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 August 5

Virgo Cluster Galaxies
Image Credit & Copyright: Rogelio Bernal Andreo

 

Explanation: Well over a thousand galaxies are known members of the Virgo Cluster, the closest large cluster of galaxies to our own local group. In fact, the galaxy cluster is difficult to appreciate all at once because it covers such a large area on the sky. This careful wide-field mosaic of telescopic images clearly records the central region of the Virgo Cluster through faint foreground dust clouds lingering above the plane of our own Milky Way galaxy. The cluster’s dominant giant elliptical galaxy M87, is just below and to the left of the frame center. To the right of M87 is a string of galaxies known as Markarian’s Chain. A closer examination of the image will reveal many Virgo cluster member galaxies as small fuzzy patches. Sliding your cursor over the image will label the larger galaxies using NGC catalog designations. Galaxies are also shown with Messier catalog numbers, including M84, M86, and prominent colorful spirals M88, M90, and M91. On average, Virgo Cluster galaxies are measured to be about 48 million light-years away. The Virgo Cluster distance has been used to give an important determination of the Hubble Constant and the scale of the Universe.

Moon and Jupiter close on August 5

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PLANET TRACKER

Venus in Virgo

Aug 5, 2016 to Aug 29, 2016

 

Venus is about love and relationships, while Virgo deals with life’s more practical matters. Superifically, this can be interpreted, then, as a period in which passion may give way to the mundane affairs of daily life. However, Virgo’s traditionally chaste image is not nearly so virginal as one might expect. It is, after all, an earth sign that appreciates the healthy functions of the human body, including sexuality.

A more balanced view is that Venus in Virgo is a time when pleasure is derived by understanding the fine details of life, be they related to love or work. An appreciation for refinement in the arts, food, nature and people is more likely during this period. This can help further the development of skills and techniques in all areas of creative expression.

In personal relationships Venus in Virgo can correspond with excess criticism. The idea is to take the sharpened perceptions of the moment and apply with a constructive, rather than destructive, attitude. In this way so-called “faults” are not reasons to tear down a person, but to clarify the issues that need attention and adjustment. This positive approach can make this a time in which relationships grow through greater awareness of what makes them tick and, thus, help to iron out the kinks. Passion flows more freely when obstacles are removed. Work makes way for love.

That handy expert in life’s little refinements, Martha Stewart, was born with Venus in Virgo, as was fellow foodie Julia Child. Tennis champions Martina Navratilova, Jimmy Connors and Arthur Ashe, and the great conqueror of more than basketball, Wilt Chamberlain, also have this in their birth charts.

Hollywood couple Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas share Venus in Virgo, along with singers Chrissie Hynde, Joni Mitchell and Linda Ronstadt. Ms. Perfect Julie Andrews is a different kind of Venus in Virgo singer, as is Luciano Pavarotti. Penny Marshall, Carrie Fisher, Catherine Deneuve, Robert DeNiro, Robert Redford and Chevy Chase also belong to this group.

Conservatives Jesse Helms, Jerry Falwell and Casper Weinberger represent one end of the political spectrum, while George McGovern and William Kunstler come from the other. Ex-football coach Jimmy Johnson is a perfectly coiffed example of Venus in Virgo precision, but revolutionary rocker John Lennon reminds us that these symbols can stretch to include less conventional forms of personal expression.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

The Words of Confucius

He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.

Your Daily Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is practical, prudent, ambitious, disciplined, patient, careful, humorous and reserved. They could be someone you know in the medical field–a nurse or doctor perhaps.

General Description:
Tenth sign of the Zodiac, Dec 22nd to Jan 19th. Ruling planet, Saturn; correct metal, lead. Those born under Capricornus influence were believed to be prudent, deep thinkers, prosperous in financial affairs, generous, with strong and forcible tempers. The Capricorn stone is the Ruby. The Ruby was a favorite talisman in the Orient. In India it was worn to guard against attacks of enemies, foretell danger, supposed to change color in presence of poison, and attract friends and good fortune; China and Japan health, Happiness and long life. The Romans believed that the Ruby preserved health and strength, averted danger, plague and fevers.

 

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Rose

The White Rose indicates the need for or the presence of purity of intention. The question to ponder is, “Am I/he/she being self-serving, or other-directed?” The caution is that even if we are reasonably certain our motives are generous, if we are yet attempting to impose our idea of what should be, we are not acting at the level of the White Rose. When the White Rose appears, examine your own and others’ motives, and then trust the answer that brings you true peace of mind.

As a daily card, the Rose denotes a time in which you will be best served by allowing your actions to be guided by what is best for the greatest number even if the path indicated is not the one you feel is best for you.

 

Today’s Witches Rune

Romance

Meaning: The Romance rune is also a symbol of connection, just like the Rings rune. But differently from the latter, the former implies a deeper sort of connection. While in the Rings we have two (or more) people joining to reach a similar goal, here we have two people joining for reasons they can’t quite explain.

Hence this rune is related to love, passion, emotional bonds, sexual chemistry and sudden attraction. Any strong bond can be symbolized by this rune, including the unconditional parental love or a very strong friendship. And it’s not limited to the emotions that sparkle between individuals – the love can be also directed to an object, a subject or even a work.

It’s important to not limit this rune to the emotional field. It can be quite physical, representing sexual relations, arousal and irresistible magnetism. This rune is powerful, and often gives an extra impulse to any rune that is close it. Charismatic and seductive people are represented by the Romance rune as well.

Outside from the field of romance and sex, this rune is concerned with any act of creation. If you have any ongoing projects, you can be sure an extra impulse will come and spur you on. The Romance rune can also represent the reconciliation of opposite forces or tendencies, and the resolution of conflicts. Obsessive thoughts, stubbornness in pursuing a person or a goal and lack of objectivity are the downfalls of this rune.

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, Romance, courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Your Rune Reading for the Upcoming Weekend

 

The Past That Once Again Appears
Dagaz

Dagaz represents the fresh light of a new day. You are close to making a breakthrough. You have the will to change whatever you deem necessary. You may see the world with absolute clarity at this time.

 

 

The Present Circumstances That You Will Find Yourself In
Tiwaz

Tiwaz is the Warrior Rune. It represents pure, masculine power and the ability to successfully fight to meet your goals. However, you must be careful that costs of attaining your goals overshadow their values.

 

 

A Glimpse of The Future That Will Be Revealed
Naudhiz

Naudhiz reversed may tell of needs met and harmonious relationships. Your passions for someone or something may be at their pinnacle.

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, August 6th

 

Aries

You may be difficult being productive without succumbing to distractions, dear Aries. There may also be delays or blockages with certain endeavors that keep you in limbo for the time being. Look for ways to work around roadblocks. There can be a tendency to take things very personally today with your ruler, Mars, in hard aspect with Venus, presenting a timing problem. Usually, this is not so much about differences in opinion, but more about differences in approaches – either too aggressive and insensitive, or not direct enough. However, with Pallas also involved, opinions and viewpoints may very well be tied up in conflicts today. There can also be pronounced differences in values. Under these influences, it’s important not to push your agenda on others.

Taurus

Some doubts about recent feelings or projects could emerge today, dear Taurus. You may be feeling a little self-protective, and this can lead to brusque behavior and miscommunications. There can be some tensions revolving around getting what you want, but it may be impatience itself that’s tripping you up more than anything. As well, you could be focusing on a particular desire that, when attained, is not actually satisfying. Watch spending, as impractical and impulsive energies are with us today. Your best bet is to allow difficult energies to blow over, or to tap into frustrated energy and use it for creative inspiration. Aim to learn from differences that seem especially glaring now.

Gemini

Others may seem to be putting a damper on your plans, dear Gemini, or shutting your ideas down before they give them a fair chance. Criticism may be frustrating as well. When it comes to your relationships with a partner and family, watch for impulsiveness. Someone’s behavior can be difficult to stomach, and even offensive. Desires can come on suddenly and flood your senses, but try your best not to treat them as emergencies. True desires stick around and don’t have such a short shelf life or timetable. It may be a good idea to remove yourself from frustrating circumstances, if possible, just to get a change of scenery, which sometimes leads to a new perspective as well. Challenges now can result in new understanding, of others, and of your own needs.

Cancer

Duties and desires can seem very pressing today, dear Cancer. There can be some competitiveness in the air with others, and perhaps some inner pressure to perform. You can be feeling especially sensitive and may put up a protective shell around you. However, if you give off the impression that your skin is thick, you could end up with hurt feelings. There can be large differences between what people want and what people are willing to give right now, and this can be the source of a lot of frustration. Tone things down as much as possible, and don’t be afraid to let others know that you may be vulnerable right now. Work or things on your to-do list can be overwhelming, but you may discover that you can shuffle things around to accommodate both duty and pleasure.

Leo

Look for a middle ground in any conflicts you might have today, dear Leo, but don’t worry too much if others don’t promptly meet you halfway. Sometimes clashes don’t have quick resolutions, but they may help redirect your energy going forward. Tensions today tend to revolve around differences in values and approaches. Internal conflicts are more likely to be about whether to take a leap of faith or a risk, or to stick with what’s known and familiar. You may be feeling out of sync and at odds with others, and you could end up with hurt feelings. Impatience with others and with processes can figure strongly now. Impulsiveness with money can be an issue as well. Consider that if you are not in touch with your true desires, you may be chasing superficial ones now.

Virgo

Tension can be thick in the air today, dear Virgo. This morning, you may feel blocked from doing what you want, and even feeling what you feel, as others seem to shut you down without truly listening to you. You might also feel resentful of others who don’t appear to be pulling their weight. Try not to waste energy on worry and guilt. Later today, people close to you may be brusque or demanding. You could feel that they’re more interested in satisfying their own desires than tending to your needs. Waiting on an outcome or agreement with high expectations can put undue pressure on your life. Keep yourself busy. Others’ opinions may be clashing with yours. Don’t completely shut out information, even if it’s coming to you in an unattractive package, but don’t accept unfair behavior, either.

Libra

You may be feeling a little insecure about recent comments or openness, dear Libra, experiencing some feelings of regret or fear that you’ve revealed too much or that others are not interested. Try not to allow insecurities rule your actions. A project may reach a roadblock now, or a miscommunication can lead to a frustrating delay. Even so, this may also slow things down long enough that you find a better plan. Also today, a Venus-Mars square can point to differences in approaches that may very well lead to conflicts. Keeping things light or business-minded is probably best. There could be clashes if you, or the people around you, are overcome with impatience over satisfying desires. Consider whether your desires are real or if they’re merely a symptom of restlessness.

Scorpio

A temporary drop in confidence can lead to negative thinking today, dear Scorpio, or perhaps some regret about recent openness. There could be temporary blocks or delays that frustrate, but these can also lead to a reexamination of goals which is ultimately useful. Tempers can flare, and frustrations can emerge over someone’s apparent insensitivity. You may think that filling a sudden desire will be the answer to all your problems, but it’s likely to be a mere distraction. You could feel torn between filling your own needs and pleasing someone, and there could be a sense that you’re out of rhythm with a partner. If you keep your expectations in check, you may be able to roll with the competitive energy and allow it to fuel your motivation to up your game.

Sagittarius

This morning, something that’s communicated could be taken the wrong way, dear Sagittarius, or you could be rethinking recent ideas or communications. You may feel the need to make adjustments to how you approach or connect and communicate with others as a result. Take your time weighing pros and cons and consider all of your options, but avoid harping on the past. Look forward to how you can make improvements. As the day advances, there is tricky energy of a different variety. Rhythms in love and patterns in relating can be a little off, and it can be difficult to feel satisfied. Impatience with getting our needs met can lead to all sorts of minor tensions. Someone may be wanting a refined approach from you and can misinterpret your passion as impatience or insensitivity.

Capricorn

This morning, you may feel the need to revisit plans, schedules, or statements, dear Capricorn. While travel, romantic, or creative opportunities can be opening up these days, there can be some doubts experienced now. They can serve a useful purpose if they slow you down enough to see a significant detail that you previously missed. If they only serve to bring you down, take a second look. As the day advances, there can be problems harmonizing with others. People around you can be temperamental and competitive. If you find yourself competing with someone over whose needs and desires should be paramount, consciously pull yourself out of the game. Be protective of information or feelings that you typically want to keep quiet, as there is an impulsive tendency that could be cause for later regret.

Aquarius

Try to lift yourself above insecurities this morning, dear Aquarius. If you let fear rule, you may miss an opportunity to get closer to someone. Misunderstandings are entirely possible now, and they may have to do with questions about the depth of feelings and attachment. You can experience tensions with someone over power dynamics, sharing, and intimacy. Someone may be giving too much and getting too little in return. Frustrations may have been building lately and reach a head today. Issues of what is said, or how someone approaches you, can be irritating, and people can be brusque or impatient with you, stepping on your feelings in the process. Try not to take these things to heart, but if you need to get things out of your system, you might find you have the courage to do so now. Recognize that for the time being it can be difficult to satisfy both yourself and someone close to you. Compromise or letting things blow over may be the only solution now.

Pisces

There may be some disconnects to deal with today, dear Pisces, likely about values, goals, or ambitions. Insecurity may be interfering with intimacy now. It can be difficult to see eye to eye with people close to you, yet you may feel rather dependent on the responses of others at this time. Desires and values tend to clash. People may not completely know what they want, but may be focusing on something they don’t have that they think is the answer to their restlessness. Your intentions can be completely misinterpreted so that being playful could end up hurting someone’s feelings, for example. There may be conflicts with someone in authority, or you might feel uncomfortable with a person who is coming on too strong. People seem more competitive than cooperative today, and you may find that adjusting your approach to minimize friction and misunderstanding is worthwhile now.

If Today is Your Birthday: August 5

You are authoritative, well-liked, and respected. You tend to do very well in whatever you choose to do, and you are especially hard-working. You are especially good at managing and directing others, although this trait can be difficult if it’s extended to your personal life! Because you are so independent and strong, you tend to do best when you are your own boss or leading in some manner. While you can be stubborn and determined, you are also versatile and open-minded enough to always learn and improve as you mature. Famous people born today: Neil Armstrong, John Saxon, Loni Anderson, John Huston, James Gunn, Jesse Williams.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

With the Sun and Moon in a waxing semi-square at the time of your birthday this year, the period ahead is one of new initiatives and action. You possess quite a bit of energy, but you must be aware that emotions color much of what you do this year. It can be hard to be objective as a result.

This can be a year in which you experience important turning points, or you could begin new projects or goals that have a long-term impact on your life.

Transiting Saturn continues to transit in harmony with your Sun until November 2016. This suggests benefits from keeping your feet on the ground and paying attention to, and honoring, tradition as well as tried-and-true methods. Work you have done in the past begins to pay off now – not necessarily in dramatic ways, but in small, measurable ways. You may be recognized or rewarded in some way for the efforts you put forth. When you project a more responsible and credible “you”, people in authority are more inclined to appreciate you and recognize your work. This is a time in which you put your life in order in some significant manner. The key to success under this influence is adopting a realistic, practical, disciplined, and orderly approach to your life. Having a strong sense for both tradition and innovation opens doors for you. You have a real sense of tomorrow now, so it’s easier for you to take the necessary steps to make all of your “tomorrows” better.

Just when Saturn moves out of transit to your Sun, Jupiter moves into transiting harmony. From November 2016 forward, you benefit from a Jupiter transit. 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.

However, there can be some problems with blocks or delays with communications and transportation. Your thoughts are likely to be quite sober at times, and you should do your best to avoid negative thinking. This may be a year when you often retreat to work on specific tasks on your own. You might be required to travel for business purposes. The maturity of young people in your life may become an issue or area of focus. Thinking in realistic and practical terms is your best bet, and the need for tangible results for your efforts is strong. Still, there can be misunderstandings, misinformation, wishful thinking, or carelessness. Verify the facts before making decisions and avoid taking precipitate action.

There can be some fireworks in key relationships this year. Feelings can sometimes run hot and cold in love. Your affections are strongly stimulated, and you are more acutely aware of your powers of attraction. You can enjoy an increase in personal magnetism, but timing can be off and you should be wary of competitiveness or tension in existing love relationships, as your passions run high, whether they‘re feelings of love or anger.

Marketing and promotional activities can thrive. Business revolving around the home, nutrition, cooking, and real estate may be particularly fruitful.

You may win respect and recognition for your work or craft this year. There is a good balance between learning from tradition and seeing things progressively. Timing is strong, and you tend to make firm, favorable decisions related to work or long-term projects.

A subject or even a person can be especially inspiring, prompting you to explore new perspectives. New or improved friendships are very likely. This can be a good year for dabbling in the arts, furthering a creative hobby or craft, and exploring new artistic interests.

Certainly, spontaneity is an essential ingredient in your personal relationships this year. You quite readily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements as well as financial undertakings. You have a taste for the offbeat this year, and there can be sudden or unexpected romance in your life. Renewing old ties in a new way is another strong possibility.

The year ahead is one of new beginnings. You are curious and seek out mental stimulation and new interests or experiences this year. This is a strong year for enjoying exciting ideas and for connecting with others with similar interests. New or enhanced social relationships are likely. However, you may be too quick to speak or act out at times during this period, and it would be wise to look for ways to reduce stress and slow yourself down. Friendships can improve with more communication. Old friendships might be renewed.

  2016 is a Number Three year for you. Ruled by Jupiter. This is a year of sociability. It is a friendly time, when it is easy to enjoy life and other people. Focus is on personal freedom, reaching out to others, making new friends, and exploration. You are more enthusiastic and ready for adventure. It is likely to be a rather lighthearted year, when opportunities for “play” time are greater than usual. It’s also a good year for expressing your creativity. Advice – reach out, but avoid scattering your energies.

2017 will be a Number Four year for you. Ruled by Uranus. This is a year of work and development. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. It’s a time to deal with practical matters, and it’s not a time to be lazy or especially gregarious. Sometimes, it can be a year that feels hard, monotonous and routine, and/or lonely. Positive new relationships are generally not formed in a Four personal year. Advice – get yourself organized, work to build your resources, keep busy.

 

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology