#Local Astronomy Observing

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

"Please join us at the Rec Hall parking area for an evening of #astronomicalobservations with visual telescopes, Electronically-Assisted scopes and monitors, and just looking up with our eyes!

Family-friendly, accessible, and guaranteed awesome! You do not need to bring a telescope – the BAS has all the gear!

Note: BAS events are free to all.

BackyardAstronomy #KeepLookingup #ScienceRules

[warrenwoodhouse]

Google Earth

[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

=

If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar, tune in to my podcast Hex Positive, or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊

[thestrawberrygirly]

150 things to do when you're bored 🧸🍰🍓

make a journal and write down about your dreams.

try baking a cake.

draw sanrio characters.

learn choreo of the song 'war of hormones' by bts.

stream bts songs or your favorite band's songs.

clean your room.

play any cute mobile games like Purrfect Tale, Resonance of Ocean, Resortopia, Sumikkogurashi Farm, Rhythm Hive, HelloKittyWorld2 Sanrio Kawaii and more. (these are available on android)

plant some trees.

watch any ghibli studio movie.

declutter your phone.

watch some aesthetic japan vlogs.

read a book.

do some skincare.

make a playlist on spotify about the songs you would like to play if you owned a cute café.

write a book about your dream world.

do pilates.

try coquette aesthetic makeup.

start crocheting.

go for a bicycle ride.

have picnic with friends or alone.

watch youtube videos.

go stargazing.

try skateboarding.

go for a walk and observe the beautiful nature and then journal about it.

try cooking with your partner or friends

make a youtube channel.

start a side hustle.

start blogging.

read your favorite blogs.

listen a podcast.

write a song about your favorite person.

make music on bandlab.

write down goals you want to achieve.

learn new language.

re-organise your closet.

take a day off from social media.

take a nap.

organise your pinterest boards.

write a poem.

write a letter to yourself.

make a cute diy necklace.

invent a cute game to play with your friends.

learn to count in another language.

look through a cookbook and try something new.

water the plants.

pray.

try meditating for 5 minutes.

read my blogs :) <3

draw cute doodles.

make cute things out of air dry clay.

create cute diy stickers.

bake cookies in cute fun shapes.

build a blanket fort and read a book inside while eating snacks.

create a scrapbook of favorite memories.

paint rocks with colorful cute designs.

make cute bracelets for your bestfriend.

write a cute story about fairies.

make homemade popsicles with fruit juice.

watch the sunset or sunrise and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature.

go for a nature walk and collect interesting leaves or stones.

have a movie marathon with your favorite films.

have a fashion show with clothes from your closet.

design and decorate your own phone case.

create a memory jar filled with notes of happy moments.

design and paint your own ceramic plant pots.

learn about law of attraction.

do research about the history of something of your interest like 'how it was invented?', 'who started it?'.

create your own font.

play an old online game.

try a coloring app.

work on your wish list.

paint your nails.

take a bubble bath.

start a garden.

make your own short movie with your phone.

complete a puzzle.

write about the most beautiful dream you have ever saw.

organize your house.

make a smoothie.

put an appreciation message on a balloon and let it go.

complete a challenge like 30 day self care challenge, 30 day writing challenge and more.

visit a local art gallery.

watch a lecture or TED talk.

read a self-help book.

read a book on astronomy.

click aesthetic pictures of nature.

make your phone look aesthetic.

give your bedroom a makeover on ghibli studio aesthetic.

create a toothpick tower.

practice writing from your non dominate hand.

write about what a day in your dream life looks like.

take out your pet for a walk.

make something wearable for your pet.

learn about how to beat procrastination.

make a little plushie out of your old socks.

learn a new skill.

make a cute website in carrd.co.

write down 10 things you're grateful for.

sit by a river.

visit a local bakery.

walk around a lake.

scroll on pinterest about nature.

walk in the rain.

watch classic films.

watch fashion shows on youtube.

get a haircut.

drink water, take care of yourself <3

read some beauty tips.

watch ballet videos.

write a quote on moon.

say yes to everything for a day.

read some interesting articles.

watch your comfort movie.

write a fiction story.

make your own calendar.

have an indoor picnic with your partner.

write a list of things you will do with your bestie.

crochet something for your loved one or yourself.

learn graphic designing.

write 10 beautiful things about yourself.

make paper stars.

explore interesting websites.

explore your neighborhood.

make a yummy snack.

make hwachae.

try origami.

write a list of your favorite songs explaining why you love it.

watch run bts.

read some manga.

make strawberry cake.

watch conan gray's old vlogs <3

watch onegai my melody :D

design and launch a cute social media challenge to spread positivity and creativity online.

host a themed dinner party with your friends where everyone dresses up and brings a dish from a different culture.

have a spa day at home complete with homemade facemasks, bath bombs, and soothing music.

design a pretty jewellery.

draw your dream house.

try out guided meditation videos (you will find in youtube).

learn about a new culture.

make homemade jam.

do a random act of kindness.

research and plan a future trip.

try a new type of workout video.

research and practice self-defense techniques.

try a new type of creative writing (screenwriting, playwriting, etc.).

try a new type of DIY beauty product (lip balm, body scrub, etc.).

watch a documentary.

learn about constellations and stargaze.

practice calligraphy.

do a riddle.

[wandering-free-and-queer]

The Mundane Beside the Magical:

You want to learn magic and witchcraft, awesome! Go you! You wanna know what's important though? Learning the mundane at the same time as the magical.

I'm a firm believer in learning as much as you can about the things you're working with. To know a paintbrush, you have to paint. To learn an instrument, you have to play it. Anything you work with is a tool that, in an ideal scenario, will become an extension of yourself. You want to be in tune with your tools, you want to understand them as much as possible. It's learning how the tools respond to your interference. When you know these things inside and out, that, to me, is when you become an expert. Don't just learn the meanings of things, learn the reasons behind the meanings. Look up the etymology of that magic word you saw before you do the spell. Learn the historical uses of that herb and connect that to whatever its correspondence is. Learn why things are the way they are.

You want to learn ocean magic? Learn about the tides while you're at it. Learn how the ocean behaves, understand the sheer power behind the waves, the creatures of the ocean and all of the treasures you can find on the seashore.

Thinking about getting into green craft? Don't just learn about the magical uses of plants, learn about botany, and how to identify plants, understand how plants grow and thrive, and how different plants exist in nature.

Considering animal magic? Learn the Latin name of the species, maybe check out their anatomy while you're at it. Where does this animal find its niche? What does it eat, where does it sleep?

Getting into forest witchcraft? Learn about your local forests and trees. What kinds of forests there are, what preserving a forest can look like. Can you identify any trees of your own? How do different trees propagate?

How about weather magic? Learn meteorology, how to identify storm clouds, what atmospheric pressure does. Start to observe changes in the weather daily, how weather affects the wildlife around you.

Cosmic witchcraft more your vibe? Learn a little about space, study a map of the stars, learn the constellations in your night sky. Branch off into learning astronomy and cosmology, learn about planetary systems other than our own. If you want to keep it basic, learn the time it takes each planet to complete a rotation and revolution.

Crystals seem to be up your alley? Don't stop at the metaphysical properties, learn their scientific properties as well. Where can these crystals be mined? How rare are they? Can you tell the difference between imitations and the real deal? What's their number on the Mohs hardness scale?

Whatever you want to learn, branch out further than the magical. The mundane is just as, if not more important.

~Wander

[napoleonic-sexyman-tournament]

Propaganda under the Read More:

Alexander von Humboldt:

a. Influential explorer, researcher and polymath with many discoveries in the fields of geography, biology, zoology, astronomy and more. Also has experience with sticking things up his butt. For scientific reasons of course.

Thomas-Alexandre Dumas:

a. “mustache” b. “Tall! Daring! Swashbuckling! A devoted husband and father! Had a personal conflict with Napoleon! Also it was said he could, while holding onto a bar above his head, LIFT A HORSE WITH HIS THIGHS. How is he not on this list ten times already! Vote for General Dumas!” c. “He was so hot that he inspired The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and many more books that his son, Alexandre Dumas, wrote. He definitely looked the part of a sexyman, as he son recounts in his memoirs: "My father, as already stated, was twenty-four, and as handsome a young fellow as could be found anywhere. His complexion was dark, his eyes of a rich chestnut colour […]. His teeth were white, his lips mobile, his neck well set on his powerful shoulders, and, in spite of his height of five feet nine inches, he had the hands and feet of a woman. These feet were the envy of his mistresses, whose shoes he was very rarely able to put on." He could crush you between his thighs: "His free colonial life had developed his strength and prowess to an extraordinary degree; he was a veritable American horse-lad, a cowboy. His skill with gun or pistol was the envy of St. Georges and Junot. And his muscular strength became a proverb in the army. More than once he amused himself in the riding-school by passing under a beam, and lifting his horse between his legs." He was so badass he could beat 13 men with 4 and take all the enemy prisoner, and defend against hundreds of men on a bridge by himself. He performed these acts of valour numerous times in Italy. He was so formidable that the Austrians named him the "Schwartz Teufel", or the Black Devil, and his feat at the bridge earned him the moniker of "Horatius Cocles of Tyrol". He wasn't afraid to stand up to his morals and protest against unfair treatment. When unjust executions by the guillotine were happening outside his quarters, he closed the blinds of his curtains, earning him the nickname "Mr. Humanity". When in the Vendée, he complained about the wanton indiscipline in his troops. When in Italy, Berthier wrongly reported his actions as one of "observation" in St. Antonio. Dumas wrote to General Bonaparte that if Berthier was in the same position, he would have shit his pants. Dumas abhorred plunder, never exhorted the locals, and ordered the Directory agent who had come to persuade him otherwise be shot if he dared present himself to Dumas again. Integrity and a sense of moral justice is sexy, mark my words. For Dumas' final qualifier as a sexyman, look no further than this Tumblr heritage post (https://www.tumblr.com/petermorwood/133803437020/hortensevanuppity-elodieunderglass), with 300,000 notes and counting. And I quote: "- daddy general dumas was an immense fierce french warrior who was a 6 foot plus, stunningly gorgeous and charismatic Black gentleman - he invaded egypt - the native egyptians said “is this napoleon? this must be napoleon. we for one welcome our majestic new overlord” - then napoleon showed up - napoleon has all the presence of yesterday’s plain Tesco hummus - the native egyptians were like “… no… no, we’ve thought very hard and we’ll have General Dumas actually” - this did not make napoleon happy - in fact it made him jealous - napoleon felt so emasculated that he launched a campaign of revenge against General Dumas, including taking away his pension, that probably inspired a lot of Alexandre’s rather satisfying scenes in which fathers are nobly avenged and the money-grubbing villains are rubbed in the mud" I rest my case. Tl;dr: He was so hot he inspired multiple books, he was a stronk man who could crush you between his thighs or carry you like a sack of potatoes, and he was so badass that he could take on odds of 1 to 3. He had a foul mouth but a heart of gold and his actions were never self-serving. Posts relating to him on Tumblr have had 300,000 notes and counting. He is qualitatively and quantitatively qualified to be a sexyman.”

[khaire-traveler]

🌕 Subtle Selene Worship 🪽

Bask in the light of the full moon

Take a walk at night (if it is safe to do so in your area)

Observe the phases of the moon, and learn what each one means

Meditate at night; take this time to decompress and become comfortable in your own presence

Learn about different moon-related mythology from other cultures

Have a candle that reminds you of her (no altar needed)

Study astronomy or astrology; learn about the different constellations

Wear jewelry that reminds you of her

Have a pegasus, goat, or bull stuffed animal

Have imagery of the moon, stars, wings, or torches around

Try veiling

Become comfortable with change; take risks and try new things

Leaving a glass of salt water/sugar water on your windowsill at night/under the moon

Keep a dream journal; try to interpret your dreams

Start a night-time/bedtime routine

Get eight hours of sleep; remember that resting is productive

Support space exploration organizations

Bake moon cakes or honey cakes

Drink white wine or a soothing tea before bed

Listen/sing/dance to music that invokes emotion in you at night

Wear silver jewelry, white/silver clothes, light blues and purples, etc.

Take care of yourself emotionally

Take a self-care bath/shower, especially with calming herbs

Leaving water out for local animals to drink; having a bird bath

Plant white flowers or roses; care for plants

Cook a warm meal for someone in need; give water or a drink to someone in need

Engage in relaxing activities; draw, do yoga, ground yourself, etc.

Support any new mothers in your life, if able; donate baby supplies to mother and children focused organizations

Keep a journal where you talk about your day at the very end of it; mention both positives and negatives, if you want

Practice patience and compassion, especially towards yourself

Visit the ocean or a body of water at night (if it is safe to do so in your area; bring protection)

Collect seashells

-

Hope this helps! I'll likely add more later, but for now, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Selene. Take care, everyone! 💜

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

[queenpiranhadon]

A/N: You all voted on this poll, and this poll, and this poll and after a LOT of voting ((((again) again) again) again), I present this to thee ;) I was working on a time crunch lmao I literally have to wake up for school in like 6.5 hours :,) but I wanted to get this out for Fred’s birthday :). And to @your-local-multi-geek, thanks for staying up and beta reading this for me:) Might make a part two of this…it’s really short. Here's my masterlist!

Warning(s): f!reader, Fred and reader are dating, reader is a Slytherin, we’re going to the Yule Ball!, reader’s a badass lmao, Fred is taller than reader (shh he will always be tall to me), characters might be a little ooc, secret relationship reveal, reader wears a dress, Fred calls reader love, reader calls him handsome.

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Girlfriend!Reader

•───•°•❀•°•─── ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ────•°•☁︎•°•───•

You felt amazing.

Like really amazing.

Standing there in your gown, you stare at the way your dress hugs you just right, and Merlin did you look good.

Even better, you felt good.

You smirk, the reflection in your mirror smirking back at you, with a daring look in your eye that could rival a Gryffindor’s.

Tonight was the Yule Ball, and you planned on making a statement. You were ambitious, like the rest of your house, but you weren’t as bad as the general public made you out to be. You were kind, and brave, and maybe you enjoyed to stir up trouble on occasion (nothing harmless though), and you (rightfully) thought of yourself in a high regard- not enough to come off as snobbish or arrogant, but definitely enough to show someone that at a glance, you were confident, and you knew how to stand your ground.

That’s how you met Fred- and how you created quite a reputation for yourself.

That’s how you met Fred.

Only a year and a half ago, some pricks from within your own house had been picking a fight with the aforementioned ginger and his twin brother. Both parties would’ve ended with less than ideal injuries, had you not stepped in and basically gave each an every one of them a run down as to why they were being idiots and precisely how each of them messed up.

At first, the Slytherin group had laughed in your face, finding the fact that a girl only a year below them thought she was superior to those older than her funny.

They didn’t seem to find your Aguamenti charm as amusing though, dousing them and their robes in ice cold water, glaring at them with an ever colder stare as spluttered and cursed, deciding that angering you further wasn’t worth it.

They may have thought you scary- but in that moment, Fred fell in love.

The months following said encounter involved the Weasley to attempt to befriend you in any way he could, and you were happy to oblige- knowing that he was a good person despite his pranks, and in all honesty, threatening people would be a lot more fun with the support of one of the most destructive students at Hogwarts.

You two had become close, and after one secluded night in the Astronomy Tower, the both of you started dating.

No one knew though.

Until tonight.

Fred had asked you to be his date to the Yule Ball, to which you accepted, with a wide grin on your face.

It was going to be so fun to see the looks on everyone’s faces at the mere thought of a Gryffindor and a Slytherin dating, much less be willing to have the company of the other.

But if anyone was going to break that stereotype, it was you and Fred.

Other than the two of you, George was the only other person who knew about your relationship, cackling when he found out what the two of you were planning to do.

As the two of you discussed, you would meet up by the kitchens, so that no one would notice the two of you together until you would enter the Great Hall.

You waited, running your fingertips along the fruit of the painting that concealed the entrance, occupying yourself by observing every single paint stroke and fiber of the canvas to occupy your time.

Lost in your own world, you don’t notice anyone approaching you until a steady arm encircles your waist, holding you snug against their chest.

You register smell of cinnamon, the familiar scent of your boyfriend wafting into your nose. You giggle, realizing Fred put on some cologne too.

Spinning around in his arms, you place your hands on his chest, smiling up at him as you drink in his features. His hair was messy, as usual, but you couldn’t deny that he still looked dashing as ever in his tuxedo, black cloth hugging him perfectly and allowing you to see the faint outline of his muscles. A button on his undershirt was left undone, holding it in your fingers as you rest your chin on his chest, looking up at him through your eyelashes.

He chuckles, brushing a strand of your hair out of your face and pressing a kiss to the corner of your lips in awe.

“You look beautiful, love.” He whispers, his voice just below a whisper, and yet you heard him perfectly.

“And you as well, handsome.” You say, pressing a kiss to his nose gently, and take yourself out of his embrace in favor of entwining his hand in yours.

“Are you ready?”

“It’s you and me against the world, love.”

[mysticstronomy]

DO WE LIVE IN A GIANT VOID??

Blog#503

Welcome back,

Wednesday, May 7th, 2025,

One of the biggest mysteries in cosmology is the rate at which the universe is expanding. This can be predicted using the standard model of cosmology, also known as Lambda-cold dark matter (ΛCDM). This model is based on detailed observations of the light left over from the Big Bang – the so-called cosmic microwave background (CMB).

The universe’s expansion makes galaxies move away from each other. The further away they are from us, the more quickly they move. The relationship between a galaxy’s speed and distance is governed by “Hubble’s constant”, which is about 43 miles (70 km) per second per Megaparsec (a unit of length in astronomy). This means that a galaxy gains about 50,000 miles per hour for every million light years it is away from us.

But unfortunately for the standard model, this value has recently been disputed, leading to what scientists call the “Hubble tension”. When we measure the expansion rate using nearby galaxies and supernovas (exploding stars), it is 10% larger than when we predict it based on the CMB.

In our new paper, we present one possible explanation: that we live in a giant void in space (an area with below average density). We show that this could inflate local measurements through outflows of matter from the void. Outflows would arise when denser regions surrounding a void pull it apart – they’d exert a bigger gravitational pull than the lower density matter inside the void.

In this scenario, we would need to be near the centre of a void about a billion light years in radius and with density about 20% below the average for the universe as a whole – so not completely empty.

Such a large and deep void is unexpected in the standard model – and therefore controversial. The CMB gives a snapshot of structure in the infant universe, suggesting that matter today should be rather uniformly spread out. However, directly counting the number of galaxies in different regions does indeed suggest we are in a local void.

Originally published on https://theconversation.com

COMING UP!!

(Saturday, May 10th, 2025)

"IS THE UNIVERSE INFINITE??"

[katiedigsdinos]

Coon Creek Formation, Tennessee

The Coon Creek Formation is a Late Cretaceous rock unit in western Tennessee. At the type-locality near Enville, Tennessee, this formation is an internationally-recognized Lagerstätte— which simply means that it is an area of excellent fossil preservation.

📍Location 🗺️

The type-locality, where the formation was described, is located near Enville, Tennessee, in the Coon Creek. Although the naming might sound suspicious (especially given the South’s racist history), this creek was actually named for the numerous raccoons that call the forest home. I’ve attached a picture of some raccoon tracks I found on the banks of the creek!

🪨 Geology ⛏️

This unit was initially a member of the Ripley Formation (Late Cretaceous rock unit that exists as part of the Cretaceous Belt in Mississippi and Alabama). In 1975, geologist Ernest E. Russell raised this unit to formation status.

The dark gray rock (a very fine- to fine-grained sandy marl) pictured above comprises the lower, fossiliferous unit of the Coon Creek Formation. Marls, by definition, are silty-clays/clayey-silts that are rich in calcium carbonate. This marl has a particularly high clay content which, coupled with the regional river drainages pumping sediment into the paleo-Mississippi Embayment, ensured that deceased organisms were buried rapidly.

🦕 Paleontology 🦖

The Coon Creek Formation represents sediment deposition in a shallow marine environment proximal to the shoreline. As such, the fossils found here are those of sea-dwelling organisms, including: mollusks (clams, oysters, cephalopods, sea snails), arthropods (shrimp, lobsters, crabs), echinoderms (urchins), and vertebrates (fish, sharks, turtles, and marine reptiles). Fragmentary dinosaur fossils have been found in the Coon Creek Formation, though they are quite rare.

The state fossil of Tennessee— a clam called Pterotrigonia thoracica— can be found in abundance throughout the creek.

🏕️ The Coon Creek Science Center (CCSC) 🔭

The CCSC is a 240-acre field station owned by the Memphis Pink Palace Museum and operated by the University of Tennessee at Martin. The CCSC also hosts the type-locality for the Coon Creek Formation.

The science center has a museum, field laboratories, bunk facilities, mess hall, weather station, and astronomy observing capabilities. On the third Saturday of each month, they host a Community Day, where people are welcomed into the creek to collect fossils for themselves. Afterwards, the on-site paleontologists will help you to identify your finds and teach you the basics of fossil preparation! I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a real hands-on experience in fossil hunting.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Webb telescope helps refine Hubble constant, suggesting resolution to long-standing expansion rate debate

For the past decade, scientists have been trying to get to the bottom of what seemed like a major inconsistency in the universe. The universe expands over time, but how fast it's expanding has seemed to differ depending on whether you looked early in the universe's history or the present day. If true, this would have presented a major problem to the gold-standard model that represents our best understanding of the universe.

But thanks to the new James Webb Space Telescope, scientists from the University of Chicago have been able to take new and better data—suggesting there may be no conflict after all.

"This new evidence is suggesting that our Standard Model of the universe is holding up," said UChicago Prof. Wendy Freedman, a leading figure in the debate over this rate of expansion, known as the Hubble constant.

"It doesn't mean we won't find things in the future that are inconsistent with the model, but at the moment the Hubble constant doesn't seem to be it," she said.

Space, stars and supernovae

There are currently two major approaches to calculating how fast our universe is expanding.

The first approach is to measure the remnant light left over from the Big Bang, which is still traveling across the universe. This radiation, known as the cosmic microwave background, informs astronomers about what the conditions were like at early times in the universe.

Freedman, the John and Marion Sullivan University Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics, specializes in a second approach, which is to measure how fast the universe is expanding right now, in our local astronomical neighborhood. Paradoxically, this is much trickier than seeing back in time, because accurately measuring distances is very challenging.

Over the last half century or so, scientists have come up with a number of ways to measure relatively nearby distances. One relies on catching the light of a particular class of star at its peak brightness, when it explodes as a supernova, at the end of its life.

If we know the maximum brightness of these supernovae, measuring their apparent luminosities allows us to calculate their distance. Additional observations tell us how fast the galaxy in which that supernova occurred is moving away from us. Freedman has also pioneered two other methods that use what we know about two other types of stars: red giant stars and carbon stars.

However, there are many corrections that must be applied to these measurements before a final distance can be declared. Scientists must first account for cosmic dust that dims the light between us and these distant stars in their host galaxies. They must also check and correct for luminosity differences that may arise over cosmic time. Finally, subtle measurement uncertainties in the instrumentation used to make the measurements must be identified and corrected for.

But with technological advances such as the launch of the much more powerful James Webb Space Telescope in 2021, scientists have been able to increasingly refine these measurements.

"We've more than doubled our sample of galaxies used to calibrate the supernovae," Freedman said. "The statistical improvement is significant. This considerably strengthens the result."

Freedman's latest calculation, which incorporates data from both the Hubble Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, finds a value of 70.4 kilometers per second per megaparsec, plus or minus 3%.

That brings her value into statistical agreement with recent measurements from the cosmic microwave background, which is 67.4, plus or minus 0.7%. The work is published in The Astrophysical Journal.

Webb has four times the resolution of the Hubble Telescope, which allows it to identify individual stars previously detected in blurry groups. It's also about 10 times as sensitive, which provides higher precision, and the ability to find even fainter objects of interest.

"We're really seeing how fantastic the James Webb Space Telescope is for accurately measuring distances to galaxies," said co-author Taylor Hoyt of the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.

"Using its infrared detectors, we can see through dust that has historically plagued accurate measurement of distances, and we can measure with much greater accuracy the brightnesses of stars," added co-author Barry Madore, of the Carnegie Institution for Science.

'Extraordinarily difficult'

Freedman explained that astrophysicists have been trying to come up with a theory that would have explained different rates of expansion as the universe ages.

"There have been well over 1,000 papers trying to attack this problem, and it's just turned out to be extraordinarily difficult to do," she said.

Scientists are still trying to find cracks in the Standard Model that describes the universe, which could provide clues to the nature of two big outstanding mysteries—dark matter and dark energy. But the Hubble constant increasingly seems not to be the place to look.

Freedman and her team will be using the Webb Telescope next year to get measurements in a group of galaxies called the Coma cluster, which should provide more data from a different angle, she said.

"These measurements will allow us to measure the Hubble constant directly, without the additional step of needing the supernovae. I am optimistic about resolving this in the next few years, as we boost the accuracy to make these measurements," she said.

IMAGE: Scientists have made a new calculation of the speed at which the universe is expanding, using the data taken by the powerful new James Webb Space Telescope on multiple galaxies. Webb’s image of one such galaxy, known as NGC 1365. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Janice Lee (NOIRLab), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)

[warrenwoodhouse]

Google Mars

[pinazee]

First season wrap up:

Okay, to start, i should mention my general opinion on first seasons for shows, especially cable shows, is not to read too much of it as canon. The writers, producers, actors- everyone- are all trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t, so i give them latitude, particularly when it conflicts with later seasons. That being said, i do enjoy jumping through the hoops to make it all fit haha

So heres a few leftover notes i had as i revisited the eps to rank them:

I bet part of Lassie was craving the father figure in Henry, since we find out later his own father passed away when he was quite young. I wonder if thats part of the reason why he became a cop, as they are portrayed as the protectors and in the 80’s they were mainly men (i don’t really remember if he states his reason later, i suspect he did and im just not remembering). So when Henry didn’t meet up to the expectation he had in his mind, i bet it hurt a little more as it reminded him of what he lost :/

I think the other reason Shawn plays dumb so much, besides hiding his genius so ppl believe hes psychic, or for laughs, is because its how he gets people talking. Like in Shawn vs. the red phantom, he purposely guessed the wrong room number so the boys would correct him. My apologies if someones pointed this out before, i haven’t combed through the internet for everyone’s theories 😬 i only now noticed. I’m not the quickest at picking these things up lol

If i had to guess, Shawn didn’t want to be a cop for halloween, he probably wanted to be something star wars related to go with Gus’s Lando. So i wonder at what age Shawn stopped trying to please his dad. But also, why didn’t his mother ever stand up for him?? I’ll come back to her later -_-

I somehow missed it the first time, but shawn clearly asked Gus to come to the dinner and Gus even points out that it was a big deal for henry to reach out. Soo, yeah, shawn obviously didn’t wanna be alone with his dad, and even henry seemed nervous about it as hes pretty drunk.

Shawn has a right to be afraid of pointy things, his dad hid his easter eggs under glass when he was 6! Not to mention he later gets stabbed 3 times! (Also its just a legitimate fear???)

So far the list of Shawns knowledge (things i wouldn’t expect an average person to know) includes (beyond the obvious observational skills, deductive reasoning, reading people (poker), and all things police (marksmanship, police codes, etc.)):

Incredible spatial and physical reasoning skills (knowing how much money could fit in the duffle bag, knowing to rotate the water pitcher to catch the reflection from the tv)

Kurt Vonnegut (well, I didn’t know who he was at least)

How to spell aggiornamento (and probably all words because of his photographic memory)

Handwriting expert

Casually spoke and understood german

Has every road he’s driven mapped in his brain, and likely all of Santa Barbara

Familiar with paint (enough to know to mix latex enamel for no messy drips)

Animal tracks (i went back and forth on this but ultimately decided he must have known what to look for)

And heres a list of Gus’s niche interests:

Forensics

Spelling bee

Safe cracking

Historic rifles

Comic books

Astronomy (even though he was going to the planetarium for the girl)

Law

Local tennis

Online poker

Lastly, Ive decided instead of ranking them, im putting them in tiers. I feel like too many of them are hitting at the same level and I can’t differentiate:

Sweetest, Juiciest Golden Pineapple Tier

Scary Sherry, Biancas toast (ohmygod i just got the biancas toast 🤦🏽‍♀️)

Blue Psych Logo Tier

Weekend warriors

Forget me not

From the earth to starbucks

Poker? I hardly know her! (Sorry @pineapple-psychic!)

Pepto Bismo Pink Tier

Spelling bee

Pilot

She loves me, she loves me not, she loves me oops hes dead

Who ya gonna call?

Shawn vs the red phantom

Oops Canadian Flag Tier

Cloudy with a chance of murder

9 lives

Game set muuurder

Speak now or forever hold your piece

Woman seeking dead husband, smokers okay, no pets

[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.

[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)

[my-starhwa]

ATEEZ Fantasy!AU Character Introductions

Introducing ATEEZ as characters of a Fantasy!AU I have been thinking about recently (Non-Idol!AU)

Plot overview: The eight boys live together as a coven of warlocks in the wooded outskirts of Seoul, South Korea. They enjoy their lives by running their small crystal store and divination business Tea Leaves, pursuing their occupations, and simply enjoying their time together as friends. This all changed when an unknown entity came into their home and stole something precious from them, forcing the eight boys to go after this entity. They then find themselves transported into an unworldly place full of creatures and beings never seen before on their home planet. How will they get out of this demonic world and back to their simple, cottage core lives?

⚠️Witchcraft (spells, Tarot, and other occult stuff), mild swearing, and the use of weed is mentioned in this story⚠️

Characters

Park Seonghwa

Zodiac sign: Aries

House/Kitchen Warlock: Focuses on creating a magical space in their home using spells and rituals. The healing of the mind, body, and soul

Loves to clean, clean, and make tea

Has a garden he shares with Wooyoung

Healing Warlock: Has healing abilities

Heals by touch, a soft, warm, golden aura surrounds his body when healing

Very protective of the boys and makes sure everyone is okay and taken care of

Healing however takes a lot of energy out of him so rest is very important for him

Works the morning shift at a local daycare

Kim Hongjoong

Zodiac sign: Scorpio

Leader of the coven and the shop's owner

Dark Warlock: Practices the Dark Arts and the occult

Necromancy, curses, possession, and summoning

Can contact and communicate with spirits and dark entities

Up at the craziest hours studying and practicing the occult

Works as a professor at a college in Seoul

Professor of Religious Studies with a focus in Witchcraft and the Dark Arts

Jeong Yunho

Zodiac sign: Aries

Shield Warlock: Specializes in protection, whether that be in spells, runes, or other rituals

Can cast protection spells on anything tangible

Creates protection potions and jewelry

Works very closely with Hongjoong and wants to follow in his footsteps

He made everyone matching silver and iron bracelets

Silver, iron, and other metals are believed to ward away unwanted malevolent beings

He made sure metal was a key source in the infrastructure of their shop and home. He also cast a protection rune on their house which is connected to the shop.

Works as a police officer

Kang Yeosang

Zodiac sign: Gemini

Communication Warlock: The ability to transcend human communication

Can read the minds of those who he is closest to. With people who he doesn't know too well their thoughts sound like white noise

Him and Wooyoung have been friends since kindergarten

Works as a cashier at their shop, Tea Leaves.

Choi San

Zodiac sign: Cancer

Cosmic Warlock: Employs the use of astrology and astronomy in their craft. Follows the stars, observes planetary alignments, and looks closely at star signs and birth charts

He pays very close attention to the moon and follows its cycle

Stays up late so he can enjoy the moon, especially when it is at its peak

Crystal Warlock: A type of warlock who practices crystal magic to attract, amplify, and manifest energy by connecting with the power and vibrations of gems, stones, rocks, and crystals

Has a crazy crystal collection

Collects crystals with moon like qualities: Moonstone, Selenite, and Celestite to name a few

Works as a professor at a college in Seoul

Astronomy Professor, as well as lab instructor

Teaches at the same college as Hongjoong

Song Mingi

Zodiac sign: Leo

Cosmic Warlock: Employs the use of astrology and astronomy in their craft. Follows the stars, observes planetary alignments, and looks closely at star signs and birth charts

Kind of the same as San but focuses on the Sun

Focuses on star signs and birth charts more than San is

He likes to just lay out in the sun and enjoy its warmth

Crystal Warlock: A type of warlock who practices crystal magic to attract, amplify, and manifest energy by connecting with the power and vibrations of gems, stones, rocks, and crystals

Not as focused on collecting a specific type, just likes crystals and their properties/meanings

Divination Warlock: Seeking knowledge by supernatural means, this can be done through tarot/oracle, pendulum, tea leaf readings, and meditation

He specializes in tea leaf readings and tarot card readings

Smokes weed to feel more connected with his inner guides

Works alongside Yeosang at their shop

He gives tarot card readings and tea leaf readings to those who are seeking it

Jung Wooyoung

Zodiac sign: Sagittarius

Nature Warlock: Holds a connection with nature, practices herbalism and plant-based magic

Can communicate with nature and animals

Him and Seonghwa have a garden together, and he likes to help him cook

Kind of a crazy guy and just wants to be outside

Him and Yeosang have been friends since kindergarten

Weird family origin

No job, just enjoying nature

Choi Jongho

Zodiac sign: Libra

Beauty Warlock: Can make any type of art come to life, for example a painting he makes will look like it is moving

Finds passion in his craft

Amazing singer that literally captivates the audience with his voice, puts the audience in a star struck spell

Works as a street performer in Seoul

Draws in customers to their store

He has to be careful however when performing because he is using his powers when performing and he doesn't want to draw suspicion on him and the others as they are hiding from main society while also trying to fit in with the norms of mundane human life

Please give my story lots of love!! :3 <3