April 19 Today In History

Today’s Important Historical Events

1770 British explorer Captain James Cook first sights Australia. Writes in his log book that “what we have as yet seen of this land appears rather low, and not very hilly, the face of the Country green and Woody, but the Sea shore is all a white Sand.”

1775 American Revolution begins in Lexington, Massachusetts. The “Shot Heard Round the World” takes place later that day in Concord

1909 Joan of Arc receives beatification by the Roman Catholic Church

1995 Oklahoma City bombing, Timothy McVeigh sets a truck bomb at Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 and injuring 500

2011 Fidel Castro resigns his position of First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba after 45 years of holding the title [1]

Today’s Historical Events

607 Comet 1P/607 H1 (Halley) approaches within 0.0898 AUs of Earth

1012 Martyrdom of Alphege in Greenwich, London

1451 Alam Shah of Delhi resigns throne

1524 Pope Clemens VII fires Neth inquisitor-general French Van de Holly

1539 Charles, protestant German monarch, signs Treaty of Frankrfurt

1552 Mauritius of Saksen captures Karel

1591 Chartres surrenders to King Henry IV in France

1619 Theatrum Anatomicum opens in Amsterdam

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

1927 Actress Mae West found guilty of “obscenity and corrupting the morals of youth” in a New York stage play entitled “Sex”. She is sentenced to 10 days in prison and fined $500, the resulting publicity launches her Hollywood career.

1934 Shirley Temple appears in her 1st feature length film, “Stand Up & Cheer”

1948 American Broadcasting Company (ABC) TV network debuts

1953 WAFB TV channel 9 in Baton Rouge, LA (CBS) begins broadcasting

1967 “Casino Royale” James Bond comedy film starring David Niven and Peter Sellers premieres. Based on the Ian Fleming novel.

1971 Charles Manson sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Sharon Tate

1973 Barbra Streisand records “Between Yesterday & Tomorrow”

1990 Marla Maples appears on ABC’s Prime-Time

Today’s Historical Events in Music

1774 CW Glucks opera “Iphigenia in Aulis” premieres in Paris

1877 Opera “Les Cloches de Cornerville” is produced (Paris)

1894 Jules Massenet‘s opera “Werther” premieres in NYC

1919 Opera “Monsieur Beaucaire” is produced (London)

1924 “National Barn Dance” premieres on WLS Chicago

1945 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical “Carousel” opens at the Majestic Theatre, NYC; runs for 890 performances

1951 “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” opens at Alvin Theater NYC for 267 performances

1963 “Hot Spot” opens at Majestic Theater NYC for 43 performances

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1897 1st Boston Marathon (B.A.A. Road Race), won by John J. McDermott in 2:55:10; the world’s oldest annual marathon inspired by success of the first marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics

1900 Highest scoring opening game, Phils beat Braves 19-17 in 10

1909 13th Boston Marathon won by Henri Renaud in 2:53:36.8

1915 19th Boston Marathon won by Canadian Édouard Fabre in 2:31:41.2

1920 24th Boston Marathon won by Peter Trivoulidas of Greece in 2:29:31

1926 30th Boston Marathon won by Canadian Johnny Miles in 2:25:40.4

1928 Yanks are out of 1st place for 1st time since May 1926

1937 41st Boston Marathon won by Walter Young of Canada in 2:33:20

Scientists record first case of harmful bacteria in ubiquitous weed found throughout US

https://share.newsbreak.com/wfihgn2c

Start Your Day With a Laugh

May you have a tantalizing Tuesday dear sister, brothers, and honored guests.

A Thought for Today

Blessed be dear sisters, brothers, and honored guests.

April 18, 2022 Daily Horoscopes Digest

Click here for Georgia Nicols’ Daily Horoscopes

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or important decisions from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM EDT today (4:30 PM to 7:30 PM). After that, the Moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is a tricky day! Be careful against impulse spending or rash financial ideas today. Nevertheless, financial benefits might come to you in a sudden and unexpected way. Weirdly, if you act on this advantage, you might end up at odds with a parent or a boss. (Most curious.)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Today Mercury and unpredictable Uranus are lined up in your sign, which makes you restless and impulsive but also eager for adventure! You want to reach out in any direction for new experiences. Freedom will be important for you today. An unlikely alliance with a friend or a group might surprise you.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You are ambitious today, which might be why bosses, parents and people in authority will bestow favours on you or give you permission to explore something new. (Their support might surprise you.) Meanwhile, a friend or a group might try to block you. You win some; you lose some.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

A sudden travel opportunity related to publishing, the media, the law or medicine might surprise you today. Romance with someone “different” might blossom. However, power struggles with a parent or a boss might be challenging. Stay flexible and ready to act.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

An unexpected gift, or a financial advantage in a negotiation, or perhaps a tip with shared property might please you today. This could relate to an unexpected conversation with a boss or someone in authority? Steer clear of discussions about politics, religion and racial issues, which could get nasty.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Opportunities to travel or explore educational avenues might drop in your lap today. You might learn something that surprises you. Meanwhile, power struggles about shared property, taxes, debt and insurance issues could be unpleasant. Accept unexpected help from someone.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Something pleasant but unexpected connected to your job or a financial arrangement might please you today. It could be a promotion or assistance of some kind. Meanwhile, be patient with partners and close friends because they might challenge you today. A battle of wills!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

A surprise invitation, or unexpected social plans, or something exciting related to the arts might delight you today. (This could also relate to your kids or sports events.) Whatever happens, act quickly if you’re interested. Meanwhile, ego battles at work might occur. (Groan.)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

A pleasant surprise might occur today that is related to your work or your home and family situation. You might buy something high tech or attractive for where you live. You might suddenly entertain? Be patient with kids because power struggles might take place.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Be patient with parents and family members today to avoid nasty arguments. This could relate to something unexpected related to your kids or a sudden vacation opportunity or a boon of some kind relayed to a relative. Be grateful for good things that happen to anyone. Truly. (Life is tough.)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Even if you’re at odds with someone, you’re prepared to defend your turf, especially in terms of family and home today. You might spontaneously buy something beautiful or high tech for your home. “This toaster comes with a remote!”

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Get ready for a fun surprise. Exciting, unexpected events might take place today. However, a power struggle about money or possessions might arise with someone. Whatever happens, you’re ready to defend your turf. You might buy something unusual to wear today. (One can always use shoes.)

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Eric McCormack (1963) shares your birthday today. You are a smart, likable, easy-going person. You are sensitive and kind; others find you interesting. You are also very ambitious! This year is the beginning of a fresh, new nine-year cycle for you, which means you must be flexible and have the inner courage to pursue new directions and open any door!

April 18, 2022 Current Moon Phase

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 was born.

From Moongiant.com

Today and tonight the Moon will be in a Waning Gibbous Phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with an illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9pm and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning. During this phase the Moon can also be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon.

Visit the April 2022 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Waning Gibbous Phase

The Waning Gibbous on April 18 has an illumination of 96%. 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 April 18 the Moon is 16.65 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

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 96%
Moon Age: 16.65 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 367,726.64 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 150,242,478.78 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

April 18, 2022 Northern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positions Digest

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

Currentplanetarypositions.com

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

For Your Local Time and Date

Northwestern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Los Angeles, California, USA

April 18, 2022
07:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM PDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:28 Aries 43
Moon:25 Scorpio 36
Mercury:14 Taurus 52
Venus:14 Pisces 22
Mars:02 Pisces 46
Jupiter:25 Pisces 22
Saturn:23 Aquarius 30
Uranus:13 Taurus 51
Neptune:24 Pisces 11
Pluto:28 Capricorn 34

True Lunar Node:22 Taurus 35
Mean Lunar Node:23 Taurus 49 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):00 Cancer 26

Chiron:13 Aries 19
Ceres:19 Gemini 36
Pallas:25 Aries 01
Juno:29 Aquarius 20
Vesta:17 Aquarius 30

Eris:24 Aries 23

Fire:4
Earth:5
Air:4
Water:6

Cardinal:6
Fixed:8
Mutable:5

Northern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Chicago, Illinois, USA

April 18, 2022
05:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM CDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:28 Aries 38
Moon:24 Scorpio 23
Mercury:14 Taurus 43
Venus:14 Pisces 16
Mars:02 Pisces 42
Jupiter:25 Pisces 21
Saturn:23 Aquarius 30
Uranus:13 Taurus 51
Neptune:24 Pisces 11
Pluto:28 Capricorn 34

True Lunar Node:22 Taurus 35
Mean Lunar Node:23 Taurus 50 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):00 Cancer 25

Chiron:13 Aries 19
Ceres:19 Gemini 34
Pallas:24 Aries 59
Juno:29 Aquarius 18
Vesta:17 Aquarius 28

Eris:24 Aries 23

Fire:4
Earth:5
Air:4
Water:6

Cardinal:6
Fixed:8
Mutable:5

Northeastern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Frankfurt, Germany, Europe

18 April 2022
10:00 am GMT 12:00 PM CEDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:28 Aries 21
Moon:20 Scorpio 10
Mercury:14 Taurus 12
Venus:13 Pisces 57
Mars:02 Pisces 29
Jupiter:25 Pisces 17
Saturn:23 Aquarius 28
Uranus:13 Taurus 50
Neptune:24 Pisces 10
Pluto:28 Capricorn 34

True Lunar Node:22 Taurus 35 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:23 Taurus 51 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):00 Cancer 23

Chiron:13 Aries 18
Ceres:19 Gemini 28
Pallas:24 Aries 51
Juno:29 Aquarius 12
Vesta:17 Aquarius 21

Eris:24 Aries 23

Fire:4
Earth:5
Air:4
Water:6

Cardinal:6
Fixed:8
Mutable:5

Printable Spell for Today – Circle Call

April 18 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.

2022 April 18

Stars and Planets over Portugal

Image Credit & Copyright: Miguel Claro (TWAN, Dark Sky Alqueva)

Explanation: The mission was to document night-flying birds — but it ended up also documenting a beautiful sky. The featured wide-angle mosaic was taken over the steppe golden fields in Mértola, Portugal in 2020. From such a dark location, an immediately-evident breathtaking glow arched over the night sky: the central band of our Milky Way galaxy. But this sky had much more. Thin clouds crossed the sky like golden ribbons. The planet Mars appeared on the far left, while the planets Saturn and Jupiter were also simultaneously visible — but on the opposite side of the sky, here seen on the far right. Near the top of the image the bright star Vega can be found, while the far-distant and faint Andromeda Galaxy can be seen toward the left, just below Milky Way’s arch. As the current month progresses, several planets are lining up in the pre-dawn sky: Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and Saturn.

Did you know? Many APODs have links for adventure & humor

April 18 Today in History

Today’s Important Historical Events

1025 Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland

1506 The cornerstone of the current St. Peter’s Basilica is laid in the Vatican by Pope Julius II

1775 Paul Revere and William Dawes ride from Charlestown to Lexington warning the “regulars are coming!”

1783 American Revolution: George Washington issues General Order announcing the end of hostilities with Britain, giving thanks to the Almighty, and offering congratulations and authorizing an extra ration of alcohol to the troops to celebrate [1]

1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire kills nearly 4,000 while destroying 75% of the city

1954 Egyptian Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser seizes power and appoints himself Prime Minister

Today’s Historical Events

310 St Eusebius begins his reign as Catholic Pope

387 Bishop Ambrosius of Milan baptizes Augustinus

1025 Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland

1506 The cornerstone of the current St. Peter’s Basilica is laid in the Vatican by Pope Julius II

1518 Bona Sforza is crowned queen consort of Poland

1521 Diet of Worms: Cardinal Alexander questions Martin Luther

1552 Mauritius of Saksen occupies Linz

1663 Osman declares war on Austria

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

1930 BBC news announcer announces “there is no news” at 20:45 news bulletin, plays music instead

1944 Leonard Bernstein & Jerome Robbins‘ ballet “Fancy Free” premieres in NYC

1969 Greek actress and activist Melina Mercouri establishes Greek Aid Fund

1979 “Real People” premieres on NBC TV

1988 Barbra Streisand records “Warm All Over”

1994 Arsenio Hall announces he will end his show in May 1994

1998 51st British Film and Television Awards (BAFTAS): “The Full Monty” Best Film, Baz Luhrmann Best Director

2004 50th British Academy Television Awards: “Little Britain” Best Comedy, “Buried” Best Drama

Today’s Historical Events in Music

1946 Rome, Auerbach and Horwitt’s musical “Call Me Mister” opens at National Theater NYC for 734 performances

1951 “Make a Wish” opens at Winter Garden Theater NYC for 102 performances

1953 “Pal Joey” closes at Broadhurst Theater NYC after 542 performances

1955 “Ankles Aweigh” opens at Mark Hellinger Theater NYC for 176 performances

1964 Albert Hague and Marty Brill’s musical “Cafe Crown”, starring Theodore Bikel, closes at Martin Beck Theater NYC after 3 performances

1964 “Foxy” closes at Ziegfeld Theater NYC after 72 performances

1972 “Lost in the Stars” based on the novel “Cry the Beloved Country” by Alan Paton opens at Imperial Theater NYC for 39 performances

1977 Musical revue “Side by Side by Sondheim” opens at Music Box, NYC for 390 performances

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1809 First run of 2,000 guineas horse race at Newmarket, England

1869 1st international cricket match, held in San Francisco, won by California

1898 2nd Boston Marathon won by Canadian Ron McDonald in race record 2:42:00

1904 8th Boston Marathon won by Michael Spring in 2:38:04.4

1908 Canadian champion Tommy Burns KOs Jewey Smith of England in 5th round at Neuilly Bowling Palace, Paris to retain his world heavyweight boxing title

1910 14th Boston Marathon won by Canadian Fred Cameron in 2:28:52.4

1918 Cleveland center fielder Tris Speaker turns an unassisted double play

1921 25th Boston Marathon won by Frank Zuna in race record 2:18:57.6

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, April 17 to Saturday, April 23, 2022

Click here for Georgia Nicols’ Daily Horoscopes

All Signs

An exuberant, electrifying energy ushers in this week because Mercury is lined up with unpredictable Uranus. Since both these planets are in a solid Earth sign, this will also trigger brilliant, practical solutions for us. Nevertheless, what the large print giveth, the small print taketh away. At the same time, the Sun will be at odds with Pluto indicating power struggles. (Patience is the key.) By the end of the week, a dreamy influence arrives making our imaginations soar! Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” I say, “All is theatre. If you put out fresh flowers, you don’t have to dust.”

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Be aware that unusual changes will impact your finances this week, especially at the beginning of the week. Stay on top of banking details. Know what’s happening because something unexpected could impact your assets, including your earnings. This might also apply to your belongings. For example, something you own might be lost, damaged or stolen. Therefore, keep your eyes open! Meanwhile, you are becoming increasingly in touch with a softer part of you – your inner world. Your spiritual values. In turn, this will prompt a greater appreciation of your world. It will also prompt a greater appreciation of the suffering of others.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a powerful time for you because the Sun, Mercury and Uranus are all in your sign, and they are all lined up. This is why you feel super independent! You might even feel rebellious. You do not want to be dictated to by others. Furthermore, you might feel compelled to suddenly act or do unexpected things. Life has taken on an unpredictable quality for you, which can be exciting but also disconcerting. Be aware of this wild energy swirling around you and think before you act. Do not be rash. Fortunately, friends and members of groups are supportive and loving to you now, which is such a blessing.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This is an unsettling time for you and you might not know why. The reason for this is the Sun, Mercury and Uranus are closely lined up in your chart; however, they are “hiding.” This means all this electric, impulsive energy is fomenting beneath the surface of things. This could make you feel vaguely restless. You have that feeling that you should “do something.” In fact, you might say or do something that surprises others. Fortunately, a lovely, supportive influence is taking place at the top of your chart right now, which is helpful to you. This means people in power will be supportive — bosses, parents, teachers, VIPs and the police. Therefore, if you need help – ask for it.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This is a popular time for you! You are more involved with young people as well making connections with organizations or clubs. Your involvement with others is lively and stimulating! It might make you feel younger. It might also trigger new ideas that make you change your future goals? Without doubt, some of you will meet someone interesting, perhaps a real character – someone unusual in some way or different from you. In addition, travel and opportunities to broaden your horizons will be thrilling! You might develop a crush on someone from another culture? You are excited and uplifted to explore opportunities in other countries, other cultures as well as publishing, the media, medicine and the law. A very rewarding time!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Sudden and unexpected news might catch you off guard at the beginning of the week. It could relate to a parent. More likely, it will relate to a boss or someone in a position of authority, perhaps even the government or the police. (“Busted!”) Do be aware of this. However, this astrological combo also indicates that you feel rebellious, especially against authority. You want to do something on your own terms. Furthermore, you’re prepared to speak up about it. You want to fight for what is right, not only for yourself but for others. (Very much your style.) Meanwhile, financial matters are looking sweet! Gifts, goodies and favours from others will come your way. You might receive an inheritance. This same, beneficial influence can promote your love life and make things passionate and wonderfully affectionate. Oh my.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Travel opportunities might drop in your lap this week. Conversely, planned travel might suddenly be changed or cancelled? Meanwhile, others will hear unexpected news about medical matters or something to do with a legal situation. Or something unexpected might even impact your work in publishing or the media? New ideas and new opportunities to get further training and education will also be exciting. Do be aware that whatever opportunities present themselves to you will have a brief window, which means you will have to act quickly. Fortunately, your closest relationships are warm and cozy! This applies to dear friendships as well as your interactions with a spouse or partner. Bonus!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

At the beginning of this week, stay on top of banking details and anything to do with taxes, debt, insurance issues or matters related to shared property. I say this because this is where you might have a surprise. When it comes to financial matters, unless it’s a boon or a windfall, nobody likes a surprise. Therefore, stay on top of your scene. Know what’s happening, in case you have to head something off at the pass. (Especially if the posse is after you.) Fortunately, something quite wonderful is impacting your health as well as your job or your work. This is where you will truly benefit! Relations with coworkers are positive. You might see ways to make your workspace more attractive. You might get a promotion or even a better job. We like!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Something unusual will take place between you and a close friend or a partner at the beginning of the week. Someone might make an unusual demand upon a relationship? They might want more freedom? Or perhaps, you will meet someone new? Or someone close to you might introduce you to someone who is different and unusual? Something interesting will definitely take place. Meanwhile, this is a lovely time for your social life because social plans with others will be interesting! You will enjoy the theatre, movies or some kind of interaction where you are entertained. Playful activities with kids will be upbeat. Romance will be thrilling, heartwarming and affectionate. Smoochie boochies!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

This week you can expect interruptions and sudden changes that impact your job and your work. These changes might be positive – or not. For example, they could indicate the introduction of new technology; or you might have computer problems. Aagghhh. A change to your work might happen. You might start a new job or a new project? You will be full of original, clever ideas related to your work. Likewise, something unexpected might occur that relates to your health. Avoid accidents and be careful. Similarly, keep an eye on your pet to avoid mishaps. On the upside, you will adore entertaining at home or redecorating where you live or buying wonderful things for your home because everything related to home and family is blessed! (You feel so fortunate.)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Parents should be extra vigilant this week because this is an accident-prone time for your kids. However, everyone will experience a change to social plans. This change will also apply to vacations or any kind of entertaining diversion, including the arts as well as sports. This could include an unexpected award or a win or some wonderful acknowledgement? Admittedly, it might indicate a sudden disappointment. Could go either way. Most likely it is positive news because this week your everyday relations with others are unusually warm, friendly and mutually beneficial. You are the charter member of your own mutual admiration society. Kiss, kiss, hug, hug.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This week, interruptions and unexpected events will impact home and family for you – no question. Very likely, this will take place at the beginning of the week. For example, small appliances might break down or a minor breakage could occur. Unexpected company might be knocking at your door. (Do get dressed.) Technology might be a challenge. A Wi-Fi connection? Computer glitches? The good news is that money is coming your way! Many of you will suddenly boost your earnings or find a better paying job. You will work hard to earn your money as well. Since the money is flowing, many of you will also buy lovely, beautiful, special things for yourself. And why not? Money is only useful if you spend it.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Do be careful because this is an accident-prone time for you. Therefore, pay attention to everything you say and do because I’m referring to both physical and verbal accidents. (“Did I just say that?”) On the upside, you will have brilliant, original ideas! That’s because you can easily think outside of the box. New faces, new places and new plans will be exciting! All of this will definitely keep you on your toes. Meanwhile, a beautiful influence of Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Neptune is taking place in your sign (an influence that is still lingering from last week). This can only bring you good fortune. Alphabetize your blessings!

April 17, 2022 Daily Horoscopes Digest

Click here for Georgia Nicols’ Daily Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Sean Bean (1959) shares your birthday today. You are high spirited with an excellent sense of humour. Your inner strength helps you overcome obstacles. You take your responsibilities seriously. This year is the last year of a nine-year cycle for you. It’s time to take inventory and let go of people, places and whatever is no longer relevant in your life. Clear the decks for a new year next year!

April 17 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.

2022 April 17

Shuttle Over Earth

Image Credit: NASA, Expedition 22 Crew

Explanation: What’s that approaching? Astronauts on board the International Space Station in 2010 first saw it far in the distance. Soon it enlarged to become a dark silhouette. As it came even closer, the silhouette appeared to be a spaceship. Finally, the object revealed itself to be the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and it soon docked as expected with the Earth-orbiting space station. Pictured here, Endeavour was imaged near Earth’s horizon as it approached, where several layers of the Earth’s atmosphere were visible. Directly behind the shuttle is the mesosphere, which appears blue. The atmospheric layer that appears white is the stratosphere, while the orange layer is Earth’s Troposphere. Together, these thin layers of air — collectively spanning less than 2 percent of Earth‘s radius — sustain us all in many ways, including providing oxygen to breath and a barrier to dangerous radiations from space.

April 17, 2022 Current Moon Phase Digest

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 was born.