Astronomy and Astrology Explained

Maybe you associate the word zodiac with astrology. But it has an honored place in astronomy, too. 

Anyone who spends any time gazing at the night sky is keenly aware of the zodiac constellations, because they contain what’s called the ecliptic, or sun’s path across our sky. 

Why is the sun’s path so important? Join night sky experts - Deborah Byrd and Bob King, aka AstroBob - to find out!

February Night Sky

Venus is the Roman Goddess of Love and among other things is associated with beauty, desire and fertility.  In ancient Greece she was the Goddess called Aphrodite.  

In astrology, Venus is the planet of lover, beauty and harmony.  If you're looking to get your romantic vibe on it is Venus who communicates with other significant planets in your life.  If Venus is getting along with Mars or Jupiter you might feel more passionate and lucky in love.  If Venus is on the outs with Saturn and Neptune your relationships will be challenged by insecurities and trust issues.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and what I know for sure is that normally bright Venus will attain her highest state of brilliance tomorrow evening.  Over the next several weeks our bright planet will fall closer to the western horizon losing more it its brilliance all along.  By the time March rolls-around Venus will disappear from view to emerge in the morning sky in April.

Happy Valentine's Day.....

What To See In The December Night Sky

I cannot remember the last time this happened; if it has happened before.  Or maybe I missed it?

This evening hosts a rare Black Moon - a term for the second new moon to appear in a calendar month.  Just as a second Full Moon in a calendar month is called a Blue Moon; a second New Moon is referred-to as a Black Moon.   The first New Moon was on December 1st and the second New Moon is tonight.

If you happen to be into New Age stuff and astrological influences of the heavenly bodies on your life; the new moon in Capricorn brings closure to the past and an invitation to the potential of the future.  As the last New Moon of 2024 this is an opportunity to focus-upon what you are letting go.  As a Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn grounds us and assists with navigating the complexities of our lives.  

Capricorn embodies the steadfast sea goat - capable of conquering both land and water.  A New Moon in Capricorn brings us a unique blend of energies at the end of the year and bridges the old and new.  It is not only cause for celebration and gratitude but an opportunity to focus and the setting of intentions.  Capricorn encourages a full commitment to our endeavors and sets both a positive and powerful tone for the year ahead.

Mumbo Jumbo.

If you're a regular reader you know what a New Moon is all about; it's when the sun and moon are aligned in the same celestial longitude so that you cannot see the moon as the illuminated side is facing away from us.

Consequently, this means dark skies.  And in the absence of moonlight interfering with the night sky that means fainter objects are easier to see.  In the winter the air is drier and this also improves your viewing prospects.

Last, but not least, no skeeters this time of year!

Fingers-crossed for cold, clear skies tonight....

Beer Review

Bock beer has traditionally been brewed during the winter months and lagered (stored) for consumption with the arrival of spring – generally as part of Easter festivities.  This beer style is noted for its dark, rich color, warm notes and a reasonably high gravity as traditionally the alcohol content is north of 6.5%.  

As the story goes bock beer originated in the Northern German city of Einbeck in the 14th century.   As a consequence of trade a regional favorite gradually gained acceptance across all of Germany and later the rest of Europe.  

The name ‘bock’ is derived from ‘beck’ in Einbeck.  Bock also translates to ‘billy goat'  (ziegenbock) and as bock biers were generally brewed under the sign of Capricorn the name stuck.  Nowadays, the beer is generally associated with images of a goat.  

This refreshing lager is brewed by Leinenkugel.  The inclusion of oat flakes in the brew impart a smoothness to its malty flavor with notes of roasted nuts.  

Grab a couple cold ones - it will not fill you-up.

5.1% ABV

New Moon Tonight

With less than 1% of the crescent visible this evening - today brings us a New Moon.

According to the staff astrologers this young Moon is in ♈ Aries.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and as a consequence a New Moon in Aries is especially powerful – with lots of opportunities for new beginnings.  This would be a  terrific time to reevaluate personal goals and using the positive energy of the sign of the Ram to take-on actionable items.  To grab the ram by the horns so-to-speak. 

Nevertheless, take heed that the head, teeth, tongue, striated muscles, penis, gall bladder arterial system are now more sensitive. Be careful with those body parts and functions.  Moreover, you should not have a surgical procedure under the influence of a New Moon. 

You can check it all out and much more here.