December 23 Today In History

Today’s Important Historical Events

962 Byzantine-Arab Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops storm the city of Aleppo, recovering the tattered tunic of John the Baptist

1688 King James II, the last Roman Catholic British monarch flees to France from William of Orange

1783 US General George Washington resigns his military commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Army to Congress

1888 Vincent van Gogh cuts off his left ear with a razor, after argument with fellow painter Paul Gauguin, and sends to a prostitute for safe keeping

1920 Government of Ireland Act / Home Rule Act passed partitioning Ireland

1954 The first human kidney transplant is performed by Dr. Joseph E. Murray at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts

Today’s Historical Events

619 Boniface V begins his reign as Catholic Pope

962 Byzantine-Arab Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops storm the city of Aleppo, recovering the tattered tunic of John the Baptist

1482 The Peace of Atrecht (now Arras) concluded between Louis XI of France and Maximilian of Austria, ending the War of the Burgundian Succession

1493 Georg Alt’s German translation of Hartmann Schedel’s Nuremberg Chronicle is published.

1588 “The Day of the Dagger” Henry, Duke of Guise, leader of the Catholic League is assassinated by the bodyguards of King Henry III at the Château de Blois

1620 French huguenots declare war on King Louis XIII

1672 Giovanni Cassini discovers Rhea, a satellite of Saturn

1688 King James II, the last Roman Catholic British monarch flees to France from William of Orange

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

1911 Frank Wedekind‘s play “Oaha, die Satire der Satire” premieres in Munich

1928 NBC sets up a permanent, coast-to-coast radio network

1930 Bette Davis arrives in Hollywood under contract to Universal Studios

1938 Margaret Hamilton‘s costume catches fire while filming “The Wizard of Oz

1951 National Football League Championship, LA Memorial Coliseum: Los Angeles Rams beat Cleveland Browns, 24-17; first coast-to-coast televised NFL title game

1961 KICU TV channel 43 in Visalia-Fresno, CA (IND) begins broadcasting

1966 Britain’s rock TV show “Ready Steady Go” last program

1990 Comedy “Lettice & Lovage” closes at Barrymore Theater NYC after 284 performances

Today’s Historical Music Events

1893 Opera “Hansel und Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck and his sister Adelheid Wette premieres in Weimar, conducted by Richard Strauss

1911 Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari’s opera “I Gioielli Della Madonna” premieres at at the Kurfürstenoper in Berlin, Germany, sung in German as “Der Schmuck der Madonna”

1915 Jerome Kern and Schuyler Greene’s musical farce “Very Good Eddie” premieres at the Princess Theatre, NYC; runs for 341 performances

1943 1st telecast of a complete opera (Hansel & Gretel), Schenectady, NY

1948 “Cinderella” the first full-length ballet by Frederick Ashton with music by Sergei Prokofiev is first presented by Sadler’s Wells Ballet at Covent Garden, London

1958 Musical revue “Party with Comden & Green” opens at John Golden NYC for 38 performances

1974 Revival of RAy Henderson, B.G. DeSylva, and Lew Brown’s musical “Good News” opens at St James Theater, NYC; runs for 16 performances

1974 Premier of Dmitri Shostakovich‘ Suite on Verses of Michelangelo Buonarroti song cycle in Leningrad

 

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1866 First yacht race across the Atlantic won by the schooner Henrietta owned by Gordon Bennett of New York, first to reach Bishop Rock in the Scilly Isles after racing from NY

1923 Yankees pitcher Carl Mays sold to Reds for $85,000

1933 Montreal Canadiens center Howie Morenz scores in 3-0 win v Detroit Red Wings; his NHL record 249th career goal

1951 National Football League Championship, LA Memorial Coliseum: Los Angeles Rams beat Cleveland Browns, 24-17; first coast-to-coast televised NFL title game

1953 Dodgers 2nd baseman Jim Gilliam wins NL Rookie of Year

1957 Test cricket debut for all-time great Australian wicketkeeper Wally Grout and future captain and coach Bobby Simpson, 1st Test v South Africa in Johannesburg

1969 Ballon d’Or: Milan midfielder Gianni Rivera wins award for best European football player ahead of Cagliari forward Luigi Riva and Bayern Munich striker Gerd Müller

1972 New York Islanders end 15 games winless streak

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.

2021 December 23

Three Planets and a Comet

Image Credit & Copyright: Tunc Tezel (TWAN)

Explanation: Are you still looking for that perfect holiday gift for an astronomer? If your night sky is dark and horizon clear enough, the Solar System may have done your shopping for you. Send them outside after sunset to see three planets and a comet. In this snapshot of the December solstice evening sky from the village of Kirazli, Turkey the brightest celestial beacon is Venus, close to the southwestern horizon at the right. Look left and up to find Saturn shining between clouds. Follow that line farther left and up to bright Jupiter, the Solar System’s ruling gas giant. This year’s surprise visitor to the inner Solar System, Comet Leonard (C/2021 A1), is near the horizon too. The comet is fainter but forms a nearly equilateral triangle with planets Venus and Saturn in this view. After a dramatic brightening in recent days the comet is just visible to the unaided eye, though a nice pair of binoculars is always a good idea.

December 22 Today In History

Today’s Important Historical Events

1790 Supposedly impenetrable Turkish fortress of Izmail stormed and captured by Suvorov and his Russian armies during the Russo-Turkish War (1787–92)

1877 Thomas Edison‘s Phonograph is announced by Scientific American

1885 Itō Hirobumi, a samurai, becomes the first Prime Minister of Japan

1989 After 23 years of dictatorial rule, Romania ousts Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu

1990 Lech Wałęsa sworn in as Poland’s 1st popularly elected president

2010 Repeal of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy”, a 17-year-old policy banning homosexuals serving openly in the US military, signed into law by President Barack Obama

Today’s Historical Events

401 St. Innocent I begins his reign as Catholic Pope

1135 Norman nobles recognize Stefanus van Blois as English king

1216 Pope Honorius III delegates decree “Religiosam vitam eligentibus”

1465 Peace of St Truiden: Louis van Bourbon becomes bishop of Liège

1536 English scholar Reginald Pole appointed cardinal

1596 Ferryboat Meuniers crashes in Paris, 150 die

1642 Pope Urbanus VIII publishes decree In eminente

1666 The French Academy of Sciences, founded by Louis XIV with Jean-Baptiste Colbert first meets in the Kings Library

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

1932 “The Mummy” directed by Karl Freund and starring Boris Karloff is released in the US – 1st Mummy horror film

1948 KPIX TV channel 5 in San Francisco, California (CBS) begins broadcasting

1952 WSBA (now WPMT) TV channel 43 in York, PA (IND) begins broadcasting

1957 KWRB (now KFNE) TV channel 10 in Lander-Riverton, WY (ABC) begins

1964 American comedian Lenny Bruce is convicted of obscenity

1965 “Doctor Zhivago” based on the novel by Boris Pasternak, directed by David Lean and starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie premieres in NYC

1966 WCVW TV channel 57 in Richmond, VA (PBS) begins broadcasting

1967 “The Graduate” American comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols, starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, is released (Best Director 1968)

Today’s Historical Music Events

1808 Beethoven‘s Symphonies No. 5 and No. 6, Choral Fantasy and Piano Concerto No. 4 (featuring the composer as soloist) premiere at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna, Austria

1894 Claude Debussy‘s first orchestral masterpiece “Prélude à l’apres-midi d’un faune” premieres in Paris

1946 “Bal Negre” closes at Belasco Theater NYC after 54 performances

1956 “New Faces of 1956” closes at Barrymore Theater NYC after 221 performances

1958 “Chipmunk Song” reaches #1

1958 “Whoop-Up” opens at Shubert Theater NYC for 56 performances

1976 “Your Arm’s Too Short…” opens at Lyceum NYC for 429 performances

1976 East Germany grants rock singer Nina Hagen her request to leave the country, after refusing her stepfather re-entry

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1877 “American Bicycling Journal” begins publishing (Boston, Mass)

1888 Heavyweight boxing champ John L. Sullivan challenges Jake Kilrain

1894 United States Golf Association forms in New York

1915 Organized baseball and Federal League sign a peace treaty at Cincinnati; Federal Baseball League dissolves

1917 In the NHL’s first official week of play, 3 players score hat tricks in the same game, for the same team; Corb Denneny, Reg Noble, & Harry Meeking each score 3 for the Toronto Arenas in an 11-4 win over the Ottawa Senators

1923 Bill Ponsford & Edgar Mayne make 456 opening stand for Vict

1924 Babe Dye of NHL’s Toronto St Patricks scores 5 goals beat Bruins 10-2

1941 1942 NFL Draft: Bill Dudley from University of Virginia first pick by Pittsburgh Steelers

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.

2021 December 22

Launch of the IXPE Observatory

Image Credit & Copyright: Jordan Sirokie

Explanation: Birds don’t fly this high. Airplanes don’t go this fast. The Statue of Liberty weighs less. No species other than human can even comprehend what is going on, nor could any human just a millennium ago. The launch of a rocket bound for space is an event that inspires awe and challenges description. Pictured here, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space CenterFlorida earlier this month carrying the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). IXPE is scheduled to observe high-energy objects such as neutron stars, black holes, and the centers of distant galaxies to better determine the physics and geometries that create and control them. From a standing start, the 300,000+ kilogram rocket ship lifted IXPE up to circle the Earth, where the outside air is too thin to breathe. Rockets bound for space are now launched from somewhere on Earth every few days.

 

Launch Update: James Webb Space Telescope

December 21 Today In History

Today’s Important Historical Events

1620 Mayflower Pilgrims come ashore at in Plymouth Bay, traditionally thought to be at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts [OS=Dec 11]

1898 Scientists Pierre and Marie Curie discover radium

1968 Apollo 8: 1st manned Moon voyage launched with Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders

1988 Lockerbie disaster: A terrorist bomb destroys Pan Am Flight 103 mid-air, over Scotland; kills all 259 passengers and crew on board, and 11 people on the ground [1]

1991 Soviet Union formally dissolves as 11 of 12 republics sign treaty forming Commonwealth of Independent States

Today’s Historical Events

1163 Hurricane hits villages in Holland/Friesland, causing floods

1561 Antoine Perrenot de Granvelle, Archbishop of Mechelen, made Cardinal

1582 Flanders adopts the Gregorian calendar, skipping 11 days making the next day Jan 1, 1583

1598 Battle of Curalaba: the Mapuche people led by Pelentaru revolt and inflict a major defeat on Spanish troops in southern Chile

1620 Mayflower Pilgrims come ashore at in Plymouth Bay, traditionally thought to be at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts [OS=Dec 11]

1650 Johan de Witt installed as Dutch Pensionary of Dordrecht

1784 John Jay becomes acting US Secretary of State (1789-90)

1788 Hue Tay Son becomes emperor Quang Trung of Vietnam

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

1914 1st feature-length silent film comedy “Tillie’s Punctured Romance” released starring Marie Dressler, Mabel Normand and Charlie Chaplin

1925 “Battleship Potemkin”, Soviet silent film directed by Sergei Eisenstein, starring Aleksandr Antonov, Vladimir Barksy and Grigori Aleksandrov, premieres in Moscow

1933 Fox Films signs Shirley Temple aged 5, to a studio contract

1934 French film “Zouzou” premieres in Paris, starring Josephine Baker; 1st black woman to star in a major motion picture

1937 The first full-length animated feature film and the earliest in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, premieres at the Carthay Circle Theatre

1949 “Samson and Delilah”, directed and produced by Cecil B. DeMille, starring Hedy Lamarr and Victor Mature, premieres in New York

1952 WSBT TV channel 22 in South Bend, IN (CBS) begins broadcasting

1953 KOMU TV channel 8 in Columbia, MO (NBC/PBS) begins broadcasting

Today’s Historical Music Events

1920 Jerome Kern/BG DeSylva’s musical “Sally” premieres in NYC

1941 David Diamond’s 1st Symphony premieres

1945 “Billion Dollar Baby” opens at Alvin Theater NYC for 219 performances

1946 “If the Shoe Fits” closes at Century Theater NYC after 20 performances

1950 Cole Porter‘s musical “Out of this World” premieres at New Century Theater NYC; runs for 157 performances

1960 Ornette Coleman records his influential album “Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation”, establishes the name for the Free Jazz sound

1961 Beatles record “Sweet Georgia Brown” & “Ready Teddy”

1968 Glen Campbell‘s album “Wichita Lineman” goes to #1 in the US

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1891 1st game of basketball, based on rules created by James Naismith, played by 18 students in Springfield, Massachusetts

1918 Red Sox trade Dutch Leonard, Ernie Shore & Duffy Lewis to Yankees for Ray Caldwell & Slim Love, Frank Gilhooey, Al Walters & $15,000

1925 Test batsman Hunter “Stork” Hendry scores career best unbeaten 325 for Victoria against New Zealand in drawn tour match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

1926 Soccer team DOS Struggle forms

1932 Giants sign former outfielder Billy Southworth as a coach

1936 Bradman‘s 2nd consecutive Test Cricket duck! Australia all out for 80

1937 O’Reilly completes 14-98 for cricket match, NSW v South Aust

1937 Chicago Black Hawks left wing Paul Thompson becomes first player in NHL history to score a goal against his brother; scores on bro Cecil of the Boston Bruins with just 9 seconds left in regulation; Bruins win though, 2-1

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.

2021 December 21

Solstice Sun and Milky Way

Composite Image Credit & CopyrightStefan Seip (TWAN)

Explanation: Welcome to December’s solstice, first day of winter in the north and summer for the southern hemisphere. Astronomical markers of the seasons, solstice and equinox dates are based on the Sun’s place in its annual journey along the ecliptic, through planet Earth’s sky. At this solstice, the Sun reaches its maximum southern declination of -23.5 degrees today at 15:59 UTC, while its right ascension coordinate on the celestial sphere is 18 hours. That puts the Sun in the constellation Sagittarius in a direction near the center of our Milky Way galaxy. In fact, if you could see today’s Solstice Sun against faint background stars and nebulae (that’s really hard to do, especially in the daytime …) your view might look something like this composited panorama. To make it, images of our fair galaxy were taken under dark Namibian night skies, then stitched together in a panoramic view. From a snapshot made on 2015 December 21, the Sun was digitally overlayed as a brilliant star at today’s northern winter solstice position, close to the center of the Milky Way.

 

Discovery + Outreach: Graduate student research position open for APOD

December 20 Daily Correspondence Digest for the Daily and Birthday Horoscopes

Click here for Georgia Nicols’ Daily Horoscopes

Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Cancer.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

A conversation with a boss, parent or someone in a position of authority will surprise you today. Someone might suggest something that you least expected to hear? (Hopefully, you’re pleased.) Perhaps something unexpected will cause you to shift a long-term plan?

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is an excellent day to take up a new study or explore a new subject or learn a new language because you’re keen to explore new ideas. You might also have a sudden opportunity to travel today. If so, act quickly because this window of opportunity is brief.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You feel slightly electrified today because your ruler Mercury is dancing with unpredictable Uranus. It will be wise to double check details regarding shared property, taxes, debt and insurance matters because something unexpected will impact these areas. Be in the know!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Someone close to you, a partner or friend, will surprise you today. They might throw you a curveball; or perhaps, they have exciting, new information? Possibly, you will meet someone new today or be introduced to a member of the general public. If so, this person will be unusual or different.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Your work scene will hold a few surprises for you today. You might meet someone new on the job? Someone might say or do something that surprises you? Please note: Pet owners should be aware that something unpredictable could impact their pets. Stay tuned!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You’re full of wonderful, creative ideas today, which is why this is an exciting day for those who work in the arts or the entertainment world. In fact, a sweet invitation might come your way! (If so, respond quickly.) Meanwhile, parents — please take note: this is an accident-prone day for your kids so be extra vigilant.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Your home routine will be interrupted today. Small appliances might break down or a minor breakage could occur. Someone unexpected might appear at your door? Family news could be exciting. Get dressed. This is not a typical Monday; be ready for a surprise.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You’re full of clever, unusual and original ideas today. However, because your mind is excited, you might be inclined overlook details. Fortunately, you will make up for this with a heightened intuition. (“I see dead people.”) Relatives, siblings and neighbours might have surprising news. You might meet a new face?

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Something unexpected could impact your finances or your possessions today. For example, you might find money or you might lose money. Possibly, something that you own will be suddenly lost, damaged or stolen? On the upside, you might have a clever moneymaking idea.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This is a great way to begin your week because you feel excited about something. You feel alive and eager! In a curious way, everything that you encounter today will have a new freshness about it. You might feel as if you have suddenly landed from Mars.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You will feel restless today because your ruler Uranus is dancing with Mercury, and Mercury is related to your everyday communications and your everyday habits. That’s why this is an unpredictable day for most people – including you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

A friend might surprise you today. Possibly this person is a member of a group? Alternatively, you might meet someone new who is different, avant-garde or unusual in some way. Whatever the case, this is not a boring day. Enjoy your encounters with new people. Learn something new!

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Jang Hyuk (1976) shares your birthday today. Outwardly, you have a casual breezy attitude; however, inwardly, you are sensitive and psychic. You will always be youthful, humorous and playful because this is your basic nature. This year has been a year of beginnings for you. Continue to be courageous and open new doors to explore new avenues. Next year is more slower paced while you focus on relationships.

Click here to read anyone’s birthday horoscope

DECEMBER 20 birthday horoscope predicts that you are the person everyone wants to be. This Sagittarius born today knows how to blend in according to the situation at hand. This quality could be closely related to your psychic abilities. You can be exceptionally successful. You always know in advance what will work for you and what won’t.

The December 20 birthday personality bring in the sunshine when they walk into a room. It’s hard being you, but nobody does it better. You’re a supportive and caring friend. These Sagittarius birthday people are fun-loving who want to live a youthful life. You may feel that laughter is one the keys to a healthier life.

As the December 20 zodiac sign is Sagittarius, you value traditions and have strong family connections. However, there are a few things that you would like to get rid of from your past like your nickname for instance. The name carries a certain image that you most certainly have overcome.

As an adult, you are appreciative of people who are earnest and respectful. You have grown to be an exceptional individual who is willing to make sacrifices for those you love. As a drawback, the people born on this zodiac birthday are impetuous. When you see an opportunity to show off, you do! You love an audience. The future of person who born on 20 December will always be promising.

The fact that you are sincere and outspoken could hurt someone’s feelings. However, you want to see the good in everybody. Your friends have high regard for you. The biggest form of flattery is imitation. If you look around, you’ll find that you have some fans.

The December 20 horoscope predicts that finding a lover has never been a problem for you. You are the romantic type who is perhaps idealistic. You’re emotional and somewhat uncertain about love. Generally, you look for someone who shares the same ideas as you regarding the important issues such as marital affairs and obligations. It’s not surprising that you would put your lover’s needs first.

As a December 20 birthday personality, likely you are genetically inclined to be a certain weight. You eat when and what you want. You hardly exercise, but you stay active. Could your attitude have anything to do with your health? Well, some experts agree that our thoughts are indeed related to how we feel. You believe you have the power to choose your emotions as well. You can either choose to be depressed or at least make a genuine effort to move on from the situation.

The December 20th  astrology shows that you are career-minded. You want more than just a job. Every one of us has some degree of psychic ability. You have more than most. This is not a bad profession as the industry is as strong as ever. It could be profitable if only done part-time. Because you are intelligent and nosy, you may want to check out a career in travel or sales.

A combination of the two would make this December 20 Sagittarius a happy-being. However, you are a business-minded person who is not afraid of a challenge. You have a choice of careers. Sticking to one job is your weakness. Sacrificing is second nature to you. If it provides you with the right stimulation and freedom, the chances are good that you see it through.

The December 20 horoscope suggests that you are likely the talk of the town. You’re also the person who intimidates most people’s significant others. You’re too friendly sometimes for your good. However, your ability to transform yourself can quickly change someone’s mind about you and have them eating out your hands.

Once you have moved on from your past, you can have the relationship you so desire. Typically, this December 20 Sagittarius birthday person wants a mirroring partnership. Someone who shares your ideas and values will be the lucky one in your life. As your career progresses, you’ll find that money isn’t everything. It’s having a position in life that makes you feel appreciated and free.

 

Famous People And Celebrities Born On December 20

Ashley Cole, David De Jesus, Royal Ivey, Sohail Khan, Chris Robinson, Mitsuko Uchida, Iqbal Theba

See: Famous Celebrities Born On December 20

This Day That Year – December 20 In History

1975 – Joe Walsh made an incredible deal with the Eagles.
1983 – Yasser Arafat and 4,000 others abandon Lebanon.
1993 – Marla Maples and Donald Trump exchange wedding vows.
2011 – Female demonstrators stand against Cairo’s military police abuse of women.

December 20  Dhanu Rashi (Vedic Moon Sign)
December 20 Chinese Zodiac RAT

December 20 Birthday Planet

Your ruling planet is Jupiter that symbolizes your impulsiveness, morality, desire to help others and aspirations.

December 20 Birthday Symbols

The Archer Is The Symbol For The Sagittarius Sun Sign

December 20 Birthday Tarot Card

Your Birthday Tarot Card is Judgment. This card shows that you should listen to your inner calling and make judgments based on it. The Minor Arcana cards are Ten of Wands and Queen of Pentacles

December 20 Birthday Zodiac Compatibility

You are most compatible with people born under Zodiac Sign LeoThis relationship will be sexually stimulating.
You are not compatible with people born under Zodiac Sign Aquarius: This relationship will be impulsive and emotionally painful.

See Also:

December 20 Lucky Numbers

Number 2 – This number stands for peace, endurance, co-operation, and faithfulness.
Number 5 – This is a number that stands for intellect, curiosity, new experiences, and freedom.

Read about: Birthday Numerology

Lucky Colors For December 20 Birthday

Silver: This is a sophisticated color that symbolizes psychic powers, innocence, liberal thinking and industrious nature.
Purple: This is a calming color that symbolizes dreams, richness, magic, and wisdom.

Lucky Days For December 20 Birthday

Monday – This is the day of the Moon that helps you make decisions based on analysis of your feelings and emotions.
Thursday – This day ruled by Jupiter is symbolic of your generous personality and hardworking temperament.

December 20 Birthstone Turquoise

Turquoise gemstone promotes serenity, love, optimism and, self-esteem.

Ideal Zodiac Birthday Gifts For People Born On December 20

A yearly subscription to a travel magazine for the man and a cookbook on World cuisine for the woman. The December 20 birthday horoscope foretells that your telepathic powers will help you in the long run.

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, December 19 to Saturday, December 25, 2021

All Signs

This week tension between conservative Saturn and unconventional Uranus will create disputes about celebrating the holidays in a new and different way versus celebrating the holidays like you always have. Of course, the Fixed signs will resist. (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.) “No cranberry sauce with the turkey?” Fixed signs like the illusion of permanence. Meanwhile, take precautions to avoid accidents all day on Christmas Eve. Be smart. Christmas day is much better. Festive times will shine! Ditto for Boxing Day. It’s obvious our year is ending. But I like what Richard Bach said: “Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished- If you’re alive it isn’t.”

Aries (March 21-April 19)

For the next four weeks, the Sun is at the very top of your chart. This symbolizes that you are being thrust into the limelight; and furthermore, this light will be flattering to you! Therefore, people will notice you more than usual, especially bosses, parents, VIPs and the police. Fortunately, you will look attractive and capable to them, even if you don’t do anything special. (Chalk it up to smoke and mirrors.) Within an advantage like this, you can make great strides in getting what you want. Talk to authority figures. Ask for what you want. Get serious about your ambitions. If you don’t take care of your wants and needs, who will?

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You’re entering an exciting four weeks ahead! If you’re lucky, you will travel somewhere because what you really want to do is expand your horizons. You want to experience stimulating adventure, in new places while you meet new faces. Preferably, the weather is fantastic. You really need to get away! If you can’t slip off to sunny climes, then do whatever you can to have tiny vacations on the weekends. In other words, do something stimulating so you feel you’re shaking things up a bit. You will love to learn something new, perhaps a new language? A cooking course? An introduction to being a sommelier? (I’ll drink to that.)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This is interesting. For the next four weeks, four planets will be in the part of your chart that will increase your passion and intensity about everything. Of course, you will feel more sexually passionate; however, you will be more passionate about every aspect of your life, as well! And those around you will notice! Meanwhile, fiery Mars is opposite your sign right now. This can happen only once every two years and when it does (for about six weeks), it’s easy for you to lose it because other people seem to be so annoying. Perhaps they are. Nevertheless, think about your own peace of mind. Think about your own happiness. Anger makes everyone miserable, including you. Lighten up!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This week the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Pluto are directly opposite your sign. This is an indication that you will be focused on partners, spouses and your closest friends, much more than usual. In fact, the Sun is going to be there for the next four weeks. Although this polarized position makes you focus on your partnerships more than usual, it also offers you a chance to improve these partnerships because you will have more objectivity. You will more easily see what you do and how you relate to others. Obviously, this gives you a chance to learn how to do things better. (It’s humbling when we see our foibles and how we can be part of the problem.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

For the next four weeks, you are seriously in work mode. Oh yeah, you’re pulling out all stops so that you can really be productive. You will accomplish a lot because first off, you’re going to get better organized. You’ll set high standards for yourself. While you’re on this kick, you will also want to improve your health as well. (Could be a challenging time of year to do this, especially with food and drink.) It all comes down to attitude, and right now your attitude is that you want to get as much done as possible, as efficiently as possible in a way that makes you feel a sense of accomplishment. You want to be proud of what you get done. (I’m impressed.)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Lucky you! Here we are, entering a holiday season and for your sign, four planets are urging you to party and socialize! You’re the big winner! Accept all invitations to party. Extend some invitations yourself. Enjoy the company of children in particular. You will also enjoy sports events and social diversions that are upbeat and fun. Your creative vibes will be hyped, which means you can do things that require creative talents. Admittedly, increased chaos and activity on the home front continues. Perhaps this is one reason you want to escape and enjoy fun times with others? (Sounds good to me.)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Everything to do with home, family and your private world will be your primary focus in the next four weeks. This makes sense because you love pleasant surroundings and you like to fuss about your home making it look as attractive as possible. Meanwhile, this is a season where many of you will be entertaining more than usual and enjoying the company of family where you live. Therefore, in the next four weeks, tackle repairs, dabble in redecorating, enjoy entertaining family and friends, including fun discussions. Mars will make you forceful in all your interactions with others. Oh yeah – you mean business!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The pace of your days will accelerate in the next four weeks – no question. Suddenly, you’ve got things to do, places to go and people to see! Expect to make short trips, talk to neighbours, siblings and relatives and at the same time, to also enjoy your surroundings. You will realize how much love there is in your daily world. How reassuring this is! Likewise, the recognition of this will make your own words sweet when you talk to others. Meanwhile, your cash flow is active. You’re working hard to earn money and you’re working just as hard to spend it. Jupiter will ensure happy times with family. Enjoy your good fortune.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

For various reasons (according to the different details of your lives), for the next four weeks, you will be focused more than usual on money, earnings and cash flow. One thing is certain, many of you will have bright, clever moneymaking ideas! This is not surprising because you like to think of ways to get rich. Many of you will also be spending money on beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. Fortunately, with Venus in your House of Earnings, you have the ability to attract money to you at this time. Sweet! Meanwhile, fiery Mars is in your sign making you feel pumped! Your high-energy will give you the ability to accomplish a lot. Look out, world!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This week the Sun moves into your sign where it will stay for the next four weeks. This is major horseshoes for you! It can happen only once a year and that time has arrived! With the Sun is in your sign, it means you will have lots of energy to do what you want to do. Furthermore, it also means that you easily attract people and favourable situations to you. It’s also your chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year. It’s an excellent blessing! In addition to this, you also have Mercury and Venus in your sign, which means you will be busy talking and schmoozing to everyone. This is a favourable time for you. Enjoy your good fortune and share your positive vibes with others.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

At this time of year, your personal year is coming to an end; however, your new year will not yet begin for at least a month. That means you are sort of in limbo for the next four weeks. By no means is this a waste of time. Au contraire! You can use this time to do some serious navel gazing, in addition to which, you can start to make plans and set goals for your new year ahead. After all, goals keep you on track. They give you focus. They make future decision-making easier, and they give you a sense of purpose. One thing is certain, we know that you will soon be boosting your earnings, or getting richer in some way. Keep that in mind while you’re defining future goals. Ka-ching!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

As the Sun shifts signs this week, it ushers in a new four-week interval for you when you will be very popular! Suddenly, everyone wants to see your face. Expect to be involved with younger people more than usual as well as artistic, creative types. All of these contacts might help you because meanwhile, with Mars at the top of your chart, your ambition is aroused! Therefore, all these contacts can be very helpful to you in some way. Certainly, one possibility is that they might prompt you to make future goals or adjust your expectations for yourself in the future. You are one sign that is very affected by what you expect for yourself. This is why it’s important for you to dare to dream big!

Full Moon Release Spell

Simple Full Moon Ritual for Release, Energy, and Cleansing

In this post I’m going to reveal my full moon ritual for manifestation that’s designed to release negative energy and cleanse your soul.

Over the years I have experimented with many different rituals and am excited to share what I’ve learned with you.

A few benefits of performing a full moon ceremony include:

  • Release negativity
  • Increase energy
  • Spiritual cleansing
  • Set intentions that materialize
  • Manifest abundance, love, or money
  • Make your wishes come true

Ready to learn more?

Let’s get started!

What is a Full Moon Ritual?

A full moon ritual is a spiritual ceremony performed on the night of a full moon to release negativity and practice gratitude. The ritual does not need to be completed at the exact moment of a full moon, but should be performed within 48 hours before or after for best results.

When the Moon is completely illuminated by the Sun this is called a full moon. This happens about once per

For more information about full Moon rituals by Ryan Hart

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.

2021 December 19

Planetary Alignment over Italy

Image Credit & Copyright: Antonio Finazzi

Explanation: It is not a coincidence that planets line up. That’s because all of the planets orbit the Sun in (nearly) a single sheet called the plane of the ecliptic. When viewed from inside that plane — as Earth dwellers are likely to do — the planets all appear confined to a single band. It is a coincidence, though, when three of the brightest planets all appear in nearly the same direction. Such a coincidence was captured earlier this month. Featured above (right to left), VenusSaturn, and Jupiter were all imaged together in a line just after sunset, from the San Fermo HillsBergamoItaly. Joining the alignment are Earth’s Moon, and the position of the more distant Uranus. Bands of clouds streak across the sky toward the setting Sun. As Comet Leonard fades, this planetary alignment — absent the Moon — should persist for the rest of the month.

 

Discovery + Outreach: Graduate student research position open for APOD

19 December Daily Correspondence Digest for the Southern Hemisphere’s Moon Phase and Planetary Positions

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.

From Moongiant.com

Today and tonight the Moon will be in a Full Moon phase. During a Full Moon the moon is 100% illuminated as seen from Earth and is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The Moon will be visible throughout the night sky rising at sunset in the east and setting with the sunrise the next morning. The point at which a Full Moon occurs can be measured down to a fraction of a second. The time it takes between full moons is known as a Synodic month and is 29.530587981 days long. Keep track of all the Full Moons throughout the year on the Full Moon Calendar >

Visit the December 2021 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Full Moon Phase

The Full Moon on December 19 has an illumination of 100%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 19 the Moon is 15.04 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Phase Details For – December 19

Phase: Full Moon
Illumination: 100%
Moon Age: 15.04 days
Moon Angle: 0.49
Moon Distance: 404,809.44 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,177,418.30 km

Useful Moon Resources

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link

For Your Local Time and Date

Southeastern Hemisphere

The time for the Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

19 December 2021
06:00 am GMT 5:00 PM AEDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:27 Sagittarius 32
Moon:28 Gemini 11
Mercury:08 Capricorn 40
Venus:26 Capricorn 29
Mars:04 Sagittarius 05
Jupiter:28 Aquarius 12
Saturn:10 Aquarius 35
Uranus:11 Taurus 12 Rx
Neptune:20 Pisces 30
Pluto:25 Capricorn 32
True Lunar Node:01 Gemini 39 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:00 Gemini 12 Rx
Lilith (Black Moon):17 Gemini 03
Chiron:08 Aries 26 Rx
Ceres:00 Gemini 22 Rx
Pallas:13 Pisces 34
Juno:12 Capricorn 29
Vesta:17 Sagittarius 39
Eris:23 Aries 44 Rx
Fire:5
Earth:5
Air:7
Water:2
Cardinal:6
Fixed:3
Mutable:10

Southwestern Hemisphere

The time for the Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America

19 December 2021
08:00 pm GMT 5:00 PM BRT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:28 Sagittarius 08
Moon:05 Cancer 06
Mercury:09 Capricorn 35
Venus:26 Capricorn 29 Rx
Mars:04 Sagittarius 30
Jupiter:28 Aquarius 18
Saturn:10 Aquarius 39
Uranus:11 Taurus 12 Rx
Neptune:20 Pisces 30
Pluto:25 Capricorn 33
True Lunar Node:01 Gemini 37 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:00 Gemini 10 Rx
Lilith (Black Moon):17 Gemini 07
Chiron:08 Aries 26
Ceres:00 Gemini 16 Rx
Pallas:13 Pisces 41
Juno:12 Capricorn 42
Vesta:17 Sagittarius 58
Eris:23 Aries 44 Rx
Fire:5
Earth:5
Air:6
Water:3
Cardinal:7
Fixed:3
Mutable:9

December 15 Today In History

Today’s Important Historical Events

533 Byzantine General Belisarius defeats the Vandals, under King Gelimer, at the Battle of Ticameron

1256 Hulagu Khan captures and destroys Hashshashin stronghold at Alamut, in present-day Iran, part of the Mongol offensive on Islamic southwest Asia

1488 Bartolomeu Dias returns to Portugal after becoming 1st known European to sail round the Cape of Good Hope

1612 German Astronomer Simon Marius is 1st to observe Andromeda galaxy through a telescope

1791 US Bill of Rights ratified when Virginia gives its approval, becomes amendments 1-10 of the US constitution

1840 Napoleon Bonaparte receives a French state funeral in Paris 19 years after his death

1973 American Psychiatric Association declares homosexuality is not a mental illness

Today’s Historical Events

533 Byzantine General Belisarius defeats the Vandals, under King Gelimer, at the Battle of Ticameron

687 St Sergius I begins his reign as Catholic Pope succeeding Conon

1124 Chancellor Haimeric selects pope (Lamberto becomes Honorius II)

1167 Sicilian chancellor Stephen du Perche moves the royal court to Messina to prevent a rebellion.

1256 Hulagu Khan captures and destroys Hashshashin stronghold at Alamut, in present-day Iran, part of the Mongol offensive on Islamic southwest Asia

1467 Stephen III of Moldavia defeats Matthias Corvinus of Hungary, with the latter being injured thrice, at the Battle of Baia

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

1952 KHON TV channel 2 in Honolulu, HI (NBC) begins broadcasting

1953 WJHG TV channel 7 in Panama City, FL (NBC/ABC) begins broadcasting

1956 KGW TV channel 8 in Portland, OR (NBC) begins broadcasting

1956 WRAL TV channel 5 in Raleigh-Durham, NC (CBS) begins broadcasting

1961 Equal access rule, political parties get TV broadcasting time

Today’s Historical Music Events

1965 D Heneker & J Taylor’s musical “Charlie Girl” premieres in London

1966 “Joyful Noise” opens at Mark Hellinger Theater NYC for 12 performances

1967 The Beatles release “Christmas Time is Here Again”

1969 Plastic Ono Band, play their only concert at London’s Lyceum Ballroom

1987 First National US Tour of “Les Miserables” opens at Shubert Theatre, Boston

1991 “Nick & Nora” closes at Marquis Theater NYC after 9 performances

1993 John Williams final appearance as conductor of Boston Pops

1994 “A Tuna Christmas” opens at Booth Theater NYC for 20 performances

Today’s Historical Events in Sport

1894 Day 2 of first cricket test between Australia and England, Australia 586 runs (Gregory 201) England 3-130

1909 Thomas J. Lynch becomes president of baseball’s National League

1925 1st hockey game at Madison Square Garden, Montreal Canadiens 3, NY Americans 1

1929 National Football League Championship: Green Bay Packers (12-0-1) win first past the post title

For Your Listening Pleasure – Summer Solstice Song

~Litha~Summer Solstice Song~Lisa Thiel~

For Your Listening Pleasure – Winter Solstice Song

Wyrd Sisters – Solstice Carole

December 14 Today In History

Today’s Important Historical Events

644 Uthman ibn Affan, companion of Muhammad, appointed 3rd Caliph of Islam

1287 During St. Lucia’s Flood in Northwest Netherlands the Zuiderzee seawall collapses with loss of over 50,000 lives. Fifth largest recorded flood in history

1542 Princess Mary Stuart succeeds her father James V and becomes Queen Mary I of Scotland at 6 days old

1774 First incident of American Revolution – 400 New Hampshire militiamen successfully attack Fort William and Mary

1911 Norwegian Roald Amundsen‘s expedition is the 1st to each the South Pole

1995 The Dayton Agreement is signed in Paris by leaders of various governments ending the conflict in the former Yugoslavia including Slobodan Milošević, Alija Izetbegović, Franjo Tuđman and Bill Clinton

Today’s Historical Events

557 Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, is significantly damaged by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake

644 Uthman ibn Affan, companion of Muhammad, appointed 3rd Caliph of Islam

835 Chinese Emperor Wenzong conspires with chancellor Li Xun and general Zheng Zhu to kill all the eunuchs, but the plot is foiled. Also known as the Sweet Dew Incident

867 Adrian II begins his reign as Catholic Pope

872 John VIII elected as Catholic Pope

1124 Theobald Buccapecus elected Pope Coelestinus II (he refuses)

1287 During St. Lucia’s Flood in Northwest Netherlands the Zuiderzee seawall collapses with loss of over 50,000 lives. Fifth largest recorded flood in history

1542 Princess Mary Stuart succeeds her father James V and becomes Queen Mary I of Scotland at 6 days old

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

1952 KROD (now KDBC) TV channel 4 in El Paso, TX (CBS) begins broadcasting

1954 WOAY TV channel 4 in Oak Hill-Beckley, WV (ABC) begins broadcasting

1969 Jackson Five make their 1st appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show”

1971 U.S. premiere of “Nicholas and Alexandra”, film adaptation of Robert K. Massie’s best selling novel

1974 Disaster film “The Towering Inferno” is released, starring Steve McQueen and Paul Newman

1988 CBS’ $1.1 B bid wins exclusive 1990-94 major-league baseball rights

1993 “Philadelphia” one of the first mainstream films about AIDS, directed by Jonathan Demme, starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington premieres in Century City, California

1996 12th Soap Opera Digest Awards – Days of Our Lives wins

Today’s Historical Music Events

1849 1st chamber music group in US gives their 1st concert in Boston

1918 Giacomo Puccini‘s opera “Il Trittico” premieres in NYC

1924 Respighi’s symphony “Pini di Roma” premieres in Paris

1925 Alban Berg’s first opera, “Wozzeck” premieres at the Berlin State Opera.

1933 Josephine Baker performs in Amsterdam

1946 “Three to Make Ready” closes at Adelphi Theater NYC after 323 performances

1950 Musical “Bless You All” opens at Mark Hellinger Theater NYC for 84 performances

1957 “Most Happy Fella” closes at Imperial Theater NYC after 678 performances

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1894 Day One 1st Test Cricket Aus v Eng Aust 5-346 (Giffen 161, Gregory 85)

1894 Test cricket debut of future Australian captain Joe Darling, great all-rounder Ernie Jones and outstanding England batsman Archie MacLaren; England wins 1st Test in Sydney by 10 runs

1901 1st table tennis tournament is held at the London Royal Aquarium

1920 Jack Dempsey KOs Bill Brennan in 12 for heavyweight boxing title in NYC

1930 NY Giants defeat Notre Dame 22-0 in a charity game

1930 National Football League Championship: Green Bay Packers (10-3-1) repeat with best record in first past the post title

1935 Test Cricket debut of “Chuck” Fleetwood-Smith v South Africa, Durban

1938 Major League Baseball agrees on use of a standard ball; disagrees on increasing rosters from 23 to 25 players, although Commissioner Judge Landis eventually decides on 25

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.

2021 December 14

HH 666: Carina Dust Pillar with Jet

Image Credit: NASAESAHubbleProcessing & Copyright: Mehmet Hakan Özsaraç

Explanation: To some, it may look like a beehive. In reality, the featured image from the Hubble Space Telescope captures a cosmic pillar of dust, over two-light years long, inside of which is Herbig-Haro 666 — a young star emitting powerful jets. The structure lies within one of our galaxy’s largest star forming regions, the Carina Nebula, shining in southern skies at a distance of about 7,500 light-years. The pillar‘s layered outline are shaped by the winds and radiation of Carina’s young, hot, massive stars, some of which are still forming inside the nebula. A dust-penetrating view in infrared light better shows the two, narrow, energetic jets blasting outward from a still hidden infant star.

 

Open Science: Browse 2,600+ codes in the Astrophysics Source Code Library

December 13 Today In History

Today’s Important Historical Events

1577 Francis Drake sets sail from England on a circumnavigation of the world

1636 The Massachusetts Bay Colony organizes three militia regiments to defend the colony against the Pequot Indians. Recognized today as the founding of the United States National Guard.

1642 Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sights the South Island of present day New Zealand; initially he calls it Staten Landt and changes it a year later to Nieuw Zeeland [1]

1920 League of Nations establishes the International Court of Justice in The Hague

2002 The European Union announces that Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia will become members from May 1, 2004

2003 Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is captured near his home town of Tikrit, during Operation Red Dawn by US forces

Today’s Historical Events

1294 Saint Celestine V abdicates the papacy after only five months; Celestine hoped to return to his previous life as an ascetic hermit.

1545 Council of Trent (19th ecumenical council) opened by Pope Paul III

1570 Sweden and Denmark signs Peace of Stettin

1572 Spanish army beats Geuzen fleet (confederacy of Calvinist Dutch nobles) under admiral Lumey

1577 Francis Drake sets sail from England on a circumnavigation of the world

1621 Emperor Ferdinand II delegates 1st anti-Reformation decree

1636 The Massachusetts Bay Colony organizes three militia regiments to defend the colony against the Pequot Indians. Recognized today as the founding of the United States National Guard.

1642 Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sights the South Island of present day New Zealand; initially he calls it Staten Landt and changes it a year later to Nieuw Zeeland [1]

1 From nzhistory.govt.nz

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

1950 James Dean begins his career with an appearance in a Pepsi commercial

1953 KOAM TV channel 7 in Pittsburg-Joplin, KS (CBS) begins broadcasting

1956 “Anastasia” comeback film for Ingrid Bergman is released in the US, role wins Bergman Academy Award for Best Actress.

1957 “Peyton Place” film based on the novel by Grace Metalious, directed by Mark Robson and starring Lana Turner and Hope Lange is released

1961 “The Young Ones” directed by Sidney J. Furie, starring Cliff Richard, Robert Morley and Carole Gray premieres in London

1970 Neil Simon‘s “Gingerbread Lady” premieres in NYC

1975 1st time “Saturday Night Live” uses a time delay, Richard Pryor hosts

1978 CBS’ premiere of “Lovey: A Circle of Children Part II”, sequel to “A Circle of Children”, which is also based on Mary Mac Cracken

Today’s Historical Music Events

1759 First music store in America opens (Philadelphia)

1823 Gioachino Rossini arrives in London

1895 First complete performance of Gustav Mahler’s 2nd Symphony

1928 George Gershwin‘s “An American In Paris” premieres at Carnegie Hall, NYC, performed by the New York Philharmonic conducted by Walter Damrosch

1947 “Caribbean Carnival” closes at International Theatre, NYC, after 11 performances

1950 “Let’s Make an Opera” opens at John Golden Theater, NYC; runs for 5 performances

1961 The Beatles sign a formal agreement to be managed by Brian Epstein

1963 Capital records signs right of first refusal agreement with The Beatles

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1901 Test debut of English cricketer Sydney Barnes vs Australia at the SCG, took 5-65 in 1st innings

1930 George Sisler’s career ends when Boston Braves release him

1931 National Football League Championship: Green Bay Packers (12-2-0) win 3rd straight first past the post title

1936 National Football League Championship, Polo Grounds, NYC: Green Bay Packers beat Boston Redskins, 21-6; Packers 4th title; Redskins move to Washington, D.C. for 1937 season

1942 National Football League Championship, Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C.: Washington Redskins upset Chicago Bears, 14-6

1952 NFL Dallas Texans (former Boston Yanks) play last game, losing to the Lions in Detroit, finish with record of 1-11

1956 Dodgers trade Jackie Robinson to Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield & $35,000. Robinson will retire rather than be traded.

1960 Italy beats US in Davis cup (1st time in 24 years US not in finals)

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.

2021 December 13

Meteors and Auroras over Iceland

Image Credit & Copyright: James Boardman-WoodendAnnotation: Judy Schmidt

Explanation: What’s going on behind that mountain? Quite a bit. First of all, the mountain itself, named Kirkjufell, is quite old and located in western Iceland near the town of Grundarfjörður. In front of the steeply-sloped structure lies a fjord that had just begun to freeze when the above image was taken — in mid-December of 2012. Although quite faint to the unaided eye, the beautiful colors of background aurorae became quite apparent on the 25-second exposure. What makes this image of particular note, though, is that it also captures streaks from the Geminids meteor shower — meteors that might not have been evident were the aurora much brighter. Far in the distance, on the left, is the band of our Milky Way Galaxy, while stars from our local part of the Milky Way appear spread across the background. Tonight the Geminids meteor shower peaks again and may well provide sky enthusiasts with their own memorable visual experiences.