Latest news with #Uranus'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
The best window to see Pluto all year is closing
Think you can spot Pluto? On July 25, the famously elusive dwarf planet reaches opposition—its best and brightest moment of the year. That makes now the ideal time to try to catch a glimpse of it from your own backyard. But be warned: Even at its brightest, Pluto is still a barely-there speck, even through a telescope. But for those willing to search, it's a cosmic scavenger hunt—and a rare chance to see a world nearly four billion miles away. In astronomy, opposition is when a celestial body lies directly opposite the sun from Earth's point of view, placing our planet squarely in the middle. That alignment means the object rises as the sun sets and stays visible all night, making it the best time to observe it. (See National Geographic's first map of Pluto.) What makes opposition so useful for stargazing is a phenomenon known as the opposition effect. 'Things tend to get brighter when they're lit at a smaller phase angle, which is the angle between the sun's rays and the target and the observer. That shrinks to close to zero at opposition,' says Will Grundy, a planetary scientist at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, where Pluto was discovered. You can see this principle in action on Earth. When the sun is low in the sky, objects create long shadows. But when the sun is directly overhead, those shadows get much smaller, and sometimes they even disappear entirely. At opposition, Pluto's terrain has the fewest shadows, making the dwarf planet appear brighter to us. Because Pluto is so dim, you need a telescope to see it. 'A backyard telescope could do it under the right conditions,' says Grundy. Or you could visit a local observatory and use one of their publicly accessible telescopes. Lowell Observatory, for instance, has a suite of instruments on-site that the public can use six nights per week. But even with a telescope, the sky must be extremely dark to see Pluto. Light pollution, whether from artificial lights or the moon, will easily wash out the dwarf planet. (Did Pluto ever actually stop being a planet? Experts debate.) To find Pluto in dark enough skies, consult a star chart to determine its approximate location. 'It'll just look like one of many faint stars,' says Grundy. But Pluto moves slowly. 'It moves at about three arcseconds per hour, so you won't see it move unless you're willing to wait multiple hours,' says Grundy. You don't have to catch Pluto on July 25 exactly. Because it's so distant—about 3.7 billion miles from the sun—it remains near peak brightness for several days before and after opposition. 'It's a challenge, so it's kind of cool to be able to see Pluto,' says Grundy. Pluto's origin story begins with two other planets. After Uranus was discovered in 1781, astronomers realized that an undiscovered planet might be perturbing Uranus' orbit. 'Sure enough, Neptune was discovered basically bang-on where astronomers predicted it should be,' says Grady. But Percival Lowell, the founder of Lowell Observatory, believed there to be another planet affecting Uranus' orbit: a mysterious 'Planet X.' After a decade of searching, Lowell died in 1916 without finding it. (Discover seven other night sky events to see in July.) Eventually, the search resumed at Lowell Observatory, culminating in Clyde Tombaugh's discovery of Pluto in 1930. As it turns out, Pluto wasn't the gravitational culprit Lowell had imagined. It was far too small to tug on Uranus's orbit in any meaningful way. But it was still a monumental discovery: the solar system's ninth planet—at least until its reclassification as a dwarf planet in 2006. To find Pluto, Tombaugh diligently photographed the night sky, then used a machine to compare two photographic plates, looking for any tiny pinpricks that moved. That's essentially the same method Grundy suggests stargazers use in July to ensure they're looking at Pluto. Following its discovery, Pluto remained just a faint dot until the 1990s, when the Hubble Space Telescope provided some grainy images showing light and dark spots. But it wasn't until 2015 that we got a close-up look at Pluto, thanks to a flyby by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft. The images showed a dynamic, geologically active planet with icy mountains, nitrogen glaciers, and even hints of a subsurface ocean. 'It could be inhabitable if there's liquid water and lots of organic materials and rocks for minerals,' says Grundy, who serves as a co-investigator on the New Horizons mission. That revelation has major implications for astrobiology. 'Pluto moved the goalpost of where inhabitable planetary settings are—much, much farther away from the sun than we ever thought possible,' says Grundy. 'And the same thing will be true around other stars, too. Basically, the inhabitable zone just expanded hugely.'
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Uranus in Gemini after 84 years, spells catastrophe: What history says and how signs can beware!
Today, July 7, marks the rather lucky 7/7 portal. But the Astrology community's eyes seem to be completely geared towards crisis prevention as opposed to manifestation rituals. Uranus enters Gemini after 84 years — and history has set a scary precedent(Photo: X) The reason? Uranus is entering the dual sign of Gemini today. The last time this happened was 84 years back. Now while from the perspective of theory, movement and readings this may be a cosmic nerds paradise, Uranus' very short but incredibly enduring history of entering Gemini to say the least. In astrological terms, the planet of Uranus represents revolution, innovation, individuality and sudden, often unforeseen changes. In the same breath, the very core theme of Gemini is its dual nature and a need for adaptability through communication. Geminis are a slick sign — and we mean this in the best way possible — but for this transit, which mind you is set to last 8 years — the energies of Uranus have completely overtaken that of Gemini's with the latter's core themes acting as more of a catalyst as oppsoed to the whole landscape. Coming to what we can anticipate, Uranus has made sure each of its transits through Gemini have left an impact of massive global scale. Astrologer and psychic Evan Nathaniel Grim revisits April 1775, 1859, 1941 and 1942, which is when this exact transit had occurred in the past centuries. The first is when the battle between the British military and American colonists broke out, marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War; the second aligned with some of the most consequential events in the lead up to the Civil War; and the third and fourth years marked US involvement in World War 2. Even historical events as mammoth as Pearl Harbour, took place at a time in 1941 when Uranus was retrograde in Taurus — months after its ingress in Gemini. Now it is worth noting, that the United States of America's 'birth chart' carries the Uranus in Gemini placement in the 7th house of open enemies, putting many on edge as they await some major shift to come into play over the next few months. What it is, if anything, only time will tell. 2 signs to proceed with caution While politics and war involvement, especially on the part of the United States, very well has the potential to disbalance any overarching sense of global peace, Uranus' movement through Gemini also has ramifications at a personal level, for two signs in particular. Evan asks those with any major placements in Gemini and/or Sagittarius, to sit up and take notice, because even as the other 10 signs flit in and out of transits, this transit will make sure that change really is the only constant for them. It's time to embrace the experimental, the unknown and even the provocative, making peace with ambiguity. Evan predicts both these signs to feel the first hit in the sector of relationships, though as they settle into the winds of change, unique ideas could alter the trajectory of their lives. So is the world ready for this century's bout of Uranus in Gemini?
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Horoscopes Today, July 7, 2025
Here are the horoscopes for today, Monday, July 7, 2025. For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience. What is your zodiac sign? A guide to what astrology can tell you about yourself Get to know Cancer: Personality traits and more on this Zodiac sign Cancer (June 22 - July 22) Electrifying intuition? Uranus enters Gemini today, stimulating a spiritual awakening! The next four months forecast fated events! Read the full Cancer Daily Horoscope Leo (July 23 - August 22) Introducing your new catchphrase as Uranus enters Gemini and your zone of community initiatives: Viva la revolución! Read the full Leo Daily Horoscope Virgo (August 23 - September 22) Shaking up the system? New career ambitions take you by surprise as Uranus enters Gemini. Your professional playbook is outdated. Read the full Virgo Daily Horoscope Libra (September 23 - October 22) Shocking discoveries? Uranus enters Gemini today, forcing you to adapt. The next four months turn your world on its head! Read the full Libra Daily Horoscope Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) They say knowledge is power. As Uranus enters Gemini and your zone of shared resources, knowledge is currency, too! Read the full Scorpio Daily Horoscope Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) Love rollercoaster? A romantic ride is in the cards as Uranus enters Gemini and your partnership zone. Read the full Sagittarius Daily Horoscope Capricorn (December 21 - January 19) Experimenting with a different method? Uranus' entrance to Gemini asks you to embrace the unconventional in health, work, and lifestyle. Read the full Capricorn Daily Horoscope Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Unusual attractions? Uranus's entrance to Gemini forecasts a fickle heart. Changeable tastes and desires define your next four months. Read the full Aquarius Daily Horoscope Pisces (February 19 - March 20) Considering a relocation? Uranus enters Gemini and your zone of home and roots today, forecasting a possible move! Read the full Pisces Daily Horoscope Aries (March 21 - April 19) Ready for an upgrade? Uranus enters Gemini today, electrifying communication. Consider this cosmic permission to challenge the status quo! Read the full Aries Daily Horoscope Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Prepare to adapt! Uranus enters Gemini and your zone of resources today! The next four months make money matters unpredictable. Read the full Taurus Daily Horoscope Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Who do you think you are? No, really. Uranus' entrance to Gemini challenges you to discard your old image! Read the full Gemini Daily Horoscope
The Irish Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Gemini weekly horoscope: What your star sign has in store for July 6
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes. Read on to see what's written in the stars for you today. Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter. Your info will be used in accordance with our GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 🔵 Read our 1 Your own sign welcomes the most unruly, imaginative of planets, Uranus, to start a seven-year spell of making your own happiness your hot pick. You know you have sidelined true needs and feelings; now excuses fade and excitement can flourish. In love, the full moon's emotional depth helps your eyes say everything your heart feels. If you're single, your soulmate has a transforming job. Most read in Fabulous DESTINY DAYS Write out pros and cons for a big buy on Tuesday. Drink plenty of cool water on Wednesday and stay hydrated. Say yes to a numbers question on Saturday. Horoscope traits What does your star sign mean for you? - The best and worst characteristics of the head of the zodiac - The traits you need to know for the air sign - What does this star sign mean for your personality? - The key traits for the sign include a keen love of food - The traits to be aware of for the sign with a symbol of twins - The best and worst characteristics of the fire sign - What does the seventh star sign mean for your personality? - The key traits for the sign include an interest in the arts - The traits you need to know for the fire sign - What does this star sign mean for your personality? - The best and worst characteristics of the earth sign - The key traits for the sign include loyalty and kindness LUCKY LINKS Shiny red shoes. A dance that features four performers. Someone reading the same set of instructions as you. THE NEW U You're looking anew at your deepest secret self and loving what you see. Letting your little quirks, and unique ideas and actions, show through is driven by planet Uranus' new position. Instead of keeping your genuine personality and talents hidden away, especially at work, you are celebrating what makes you so special. Within seven years, there can be a role in an event, or newly-formed organization, created especially for you. The New U, for Gemini, stands up to be counted - a proud individual who also accepts everyone else as they are. Read more on the Irish Sun Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what's in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions. You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to
South China Morning Post
19-02-2025
- South China Morning Post
Explore Australia, from its Aboriginal history to its moon landing role
Discover the captivating travel experiences Australia has to offer, from a rejuvenated post-bushfire Kangaroo Island and luxurious Kimberley region cruises to a rich tapestry of Aboriginal history and even a space exploration legacy. But will high carbon costs and reef bleaching deter travellers as the country struggles with the impact of new environmental challenges on tourism? 1. Australia's Kangaroo Island bounces back after catastrophic 2020 fires, with koalas, wallabies and tourists returning Kangaroo Island recovers remarkably after devastating bushfires, with koalas and wallabies repopulating its national parks and a rebuilt Southern Ocean Lodge hotel now boasting enhanced fire safety measures. The popular tourist destination 15km off the South Australian coast has seen its landscape regenerate and is again offering unique ecological experiences for visitors. 2. Explore the majestic Kimberley region aboard Seabourn Pursuit's unforgettable cruise from Broome to Darwin Discover prehistoric rock art, ancient landscapes, abundant wildlife, stunning waterfalls and diverse wildlife, guided by experts and traditional owners in Australia's Top End. This 10-day luxurious cruise through Australia's northern Kimberley region is a journey of a lifetime. 3. Will high carbon costs and Great Barrier Reef bleaching deter long-haul tourists from Australia and New Zealand? Australasia faces tourism challenges due to the high carbon cost of long-haul flights and the impact of Great Barrier Reef bleaching. Rising airfares, sustainable aviation fuel limitations, and the potential decline in tourism, international business events and superstar visits could all impact travelling Down Under. Sydney Harbour seen from a flight newly taken off from Sydney for Los Angeles. Rising airfares, the carbon cost of long-haul travel and the prospect of fewer flights and even higher fares are headwinds for the travel industry in Australia and New Zealand. Photo: Shutterstock 4. Discover Australia's space exploration legacy, from Neil Armstrong's 'one small step' to Aboriginal astronomy and the discovery of Uranus' rings Explore Australia's pivotal role in space exploration, from Aboriginal astronomy to the discovery of Uranus' rings at the Perth Observatory. Discover top space tourist attractions, such as key sites like Parkes Observatory and Canberra's Deep Space Communication Complex, where history was made during the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission and the historic 1969 moon landing. 5. Australia's Aboriginal history tourism offers everything from beautiful spectacles to horrifying tales of oppression The rich cultural heritage and poignant history of Indigenous Australians are highlighted in Aboriginal tourism experiences. From the breathtaking Wintjiri Wiru drone show above Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, to the poignant stories of Tasmanian resistance fighters on blak led tours, you can explore Indigenous history like never before. Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI
