#Local Astronomy Events

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

Come join the BAS for our monthly Star Party at Harrison Bay State Park on Saturday, November 11. We will be setting up in the Recreation Hall parking lot. We will have a variety of telescopes and observing opportunities.

[albonium]

anyway look at the sky past 23h30 tonight and the next few nights there's gonna be shooting stars

[breelandwalker]

2025 Witches' Calendar

For all my witches out there, here’s a handy list of the 2025 dates for the solstices, some commonly-referenced holidays, full and new moons, and special astronomical events. I’ve listed my sources at the bottom.

Dates and times for all events are calculated for Eastern Standard Time, USA, Northern Hemisphere. Adjust for your location as needed and check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what special events will be visible in your area.

On a related note, readers are encouraged to create their own seasonal calendars, holidays, and observances based on your local biome and personal preferences. Enjoy!

Solstices, Harvests, Quarter Days, Some Common Dates

February 1-2 - Imbolc / Candlemas / High Winter

March 20 - Spring Equinox / Ostara

April 30-May 1 - Beltane / May Day / Walpurgisnacht

June 20 - Summer Solstice / Midsummer / Litha

August 1 - Lughnasadh / Lammas / Summer Harvest

September 22 - Autumn Equinox / Mabon / Fall Harvest

October 31 - Samhain / Halloween / Final Harvest

December 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Full Moons

January 13 - Wolf Moon ♋

February 12 - Snow Moon ♌

March 14 - Worm Moon ♍ (Lunar Eclipse)

April 12 - Pink Moon ♎

May 12 - Flower Moon ♏

June 11 - Strawberry Moon ♐

July 10 - Thunder Moon (aka Buck Moon) ♑

August 9 - Sturgeon Moon (aka Corn Moon) ♒

September 7 - Harvest Moon ♓ (Lunar Eclipse)

October 6 - Hunter's Moon (aka Blood Moon) ♈

November 5 - Frost Moon (aka Beaver Moon) ♉ (Supermoon)

December 4 - Cold Moon ♊ (Supermoon)

* The full moons in September and October are almost EXACTLY equidistant from the Autumn Equinox this year, so whether you'll have a Harvest Moon in September or October depends on where you live!

New Moons

January 29 ♒

February 27 ♓

March 29 ♈

April 27 ♉

May 26 ♊

June 25 ♋

July 24 ♌

August 23 ♍

September 21 ♍ (Seasonal black moon, second new moon in Virgo)

October 21 ♎

November 20 ♏

December 19 ♐

Special Celestial Events

March 14 - Worm Moon Total Lunar Eclipse

March 29 - Solar Eclipse

September 7 - Harvest Moon Total Lunar Eclipse

September 21 - Seasonal Black Moon / Solar Eclipse

November 5 - Frost Moon Supermoon

December 4 - Cold Moon Supermoon

(Check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what will be visible in your area!)

Mercury Retrogrades (in case you need them)

March 14 to April 6

July 17 to August 10

November 9 to November 29

Happy Witching!

SOURCES & FURTHER READING:

Bree’s Lunar Calendar Series

Bree’s Secular Celebrations Series

Moon Info - Full Moon Dates for 2025

Calendar-12 - 2025 Moon Phases

Full Moonology - 2025 Full Moon Calendar

AstroStyle - All the 2025 Full Moons

Your Zodiac Sign - Astrology Calendar 2025

Old Farmer’s Almanac - Mercury Retrograde Dates 2024-2025

Sea and Sky - Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events 2025

DarkSky International - Dark Sky Placefinder for Stargazing

Patheos - 2025 Wheel of the Year Astrological Calendar

Image Source - How Stuff Works

=

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[greatdenimbeast]

Diamond Castle au- introducing, Shadow, Muse of History, Astrology and Astronomy

Once a mortal in ancient Greece, moulded from clay by an inventor and brought to life by the blood of a god, he spent his years caring for his ill sister, Maria. Doing his best to assist his creator in finding a cure. Since the blood of god ran through his veins and, seeing that his existence was a miracle in of itself, it stood to reason that he could be the miracle that helped save her

Cuz he was quite literally born yesterday, his sister loved to tell him stories about historic events, tales of gods and heroes to teach him about the world and how it cane to be. She was a damn good storyteller too, always leaving Shadow craving for more.

His favourites were the ones related to the stars, the constellations, so much so that Gerald noticed and taught him how to properly chart them

Maria wasn’t allowed to leave the house, her grandfather fearing that the elements would be too much for her and that often made her sunny demeanour dull and, looking to cheer her up, he did his best to find ways to brighten her mood until found one that worked

He entertained his bed-ridden sister with tales of history, of old dead heroes, of gods, of prophecies, things that he had picked up from local traders and travellers when he was out running errands for Gerald.

Maria was enthralled by them, hanging off of his every word

“The island of Crete truly holds such a monster?”

“It’s travellers gossip, but who’s to truly say.”

He wasn’t as good of a storyteller as she was but he did keep record of every story he could, and Maria loved it so that was all that mattered

As Maria got worse, Shadow started praying and giving offerings to the god Asclepius and the god Apollo, he doubted they would come to his aid but if there was a chance they could help he wanted to be sure.

But it was getting harder to cure her, some of the medicinal herbs they needed grew far off and the merchants that brought them to the markets to sell them kept marking up the prices out of greed. So Shadow, who had been blessed with inhuman speed, was sent off to pick the herbs himself, allowing him the opportunity to venture and see more of the world and bring back more stories, even making a few of his own, slaying a few monsters on the the way

The soldiers for the nearby king didn’t make it easier, tormenting the people for laughs, outright stealing, sometimes outright killing people when they refused to cave to their demands. Gerald was always being pulled away from his work for a cure to craft machines and statues for the king, the only reason the soldiers were unable to harm him or Maria when he refused was because of Shadow being there to protect them.

This became an issue when the king decided that he wanted Shadow

Soldiers stormed the house and workshop, taking the inventor prisoner, dragging him away to the castle and as Shadow tries to get Maria to safety she pushes him out of the way of blade and gets stabbed through her stomach

Shadow blacks out.

When he comes back, his hands are covered in blood, the bodies of dead soldiers litter the floor, his ears are ringing.

The only other breathing Shadow could hear besides his own was the shaky, laboured breaths of his older sister

He rushed to her side and examined her, the wound was deep, too deep. He tried his beat to clean up the blood but he could barely see what he was doing past his own tears. As he did he prayed, to his other father, to Apollo, to any god that would listen, to please save his sister, to not let her die

Then Maria’s hand squeezing his stopped him

“Sh…Shadow… o-one more story…”

“Maria please, please, i have to treat this, I won’t let you die, i won’t let you, i can’t let you die!”

“One…one m-more… please?”

“…okay… okay, one more story.”

So he shakily told her a story, about the fabled diamond castle, the birthplace of music, home to the museum of music. He struggled to remember parts of the story but Maria shakily helped him fill in the blanks

Then as the story concluded, Apollo made his presence known and applauded the two on how exemplary their storytelling was. It turns out Shadow has gained Apollo’s attention for a while, ever since he started praying to him and he had an offer for him

He wanted him to be his muse, an inspiration, a god. Initially Shadow wanted to refuse until Maria winced and coughed in his arms, then he got an idea

“…Lord Apollo I will accept this honour on one condition, that you heal my sister of her wounds and her ailment so that she may live as freely as she wishes.”

Apollo accepted these terms and gave Shadow, ambrosia (the food of the gods). It burned away his mortality and left him a god

And Apollo fulfilled his part of the deal, healing his sister, and did Shadow one better by turning Maria immortal so that she may be Shadow’s attendant to assist him in his duties before whisking them both off to the diamond castle

50 years later Shadow meets the next muse

[aziraphales-library]

Hi, I would like to say that I love your work. I'm looking for a fic that is linked to astronomy, do you have any recommendations???

Hello. Here are some astronomy fics for you...

One Of Us (All It Means Is Hope) by snek_of_eden (G)

“You’ve never seen them before, have you? Stars.” “No,” Muriel whispered, eyes reflecting galaxies. They gripped Crowley’s hand tight. “They don’t tell us.” Around them, snow fell hard and fast. Towards the heavens, everything shon. It felt impossible, but nothing was ever impossible with Crowley, was it? “Hope. That’s what stars are.” ** Muriel is exactly what Aziraphale and Crowley need. Soft December fluff! Hot chocolate, ice skating and Muriel seeing the stars for the very first time.

Sharing the Stars by lyricwritesprose (G)

Wensley has a lot of things to process. Friends with supernatural powers, literal demons hanging around. What he's afraid of. One of the things he thought he was afraid of was Mr. Crowley. But Wensley almost thinks he's getting used to Mr. Crowley. What's more, it almost seems like Mr. Crowley is getting used to him. It's an unlikely friendship—is it a friendship?—but whatever it is, it's getting moreso. Especially once Mr. Crowley figures out that Wensley is interested in astronomy.

Binary Stars by WaitingToBeBroken (T)

Aziraphale has been going to Crowley's astronomy lectures at the local planetarium for a few months now. It is only because he is really interested in space, of course. He loves all the... constellations. And the stars! And then Crowley asks him out for coffee.

A Far Cry From Our Own Sun by quiltedspacemittens (T)

An upcoming eclipse, a telescope, a public garden, and two astronomers weathering the summer along the Hudson River.

The Constancy of Stars by AppleSeeds (T)

Struggling with the fast pace of change in his life and seeking to connect with something more stable and constant, Aziraphale attends an event run by the Tadfield Astronomical Society to learn more about the stars. After meeting captivating astronomer Crowley, Aziraphale realises that the constancy he's been seeking in his life is more about wanting to have someone, rather than something, that he can rely on to always be there, but would it be too much to hope that Crowley might share his feelings?

Clear Skies by twistysoup (M)

Retired bookshop owner Aziraphale decides to join a local astronomy club, where he meets Crowley, a retired astronomy professor. They hit it off immediately and are pretty much inseparable for the rest of time. Three dates later and they find themselves sharing a cottage in the South Downs. What if it all worked out from the very beginning?

- Mod D

[ravenclair]

In the Shadow of You | Hogwarts Legacy

☆ Summary | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

☆ Available on Wattpad

Chapter 1: Summer

(Word count: 2,300)

It was busier than usual today. 

Sirona Ryan said it was due to the approaching school year, with young witches and wizards trickling back into Hogsmeade in search of their needed supplies.

It was true, there were more familiar faces floating in and out of the Three Broomsticks lately. Students. You recognized a few either from class or from passing them in the castle halls. They, of course, recognized you.

Some gave a polite greeting.

Most just stared.

You had become accustomed to serving the residents of Hogsmeade, who were typically much older and more likely to ignore your existence entirely once you gave them their orders. A few of the friendlier residents, those you had helped in fifth year, always made sure to leave you an extra galleon or two on their table.

Waitressing at the Three Broomsticks wasn't exactly how you planned to spend your summer holiday, but it had been enjoyable. After the events of fifth year, it was refreshing to have a completely normal summer for a witch your age. No fighting monsters, no hiding from dark wizards who wanted to kill you, no threat of a deadly ancient power falling into the wrong hands.

Thank Merlin.

You had spent the rest of fifth year preparing for your O.W.L. exams, as Professor Weasley had encouraged,  and received an Outstanding in almost every subject (falling asleep in History of Magic unfortunately dropped you to Exceeds Expectations).

The weekend after the exams, Garreth Weasley demanded that you and your friends celebrate the end of term by taking a trip to the Three Broomsticks for butterbeers. It was there you were informed that Hogwarts' grounds were closed every summer, so you would have to find a place to stay. Poppy insisted that you live with her and her Gran, but you didn't want to be a burden.

Sirona, overhearing your conversation, offered you the spare room at the Three Broomsticks. Under the stipulation that you help her run the place over the summer, of course.

So there you went. Taking orders, delivering food and drink, cleaning tables. Sirona was kind enough to let you keep any extra tips you received, but the rest of your labor was in exchange for your room upstairs.

You had kept in touch with your friends all summer.

Poppy and her Gran were backpacking through Romania. She sent you a postcard once a week, detailing the creatures they saw on their travels. Samantha and her family had taken a trip overseas to America. Amit was attending a muggle astronomy camp in London. Natty and her mother were visiting their friends and family in Uganda.

Ominis sent the occasional owl asking about how the job was going and if you'd heard any interesting gossip from the Hogsmeade locals. He was miserable being stuck at home with his family, desperate for an escape. In a particularly aggressive letter, he went on about how he wished Sirona had instead offered him the position at the Three Broomsticks.

Desperate indeed.

Your closest friend this summer, however, was none other than Sebastian Sallow.

He was in Feldcroft, staying in his late uncle's home. You were worried about his being there alone, of course, but he insisted that it was necessary to deal with his guilt and make peace with his actions. To move on.

Although he'd never admitted it, you knew the real reason: he was waiting for Anne to come back.

She hadn't.

A few days into the summer holiday, you received an owl that said he had begun helping a local Feldcroft farmer tend to his crops. The farmer was an older gentleman who couldn't take care of the large field on his own, and his son was going out of town for two months. Ironically enough, that same farmer is the one who supplies Sirona with particular recipe ingredients.

And so, every week, for the entire summer holiday, Sebastian Sallow came to the Three Broomsticks to deliver ingredients.

He'd get there with the crates early, take an hour or two to unload everything and account stock, then spend the rest of the day at the bar talking with you and the other locals.

Occasionally, delivery day would fall on your off-day, and the two of you would wander around Hogsmeade, chatting about anything and everything. He'd tell you a story about his life at Hogwarts before you'd arrived, and you'd share any Hogsmeade gossip you picked up while working that week.

On the tougher days, when the past was hard to ignore, you would sit together on the Hogsmeade bridge in comfortable silence. Sometimes, you'd exchange fond memories of those you had lost, trying to ease the pain of their absence.

On the days he wasn't in town, you would send owls to each other.

Needless to say, you two had become quite the pair.

⋆｡°✩

You walked downstairs with a little extra pep in your step, excited for your off-day after a week of busy shifts.

Definitely not because it was delivery day.

"Well, someone is chipper this morning," Sirona said as she wiped down the wooden bar top. "I wonder why that is."

It was still early and the tavern wasn't open yet, so it was just the two of you on the main floor. Sebastian would be arriving any minute. 

You feigned innocence as you sat down across from her at the bar, interlacing your fingers and resting your chin on your hands. "I don't know what you mean, I'm always like this on my off-days."

Sirona halted her cleaning and raised a brow at you. An accusatory look.

"Uh-huh," she drawled as she threw the towel over her shoulder. "Are you sure it doesn't have to do with the fact that today is–"

The front doors of the Three Broomsticks were suddenly pushed open, and there he was. He had gotten taller since fifth year, his hair slightly longer. His skin was tanned from working outside almost all summer, freckles stark across his face. The daily physical labor had made him more muscular as well.

Not that you had noticed or anything.

"Morning ladies," Sebastian greeted, a vegetable crate in his arms. You tried very hard not to stare at his arms.

"Morning," Sirona replied as she walked from behind the bar. "Right on time, as always, Mr. Sallow."

She threw you a pointed look as she said the last bit.

He set the first crate down on one of the low tables and went back outside to unload the next one off the cart. You helped Sirona take the crates to the back kitchen, working in steady tandem with Sebastian as he unloaded the rest of the wears. Once all the ingredients were in the kitchen, you helped Sebastian take stock for the next hour.

When you both exited back into the main tavern, there was a plate of food for each of you waiting at the bar, as usual. By the time you sat down to eat lunch, the Three Broomsticks was open for business.

"So, I was thinking," Sebastian said between bites, "we should walk around for school supplies today. Classes start in two days, after all, and I got an owl with the list of required items last week."

You nodded in agreement, having also received your own list. Sebastian and yourself would be in the same N.E.W.T. level classes, except you decided to take an extra elective course in Arithmancy. He had called you an overachiever.

You said your goodbyes to Sirona and began the familiar trek around Hogsmeade. Most of the shops were open and, with it being midday, the small town was bustling with life. More and more students were walking about, their own supply lists in hand.

You made your way through the stores, checking things off the list as you purchased them. New robes from Gladrags, potion recipes from J. Pippin's, parchment and ink from Tomes and Scrolls. The day passed quickly as you both shopped, talking excitedly about the classes you'd be taking in the upcoming term.

Once all the supplies were purchased, you made your way back to the Three Broomsticks to drop off your loot. Sebastian dumped his items in the cart he arrived in, then helped you bring your bags upstairs to your room.

"Damn, I just remembered one last thing I have to pick up," he cursed as you walked him back downstairs. "Care to join me?"

You were a bit confused, but nodded. "Of course, lead the way."

You had definitely crossed off everything on your lists. It must be something personal, you concluded.

As you walked back toward the town square, the sun had just begun to set, painting the sky hues of pink and orange. You were staring in awe, distracted, before you noticed where Sebastian had led you.

Honeydukes.

"Wait here, I'll just be a moment," he said before disappearing into the sweetshop.

You nodded, skeptical. Sebastian was never the biggest fan of sweets, so it was odd for him to have something he needed from Honeydukes.

A minute later he reappeared in front of you, with a decently-sized white box in hand. He was smirking at you in a cheeky manner, like one does when they have a secret they're trying to decide if they should share with you.

"Alright, I'll bite," you crossed your arms playfully, "what's with the dessert box?"

Judging by the size, it was most likely a small cake. But why would Sebastian Sallow be buying a cake on a random week day?

He didn't say a word, just turned and walked toward the Hogsmeade bridge. Your usual spot. You rolled your eyes and followed.

Once you were both seated, feet dangling over the edge of the bridge with the box resting between you, Sebastian broke his silence.

"Do you really not realize what today is?" he asked, clearly very amused.

You stared back at him blankly. He shook his head and opened the lid of the box.

You were correct, it was a small dessert cake. The same one you had been eyeing in the display case the last time you went there together.

And suddenly, you felt your face grow hot as your cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Today was your birthday. Your sixteenth birthday. You had mentioned it to him in a letter a few days ago, but, in both your exhaustion from a busy work week and excitement of...delivery day...it had completely slipped your mind.

You covered your face with your hands. Sebastian laughed. Loudly.

"This whole day, I was waiting for you to say something," he exclaimed as he continued to laugh. "I was starting to think I had the date wrong."

You shoved him lightly with your hand, unable to contain your smile. "Stop laughing! I've had a stressful week and the date escaped me. Why didn't you say anything?"

Sebastian just stared at you, smirking again. "This is much more entertaining."

He pulled two forks from his jacket pocket and handed you one. He pulled out a single candle as well.

"Well, I can officially say this now: happy birthday!" Sebastian said. "There's no way I'm fitting sixteen candles on that thing, so one will have to suffice."

"It's perfect, thank you," you said, grinning. "And I'll still get my wish, which is all that matters."

He placed the candle on the cake and lit it with his wand. "Alright, ready for wishing."

You closed your eyes and thought for a moment. What do I wish for...?

You opened your eyes and saw Sebastian was smiling at you, expectantly. The sun was setting behind him, making it appear as though he were glowing. You felt your face begin to flush again.

Looking back down at your cake, you blew out the candle.

"What'd you wish for?" Sebastian asked, fidgeting with the fork in his hand.

You took your own fork and scooped it through the cake, avoiding the question. You took a bite and sighed. It was just as delicious as it looked.

Sebastian chuckled, "Good answer, that was a trick question. Never reveal your wishes, they won't come true if you do."

Although that was a common belief, you had your own reasons for not sharing this particular wish with him.

"Oh, I have one more thing," Sebastian said once you both had finished the cake. He produced a small parcel from his jacket pocket. 

You shook your head, "No, no gifts! The cake was plenty–"

"Just open it," he rolled his eyes playfully and handed you the parcel.

You scowled at him, but obeyed. Unwrapping it, you found a delicate silver necklace chain.

"For your locket," he clarified.

The locket from Professor Fig.

You had been keeping it close, for sentimental reasons. Sebastian had noticed it sitting on your bedside table earlier that summer and questioned you about it. After explaining its significance, he had just stared at it, contemplatively. Scheming, you now realized.

The chain couldn't have been cheap. He must've used some of the galleons he'd earned from his job this summer.

You felt tears prickle in your eyes. You blinked them away and looked back at your best friend.

"I don't know what to say...this is wonderful," you managed, voice shaking slightly. "Thank you, Sebastian."

You looked back to the gift, admiring the silver material as it glinted in the sunset.

You failed to notice the hint of pink dusting Sebastian's cheeks as he replied, "You're welcome."

⋆｡°✩

The next day, you bustled from table to table, serving the customers of the Three Broomsticks with a bright, cheery smile.

The locket was a comforting weight around your neck, hidden beneath your clothes. 

[disastrousdaisy]

Master List ❀

Hello, Daisy here! I write Superman & Lois fics and Danny Phantom x Superman & Lois crossover fics! Full list and hyperlinks below! :D

DPxS&L Crossover Fics

Welcome Home | Part 1/2 of the Winter in June series - After three years trapped in the Ghost Zone, Danny finds himself in Smallville. ↳ Complete, 52k Words, Danny Fenton/Jon Kent, Rated T

We Made It Together | Part 2/2 of the Winter in June series - After living with the Kents for a month, Danny attempts to find a way back to his hometown—with a little help from Jon Kent. ↳ WIP, 44k+ Words, Danny Fenton/Jon Kent, Rated T

Seven Days of Physics Class | Part 1/2 of the Metropolis University series - Jon Kent's POV of meeting Danny Fenton in College Physics. ↳ Complete, 3.6k Words, Danny Fenton/Jon Kent, Rated T

Act Natural | Part 2/2 of the Metropolis University series - Danny Fenton's POV of meeting Jon Kent in College Physics. ↳ Complete, 3.9k Words, Danny Fenton/Jon Kent, Rated T

Newsbreak - Danny watches Clark Kent reveal his secret on national television and goes to him for advice. ↳ Complete, 3.8k Words, Genfic

A Gust of Air - Danny transfers to a new high school—the same one where Jon Kent, aka Superboy, goes to. Jon's identity is public. ↳ WIP, 22k+ Words, Danny Fenton/Jon Kent, Rated T

S&L Fics

A Constant Reminder - Set during 4x03. Jon Kent confronts the Tire Swing™️ ↳ Complete, 1.2k Words, Genfic

Left Behind - Set during 4x04. Jon Kent reveals a little family secret to Sophie Cushing. ↳ Complete, 1k Words, Genfic

Puppy Adoption Conspiracy - Set during 4x05. Jordan Kent decides how to handle the family's secret to Candice. ↳ Complete, 1.1k Words, Genfic

Balance - Set during 4x06. Jon Kent struggles with newfound powers and responsibilities and wonders how his dad handles it all. ↳ Complete, 1.4k Words, Genfic

Time Out - Set during 4x07. Clark Kent contemplates a decision in a split second. ↳ Complete, 800 Words, Genfic

Just a Girlfriend - Set during 4x08. With the family's secret public, Candice grapples with what it means to be Jon Kent's girlfriend. ↳ Complete, 1.5k Words, Candice Pergande/Jon Kent, Rated T

The Gift of Silence - Jon Kent, just having gotten his powers, attends an Astronomy Club event at the school. ↳ Complete, 2.3k Words, Genfic

One Small Flight for The Fraternals - Jon Kent finds out the Mars Perseverance rover is out of commission. ↳ Complete, 2k Words, Genfic

What does a Superhero and a Wizard have in common? - Jon Kent hosts a magic show at a local library. ↳ Complete, 2.4k Words, Genfic

Sharp - Tag Harris reveals where his powers came from to Jon Kent. ↳ Complete, 2.1k Words, Tag Harris/Jon Kent, Rated G

Under Thirty Minutes - Jordan Kent drags Jon along to deliver pizzas. ↳ Complete, 2.1k Words, Genfic

Double Beat - Clark Kent goes to the cardiologist. ↳ Complete, 6.6K Words, Clark/Lois, Rated T

[impsandstars]

I saw this idea for a teacher au on twitter and had to write down some ideas.

Blitz and Stolas are teachers at a local high school. Stolas is the brand new Astronomy teacher who is a total nerd (he once spent an entire class period talking about how they used math to discover the planet Neptune when they should have been taking notes on comets) but is super kind and really cares about his kiddos. Blitz has been there for about four years and is one of the physical education teachers who also coaches their swim team. The students love him because he swears all the time, makes corny jokes whenever he gets the chance and actually teaches them about fitness and health.

Via also goes to the high school and knows her dad has developed a massive crush on coach Buckzo. She works for the yearbook and is tasked with taking photos of all of the swim meets and practices (which she totally did not choose in order for her dad to have an excuse to drive her to said events and stay so he could take her home).

Blitz and Stolas talk for the first time at the swim team’s second home game when Stolas is contemplating the ph level of the pool water and almost falls in when Blitz says hello.

Blitz, who had noticed Stolas at the beginning of the year during their welcome back days and developed a little bit of a crush himself, blatantly flirts with Stolas so much that Stolas ends up actually falling into the pool and Blitz dives in after him.

After that they are seen eating lunch together in Stolas’s classroom almost everyday.

Blitz will randomly walk by Stolas’s classroom (sometimes on his way somewhere or sometimes just to pop by) which always causes Stolas to stutter which makes everyone in his class giggle or roll their eyes.

Stolas starts up a botany club that he expects no one to join and then has like 30 people show up that barely fit into his small classroom. Blitz, passing by one day after school, notices how many kids keep showing up and decides to help out. He doesn’t know shit about plants but he likes to make things so he helps out with the poster making and fundraising part of it all.

[dreadfutures]

Great Adult Presents Between Adult Friends

a list inspired by gifts I've given or been asked for or want, but not including crafts and art you make yourself because those are more obviously treasures. this list is for "oh I have no idea what to gift/make someone"

Special Interest Magazines - from Star Trek, Astronomy, to SpecLit, and beyond

Little Trinkets - for their desks at work/elsewhere, things they can look at and think of you. candles in fun shapes! weather crystals! little carved figurines!

Calendars - desk and wall calendars with art on subjects they're interested in, like National Parks or Seasons or Alphonse Mucha or anything

Food Gift Baskets - either fresh season fruit like Harry & David Pears or non perishable things like assorted hot chocolates to try, or hot sauces, or cheeses. I like this strat better than gift carding.

Comfort Items - Blankets for display and for outside and for inside comfort, pillows both decorative and practical, hot water bottles, fluffy robes. How likely is someone gonna buy it for themselves? but they'll appreciate having it!

Museum Memberships. They can always choose not to renew in the coming year, but a museum membership often gives them complimentary / reciprocal free admission to other museums within the same association. It also often lets them take +1's! A single one time gift can turn into a whole year of goodness :) AND this goes for BOTANICAL GARDENS AND AQUARIUMS AND ZOOS TOO.

A Book That Was Important To You Sometime - Even if I don't end up reading it or liking it I am honored and happy to have a book someone cared about in my collection, especially if they tell me why. I will think of them always and it feels like a piece of them!

Special Editions of things they already have - a special edition book or album or game case or anything will be a beautiful addition even if I've already read/consumed that media.

These are great for semi-surprise gifts, where you don't just go and ask "Hey, I'm getting you something, what do you like."

As for other gifts where you aren't so concerned with surprise, since they may require some coordinating:

A Large Version of Their Favorite Scent (perfume, cologne)

An Appointment at a Cat Cafe

Tickets to a Museum/Aquarium "After Dark" Event

Tickets to a Museum/Gallery Special Exhibition

An Intro Class for a Specialty Hobby (like book binding, cooking, ceramics)

A Piece of Art from a Local Artist they would never find elsewhere (photographers, 2d media artists, sculptors, anything) (safe subjects include: birds, fields, beaches, mountains, urban art specific to their home; more adventurous subjects and depictions depending on how well you know their style; safe size is small like a post card or 8x11", but for something you're confident in, bigger is special! aluminum prints are very nice)

COOKBOOKS. Classic cookbooks like Better Homes & Gardens or good French cooking staples, or niche books like for a specific ethnic cuisine, or for a specific type of food like ramen, or cookbooks by their favorite celebrity

Art Book for a Favorite Movie/Series.

Designer Measuring Cups/Bowls. Upgrade them from the plain plastic/glass/metal that they use. There are amazing porcelain/china designs for even things like measuring SPOONS (this was a hit with my sister who bakes - and that set came with a matching apron)

Resin Lamps. From humpback whales, cloud scapes, to Pokemon, there are beautiful resin displays that light up and are more unique than just a figurine.

[forbadorb]

So apparently I never got around to posting this image of M31, the Andromeda Galaxy, which was the last thing I took with my DSLR before my camera came. 10x600s 800iso. I'm not very happy with the huge dust spots on the left side but I do love how much color I was able to bring out!

Eventually I plan to redo this in a 2x2 mosaic with my current camera or possibly using loaner equipment so I can learn monochrome imaging and attempt to capture the O3 nebula that was discovered a few years ago. Regardless, I have other targets that are higher priorities for me right now.

The reason I'm realising I hadn't posted it was because I was actually mentioned in a local astronomy newsletter by someone that attended the event I took this at!

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

SkyBlog12: As clouds clear the area this evening, should be good viewing for a super-bright pass of the Chinese space station, #Tiangong1, rising in the SW around 8:33 PM EDT, moving towards the east, fading into Earth's shadow after 8:37 PM EDT. #BackyardAstronomy

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Webb reveals the origin of the ultra-hot exoplanet WASP-121b

The detection of atmospheric methane and silicon monoxide suggests that it originated in a region analogous to the Solar System’s domain of gas and ice giants.

Observations with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have provided new clues about how the exoplanet WASP-121b has formed and where it might have originated in the disc of gas and dust around its star. These insights stem from the detection of multiple key molecules: water vapour, carbon monoxide, silicon monoxide, and methane. With these detections, a team led by astronomers Thomas Evans-Soma and Cyril Gapp was able to compile an inventory of the carbon, oxygen, and silicon in the atmosphere of WASP-121b. The detection of methane in particular also suggests strong vertical winds on the cooler nightside, a process often ignored in current models.

WASP-121b is an ultra-hot giant planet that orbits its host star at a distance only about twice the star’s diameter, completing one orbit in approximately 30.5 hours. The planet exhibits two distinct hemispheres: one that always faces the host star, with temperatures locally exceeding 3000 degrees Celsius, and an eternal nightside where temperatures drop to 1500 degrees.

“Dayside temperatures are high enough for refractory materials – typically solid compounds resistant to strong heat – to exist as gaseous components of the planet’s atmosphere,” Thomas Evans-Soma explained. He is an astronomer affiliated with the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany, and the University of Newcastle, Australia. He led the study published today in Nature Astronomy.

Unveiling the birthplace of WASP-121b

The team investigated the abundance of compounds that evaporate at very different temperatures, providing clues about the planet’s formation and evolution. “Gaseous materials are easier to identify than liquids and solids,” noted MPIA student Cyril Gapp, the lead author of a second study published today in The Astronomical Journal. “Since many chemical compounds are present in gaseous form, astronomers use WASP-121b as a natural laboratory to probe the properties of planetary atmospheres.”

The team concluded that WASP-121b likely accumulated most of its gas in a region cold enough for water to remain frozen yet sufficiently warm for methane (CH4) to evaporate and exist in its gaseous form. Since planets form within a disc of gas and dust surrounding a young star, such conditions occur at distances where stellar radiation creates the appropriate temperatures.

In our own Solar System, this region lies somewhere between the orbits of Jupiter and Uranus. This is remarkable, given that WASP-121b now orbits perilously close to its host star’s surface. It suggests that, after its formation, it undertook a long journey from the icy outer regions to the centre of the planetary system.

Reconstructing WASP-121b’s eventful youth

Silicon was detected as silicon monoxide (SiO) gas, but originally entered the planet via rocky material such as quartz stored in planetesimals – essentially asteroids – after acquiring most of its gaseous envelope. The formation of planetesimals takes time, indicating that this process occurred during the later stages of planetary development.

“The relative abundances of carbon, oxygen, and silicon offer insights into how this planet formed and acquired its material.” – Thomas Evans-Soma

Planet formation begins with icy dust particles that stick together and gradually grow into centimetre- to metre-sized pebbles. They attract surrounding gas and small particles, accelerating their growth. These are the seeds of future planets like WASP-121b. Drag from the surrounding gas causes the moving pebbles to spiral inward towards the star. As they migrate, their embedded ices begin to evaporate in the disc’s warmer inner regions.

While the infant planets orbit their host stars, they may grow large enough to open substantial gaps within the protoplanetary disc. This halts the inward drift of pebbles and the supply with embedded ices but leaves enough gas available to build an extended atmosphere.

In the case of WASP-121b, this appears to have occurred at a location where methane pebbles evaporated, enriching the gas that the planet supplied with carbon. In contrast, water pebbles remained frozen, locking away oxygen. This scenario best explains why Evans-Soma and Gapp observed a higher carbon-to-oxygen ratio in the planet's atmosphere than in its host star. WASP-121b continued attracting carbon-rich gas after the flow of oxygen-rich pebbles had stopped, setting the final composition of its atmospheric envelope.

The detection of methane requires strong vertical currents

As the temperature of an atmosphere changes, the quantities of different molecules, such as methane and carbon monoxide, are expected to vary. At the ultra-high temperatures of WASP-121b's dayside, methane is highly unstable and won't be present in detectable quantities. Astronomers have determined for planets like WASP-121b that gas from the dayside hemisphere should be mixed around to the relatively cool nightside hemisphere faster than the gas composition can adjust to the lower temperatures. Under this scenario, one would expect the abundance of methane to be negligible on the nightside, just as it is on the dayside. When instead the astronomers detected plentiful methane on the nightside of WASP-121b, it was a total surprise.

To explain this result, the team proposes that methane gas must be rapidly replenished on the nightside to maintain its high abundance. A plausible mechanism for doing this involves strong vertical currents lifting methane gas from lower atmospheric layers, which are rich in methane thanks to the relatively low nightside temperatures combined with the high carbon-to-oxygen ratio of the atmosphere. “This challenges exoplanet dynamical models, which will likely need to be adapted to reproduce the strong vertical mixing we've uncovered on the nightside of WASP-121b,” said Evans-Soma.

JWST’s role in the discovery

The team used JWST’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) to observe WASP-121b throughout its complete orbit around its host star. As the planet rotates on its axis, the heat radiation received from its surface varies, exposing different portions of its irradiated atmosphere to the telescope. This allowed the team to characterize the conditions and chemical composition of the planet's dayside and nightside.

The astronomers also captured observations as the planet transited in front of its star. During this phase, some starlight filters through the planet’s atmospheric limb, leaving spectral fingerprints that reveal its chemical makeup. This type of measurement is especially sensitive to the transition region where gases from the dayside and nightside mix. “The emerging transmission spectrum confirmed the detections of silicon monoxide, carbon monoxide, and water that were made with the emission data,” Gapp noted. “However, we could not find methane in the transition zone between the day and night side.”

IMAGE: This artistic impression depicts the stage at which WASP-121b accumulated most of its gas, as inferred from the latest results. The illustration suggests that the forming planet had cleared its distant orbit of solid pebbles, which stored water as ice. As a result, the gap prevented additional pebbles from reaching the planet. WASP-121b must have subsequently migrated from the cold, outer regions towards the inner disc, where it now orbits near its star. Credit T. Müller (MPIA/HdA)

[olrastrologytarot]

The History of Astrology: A Journey Through Time and Thought

Astrology, the study of the positions and movements of celestial bodies and their purported influence on human affairs, has been a fixture in human culture for millennia. Its evolution reflects a complex interplay between science, philosophy, and spirituality, showcasing how societies have sought to understand their place in the cosmos. This essay explores the historical development of astrology, from its ancient origins to its contemporary forms.

Ancient Beginnings: Mesopotamia and Egypt

The roots of astrology can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, around the 3rd millennium BCE. The Babylonians, who were among the first to develop systematic astronomical observations, used these observations to create a form of astrology that combined celestial phenomena with predictions about earthly events. This early astrology was primarily concerned with omens and was heavily intertwined with the religious and political life of the time.

By the 2nd millennium BCE, Egyptian astrology had begun to emerge, blending Mesopotamian influences with local beliefs. The Egyptians, known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy and their intricate pantheon of gods, integrated astrological concepts into their religious and daily practices. They used astrology to forecast events and guide decisions, often linking the movements of the stars to the will of their gods.

Hellenistic Synthesis: The Birth of Horoscopic Astrology

The Hellenistic period (circa 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE) marked a significant transformation in astrology. With the expansion of the Greek empire and the subsequent mingling of Greek, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian cultures, a more sophisticated form of astrology emerged. This period saw the development of horoscopic astrology, which focused on creating individual birth charts based on the exact positions of celestial bodies at the time of a person's birth.

One of the key figures in this development was Claudius Ptolemy, a Greek astronomer and astrologer whose work, the Tetrabiblos, became a foundational text for Western astrology. Ptolemy’s system sought to systematize astrological knowledge and establish it as a coherent discipline. His work remained influential throughout the medieval period and beyond, laying the groundwork for modern astrological practices.

Medieval and Renaissance Astrology: Integration and Innovation

During the medieval period, astrology continued to thrive in both the Islamic world and Europe. Islamic scholars preserved and expanded upon Greek and Roman astrological knowledge, integrating it with their own astronomical observations and philosophical ideas. Figures like Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi and Al-Kindi made significant contributions, blending astrological theory with a more refined understanding of the cosmos.

In Europe, astrology gained prominence as part of the broader scholarly tradition. Medieval scholars, including prominent figures like Thomas Aquinas, debated the role of astrology within a Christian framework. Despite some resistance from the Church, astrology remained a respected academic discipline and was often used in conjunction with medicine, politics, and other fields.

The Renaissance period (14th to 17th centuries) saw a revival of interest in astrology, driven by a renewed fascination with classical texts and an emphasis on the relationship between the macrocosm and the microcosm. Astrologers like Johannes Kepler, who is also known for his contributions to celestial mechanics, attempted to reconcile astrology with emerging scientific principles, though his work ultimately leaned more towards astronomy.

Modern Perspectives: From Science to Personal Insight

The Enlightenment and subsequent scientific revolutions brought a shift in attitudes towards astrology. With the rise of empirical science and skepticism towards unverified claims, astrology began to lose its status as a scientific discipline. The 19th and early 20th centuries saw astrology increasingly marginalized by the scientific community, with many viewing it as a pseudoscience.

However, astrology did not disappear. Instead, it underwent a transformation, adapting to modern sensibilities and becoming a popular cultural phenomenon. The 20th century witnessed the rise of psychological astrology, which emphasized the role of astrology in personal growth and self-understanding. Figures like Carl Jung incorporated astrological concepts into their psychological theories, reflecting a broader interest in integrating astrology with modern ideas about the self and consciousness.

Today, astrology occupies a diverse space within contemporary culture. While it is not recognized as a scientific discipline, it remains a popular and influential practice, with many people finding value in its symbolic and interpretive frameworks. Modern astrologers often focus on personal horoscopes and guidance, drawing on ancient traditions while adapting to contemporary concerns and contexts.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Meaning and Reflection

The history of astrology is a testament to humanity's enduring quest to understand the cosmos and our place within it. From its origins in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to its modern incarnations, astrology has evolved alongside human thought, reflecting our shifting attitudes towards knowledge, spirituality, and the universe. While its scientific validity remains debated, astrology continues to offer a rich tapestry of symbolism and insight, underscoring the timeless human desire to seek meaning in the stars.

[butts-bouncing-on-the-beltway]

Wifey introduced me to a new youtuber today*

*introduced in this context means "she was happily watching it all on her own while I futzed around online and as I internalized the background noise I started Being An Anthropologist about it and responding to the show until my beleaguered and loving wife finally just put the episode up on the TV and started it over so I could watch it for real this time." You know. The usual.

Anyway the point is, I've been watching this show and like. It starts as a critique of decolonization efforts in academia and research (especially in astronomy), meanders through the mecanisms of the imperial/colonial project as a process/ongoing relationship to self and other as opposed to an event or an era, takes a picnic lunch in the genocide of Palestinians, and finally circled back around to the starting point of contextualizing a telescope build that is being resisted by local indigenous communities by way of the function of moral and linguistic prescriptivism in the act of cultural construction and enforcement of empire.

So like I think I might be in love?

Today has been a fascinating brain day and I think maybe I like stimulents actually. I feel like my brain actually works when I need it to. I wish to god that access to this wasn't such a shitshow, the work it took to finally get here was......just so fucking absurd to call healthcare. It's days like these I want to be a raging antipsych ivory tower expat, and my new youtube crush is the IDEAL experience for those days

[jamsandsuch]

field notes: cheap goods

preparing for an event this weekend i set out to find a thrift store where i could hopefully find some scrapbooking material. it's rare that i see truly eclectic thrift stores in this trendy city where the local value village will already run you a diabolical 20 dollars for a pair of jeans.

but i had heard good things about this thrift store, so following the instructions on google maps I walked down along the rows of cafes and asian restaurants and descended down a set of stairs brandishing the proud sign "50% anti-tariffs sale!"

the store was fairly empty today, fair given that it was a thursday afternoon. i was delighted to see a whole area labelled 'crafts' fashioned from scrap fabrics and buttons. mission accomplished. but first, a set of community brochures by the door caught my eye: a meeting by the local government to support recent graduates seeking employment. a senior wellness group. some general touristy brochures. what did catch my eye, though, was a partnership with a local animal rescue. noticing my moment of pause, i was taken out of my trance by the middle-aged man at the register. "you lookin' at the rescue posters?"

as a graduate student during the last week of classes, today has been a long day of big vocabulary words and projects to juggle. some casual conversation was comparative relief. i walk up to the register and i strike up a conversation about the animal rescue, mentioning that i myself volunteer at one in another city. following a friendly exchange of animal photos, he extends his hand towards me and we exchange names with a firm handshake (i will never get used to handshakes. maybe growing up in asia has conditioned me to always bow). he tells me proudly of all the charities the thrift store's proceeds go to and their upcoming events, and i thank him for all the work he does because "god knows we need more community these days". laughing, he puts his hand on his hips and sighs. "oh yeah, we do."

he lets me go, telling me to check out their crafts section after i mention my interest in collaging. what proceeds is an hour of sifting through every map, every magazine, every discarded sticky note or memo donated to this store as the shopkeeper happily belts his bob marley songs in a booming voice that reminds me of my father's.

i listen passively as customers trickle in every now and then, noticing that with each one he greets them by name when he can remember. "how's your day been?" "it's been a while!" "good to see you!" they talk about the weather. they talk about where the many knick knacks the store come from. he teaches another middle-aged woman old enough to be my auntie how to tell if porcelain-ware is cracked by giving it a good tap.

meanwhile i sift through postcards, magazines, film slides, discarded pieces of people i will never know and places i will never go. handwritten in blue ballpoint pen ink: netherlands. the siene. dates on the backs of postcards: 1971, 1969. maps of macau. photos of indonesia. i carry so much i'm holding an armful of paper scraps and magazines. when i'm not looking the shopkeeper sets a basket behind me.

60 minutes later, i've had my fill. i set my basket down on the counter with an 'oof' and figure that things this valuable are going to run me a handsome sum. surely at one of those trendy 'vintage stores' they'd be selling these things for 15 a pop.

he pats two of my magazines. "since you're a first-time customer i'll give you these two for free." i thank him and wonder if he will remember me the next time i come by. i think what a nice thing it is, to be remembered.

i leave the store with:

a set of old astronomy magazines commemorating the anniversary of the griffith observatory

a set of national geographic magazines with stories and photo essays from the covid 19 pandemic

a dusty book dated to 1950 of chinese cities at the time

a map the tokyo transit system

a postcard of hiroshima

a ziploc baggie of stamps from cities around the country

a full heart

all for the humble price of $6 and a new person i know in this city.

[loneberry]

FIRST TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

Images from my first total solar eclipse, depicting the outer corona, inner corona, prominent prominences, diamond ring, and the partial phase. Photos taken by Dan.

A black sun. Never had I seen a black sun, that insignia of melancholia that will forever remind me of Kristeva, which will forever remind me of M’s suicide—it was one of the few books M had with her at the very end, the book that her mother believed was the key to why she did it.

Black sun. On the day of—or day after—M’s death anniversary. I had been weeping for days when I found myself beneath that darkening sky.

*

What’s the difference between a partial and a total eclipse? I vaguely remember going onto the playground with some glasses as a child, but I don’t remember what I saw in the sky. What’s the big deal? The sky goes dark for a few minutes. It can’t be much different from the onset of night.

Wrong.

The rhapsodic scientists I listened to on various podcasts convinced me that there is really no comparison between a partial and total eclipse. I tried to hatch a last-minute plan to get myself in the path of totality. In the days leading up to the eclipse, I would be at the French King Bridge for M’s death anniversary. The only person I knew in Western MA, besides M’s mother, was my poet friend Ethan. So I asked him if he had a plan to see the eclipse.

I did not know, when I texted him out of the blue, that his parents lived in the path of totality in northern Vermont, that his father Dan was an astronomer (communist astronomer!) and eclipse chaser (this was his 14th eclipse), that Dan had even organized the local viewing event and wrote a book on the history of astronomy. At Ethan’s parents’ house there were literally photographs of eclipses mixed in with the family photos (see below). His father had even built a little observatory on his land. I had, in the most haphazard fashion, found the perfect guide to my first total solar eclipse.

Dan brought his equipment to the eclipse viewing: cameras, filters, binoculars, and a $4000 hydrogen alpha telescope that we used before the eclipse to look at the sun’s prominences and a sunspot on the surface. He enthusiastically answered all my questions. How had the Babylonians worked it out so long ago? Why does the wind pick up when the eclipse begins? Why is the sun’s corona so much hotter than the sun’s surface? (It’s still a mystery to the scientists…) Why why why. (People often tell me that I always ask a lot of questions—almost like an eternally curious child.)

The eclipse. It is not like the dimming of sunset, with its orange hues and plunge into the horizon, the low angle. It is a light unlike any light I have seen before, a strange dream-like atmosphere, a gray yet shimmering unreality, the air suddenly cold, the birds in a confused tumult. The uneven temperature of the atmosphere makes the wind pick up as the moon slowly covers the sun. Though the light was not the gold of sunset, you could see a band of orange on every horizon like a 360 degree sunset, an eerie gloaming that electrifies your skin.

A silence descended on the field as the moment of totality approached. Then, audible gasps—we couldn’t believe what we were seeing. I think the first thing I said was, “Holy. Shit.” Nothing prepared me for the numinous beauty of the sun’s corona, those elegant wisps of bright white light haloing the black sun. I think it’s probably the closest one can come to seeing God while alive on this earth. I cried during totality while observing the patterns in the corona through binoculars. A beautiful pink arch of plasma (a prominence) was visible toward the bottom of the sun. Dan pointed out Venus in the sky.

In the center of that black hole there is an abyssal silence

I don’t know how to describe it. Celestial indifference to human endeavor, human emotion. A kind of coldness in that heat, the heat of the corona, beyond even the fires of Hell. Then I can hear the angelic squall of the corona ringing over the landscape. It is a sound full of grace even as it cannot be called happy.

I can see why the ancients might interpret an eclipse as an augur of something deeply ominous, perhaps apocalyptic. The experience is, at once, sublime, ecstatic, and deeply unnerving—all your perceptual faculties are telling you that something is wrong. The ongoingness of the world and its rules cannot be taken for granted, for the sun went black, not in my dream, but in the afternoon sky.

And just as soon as it began, it was over. We had almost 3 and half minutes of totality. I was surprised by how quickly the sky brightened, how much light we get when the sun is almost completely covered.

One day the moon will float away. There won’t be any more total solar eclipses. Be grateful you were alive during this slice of cosmic time.

This is my favorite scene in all of cinema, from Béla Tarr's Werckmeister Harmonies. Watch drunkards reenact an eclipse in a drab Hungarian bar...

Ethan and communist astronomer dad!

I even got eclipse-branded maple syrup (peak Vermont)