 6
Symbol: Water
The Water tile denotes a need for communication. A trip may be necessary to communicate properly. You may be called upon to present proof of ownership or that an event actually took place.

South Wind
Symbol: Fire
The South Wind tile is considered to be a very good sign in a reading. It almost ensures a satisfactory end to any problem.

Bamboo 3
Symbol: Toad
The Toad tile indicates some troubling moments along your life’s path, but these aches will heal. It also suggests your ambition may be greater than your reach.

Your Daily Tile
January 6, 2016 

Bamboo 5
Symbol: Lotus Flower
The Lotus Flower tile represents birth or rebirth. On a spiritual level it may indicate you are about to reach new heights in your understanding of your place in the cosmos. Physically it may suggest a child is coming, or a new project is about to emerge. The Lotus Flower tile also speaks of regeneration, and may indicate a time of recovery from hardship—a new beginning.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Storm

The Storm represents the trouble and discord that creep into our lives from time to time. The storm is represented by a tornado whirling its way across a fertile plain. Tornados are powerful but relatively small, short lived storms, which means that while the turmoil they indicate may be strong it will at least pass quickly. Like the tornado, The Storm is a force outside yourself and beyond your control. During a stormy period you may lose ground. However, knowing one is upon you can certainly help you keep your losses to a minimum, or even turn what might be a disaster into a windfall.

As a daily card, The Storm denotes a time when you should be prepared to face some large challenges in your life. You may find yourself losing more than you gain for awhile. The key to weathering the storm is preparation. You know its coming, so be ready for it and there is a possibility that you can transform a tumultuous event into something good.

Witches Rune for the Day

The Blank Rune

Meaning: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances

Your Rune For Today
Kenaz

Kenaz foretells the coming of clarity and knowledge. It is time for you to grow by exchanging knowledge with others. Opportunities are upon you.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Kenaz

kenaz : torch

Phonetic equivalent: k (can also be used as a hard ‘c’)

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:

wisdom, insight, solution to a problem, creativity, inspiration, enlightenment

MAGICAL USES:

for creative inspiration, aid in study, fertility, dispelling anxiety and fear

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:

Mimir, the Dwarfs, Muspellheim

ANALYSIS:

In modern usage, the Scottish ‘ken’ means to know or understand, and this is the sense in which the rune should interpreted. Today, light, inspiration and knowledge are often associated, as in ‘gaining enlightenment’ and ‘shedding light on the problem’, and even in the image of a lightbulb going on over someone’s head when they get an idea. To bring light is to make the invisible visible.Unlike the wisdom gained at þurisaz, kenaz only allows us to take bits and pieces of this knowledge away with us as we need it, usually at the discretion of the Gods. This knowledge will generally come in the form of a sudden inspiration, and we will be able to see clearly the answer that was once hidden from us. This form of wisdom is more closely associated with the right half of the brain than the left, since it does not come through conscious effort but rather through passively opening one’s self to it. Thus, a more feminine element is added to our journeyer’s experience.

 

The act of bringing light into the darkness is also a creative one. Again consider the image of the person carrying a torch , representing the masculine elements of fire and air, entering the cave and penetrating the feminine realm of earth and water. This joining of masculine and feminine elements results in the creation of new ideas. In physical terms, this can be correlated to the application of fire to mold and shape matter – the art of the smith.

Get a Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, January 7th

Aries

This morning’s energy is spunky and edgy, dear Aries. While changes may certainly be in order, watch that you are acting true to your own heart and not simply reacting to others. The Moon continues to stimulate your adventurous side today, but Jupiter turns retrograde today, and this points to some natural waning of misplaced enthusiasm. Until May, Jupiter is retrograde in your work and health sector and this can tame your enthusiasm just enough that you’re seeing these things more realistically. Try not to take on more projects now, and instead focus on what you’ve already begun. Edit, refine, and improve your work projects and self-care endeavors rather than taking on more. Today, good energy is building for trust in your close relationships.

Taurus

With Jupiter turning retrograde in your solar fifth house today, dear Taurus, this is a time of realigning your thinking and your plans, particularly those along the lines of creative projects, romance, entertainment, and children. Jupiter is retrograde until May 9th. You could experience some waning enthusiasm towards a romance or creative endeavor in the next while. It’s time for some tweaking, and a different perspective on these matters, and is best viewed as a time to catch your breath. There is no need to put things on hold. Some de-emphasis of your pursuit of pleasures/entertainment can be practical now. Romantic prospects are still very good, although in the coming weeks, you might be refining your approach to getting what (and who) you want in love. This can also be a good time for reviewing your financial responsibilities. This morning, your attention can be divided, and you could find it rather difficult to concentrate. Aim to tone down rough edges.

Gemini

Jupiter has been bringing strong and enthusiastic energy to your domestic projects and home life recently, dear Gemini, and today Jupiter turns retrograde until May 9th. This signals a time for reassessing matters – for making tweaks to your plans – particularly related to family, home, and partnership. Some waning of enthusiasm can be experienced as you adjust to this energy, but any slowdowns encountered now actually offer you the chance to look at your plans from a different perspective so that you can move forward with them with more confidence at a later date. Family life will continue to reward you for many months to come, but some de-emphasis and review is appropriate and beneficial now. This morning favors new approaches and flexibility. If you can avoid the tendency to move too fast and to live on your nerves (or only in your brain), you can come to very interesting, and possibly prophetic, insights. Keep your feet on the ground.

Cancer

Jupiter turns retrograde today, dear Cancer, and will continue to move in retrograde motion until May 9th. While there continues to be good energy for learning, studies, communications, and transportation in your life, some de-emphasis, review, or toning down in these areas is appropriate and beneficial now. It may be wise to slow down when it comes to taking on new interests and projects, and to focus on enjoying and developing what you already have in place. It’s not the time to abandon projects, but rather for making refinements, and this may also be true for work and health endeavors. Today, there may be cantankerous energies surrounding a partnership or parent/boss, but a sense of moving forward is with you. Avoid quick reactions.

Leo

Jupiter turns retrograde today, dear Leo, and will continue retrograde motion until May 9th. This yearly event points to a need to reassess some of our projects, or to work on developing existing projects rather than taking on new ones. You might experience what seem like turnarounds or waning enthusiasm in the areas of finances, creativity, or romance. However, as you adjust to the retrograde period, you’ll recognize that this is a strong period for reassessing these matters more realistically, for easing up on spending, and for more realistically considering how much time and energy you have for your projects and recreation. This is about restoring balance in your life. This morning requires patience, particularly regarding opinions, directions, and instructions. Something you hear might stimulate a new way of thinking, so don’t totally disregard communications now. Simply take some time before reacting.

Virgo

Jupiter turns retrograde today, dear Virgo, and while it continues to transit your sign and stimulate enthusiasm and optimism, some of this is now turning inward. It’s a good time to tame excess and overreaching. If you’ve been overdoing the seeking of freedom, this is the time to rethink and make adjustments that bring you a little closer to earth. This morning, you could be feeling a little on edge, particularly related to creative projects and intimate relationships, and especially if you don’t know where you stand in a situation or with someone. Try to remain flexible and avoid sticking stubbornly to old methods. The Moon continues to transit your home and family sector, all day, and the need to stick with familiar or secure and safe situations actually serves to replenish emotions and heal you in small but significant ways.

Libra

Jupiter turns retrograde in your privacy sector today, dear Libra, and will continue to move in retrograde until May 9th. This can be a time when you have much going on behind the scenes. Your faith in your own instincts may not be as strong as it has been, or you could struggle a little with your faith in life itself to meet your needs. This is a temporary and in fact necessary process that allows you to reassess where it is you want to be, where you’re headed, and whether your connection to your spiritual side is in need of some nurturing. In fact, as you adjust to this energy, you may find that coming out of your protective shell more often can be beneficial. You may need to slow down taking on new mental interests and learning projects so that you can come to a better balance in your life. Today, there can be difficulties concentrating in the morning as you may feel pulled in a number of different directions, and it may be unclear where you’re headed. As the day advances, you might find that focusing on the moment is best and worrying too much about your next step can be a waste of energy when you are uncertain of the final destination.

Scorpio

Jupiter turns retrograde today, dear Scorpio, and will remain in retrograde motion until May 9th. This annual period is good for review and taming of extravagances. For you, Jupiter retrograde periods always affect money matters, and this year, also influences your friends and goals. If you have too many ideas or projects on your plate, this is a good time to see which ones are most viable. Aim to pare things down. Some of you could be reassessing your involvement with a friend or group or simply toning down your social life a little. It’s a good time to look at spending and business matters in a new way. This morning, there can be some chaotic moments as things may not go exactly as planned. Know your limits and respect them.

Sagittarius

Your ruler, Jupiter, which is currently moving through your professional zone, turns retrograde today, dear Sagittarius. You may need to curb your enthusiasm a little on the professional front now – just enough to gain new perspective and to focus on projects that are doable. Even so, there can be a pleasant feeling of letting things unfold naturally, and faith that they will work out in the end. You are seeing your capabilities for what they are, rather than over or under-estimating them. You might decide to review, edit, and perfect current projects rather than taking on new ones just for the time being, as you may have been sensing recently that you’ve taken on too much. Enjoy the moment, but capture it as well so that you can carry it forward. This is not a time for actively expanding, but rather for reaping the rewards of recent successes, and focusing your energy on those projects already underway. Generally speaking as well, this is a natural time for easing up on excesses. The Moon continues to transit your sign all day, however, and some self-pampering today is quite appropriate. It’s a time of the lunar month for recognizing needs for nurture. This morning’s Sun-Uranus square can overstimulate, so watch for too-quick moves, particularly with money and love.

Capricorn

With Jupiter retrograde today until May 9th, dear Capricorn, it’s a natural time for adjusting expectations to better match energy levels and time. This is a good time for turning inward and getting in touch with what truly motivates and enthuses you, particularly related to belief systems, intellectual pursuits, and long-range goals. Some of the faith you’ve been nurturing may seem to drop away, but only just enough for you to see your plans in a different, more realistic light. Jupiter will continue to excite your interest in venturing out and broadening your horizons until October. While it’s retrograde, you’re more inclined to think over and review current projects and ideas, however, than actively pursue new ones. Today, a Sun-Uranus square can overstimulate you this morning, particularly if you have been holding on to frustrations that beg release. It can be difficult to accept restrictive conditions right now.

Aquarius

Mental tension can continue this morning, dear Aquarius, with the Sun in hard aspect to your ruler, Uranus, in mutable houses. Avoid overthinking, but also sidestep impulsive moves. Find a balance now. This can in fact be a good time to see areas of your life that have become dysfunctional and that are best left behind you. With Jupiter turning retrograde today, you may need to redirect some of your energy away from a partnership or a focus on others if this has been excessive. In the coming months, until May 9th, there is good energy for reviewing, reassessing, and moderating debt. It’s also a time for developing current projects rather than taking on new ones. Think in terms of correcting excesses. If you’ve been overspending or over-borrowing, or otherwise too dependent on others for your happiness, then this is a time for bringing things back into balance.

Pisces

A Sun-Uranus challenge this morning can put the pressure on, dear Pisces, but it’s better not to rush anything right now. If you haven’t been recognizing a need to make changes in your practical affairs or social life, there can be some tension experienced today, but also an important awakening to new ideas and possibilities for improving your methods, income, and relationships. Today, Jupiter begins a four-month retrograde period. This annual event tends to affect your professional goals and aspirations, and this year, also your partnerships and negotiations. This is a time for taking a more realistic look at current projects and for developing these rather than taking on more. A partnership or friendship may need a little breathing room and the chance to unfold naturally. Jupiter retrograde and direct periods honor the natural ebb and flow of things – there are times to push forward and times to slow down and review.