This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
Solar activity reached high levels at the end of the period following an M5 flare from Region 3363 (S22W74, Dko/beta-delta) that was ongoing as of this summary. This region also produced an M2 flare just prior, at 17/2254 UTC. With the flares being back to back, the source of the 1500 sfu Ten cm radio burst that was associated with these events, could not be easily attributed to one or the other flare. Region 3363 rotated closer to the southwest limb and was quite foreshortened, making classification even more difficult. Region 3372 (N23E01, Fho/beta-delta) underwent fairly neutral changes and despite the delta magnetic configuration, magnetic shear was relatively weak. The region was the source of the largest flare during the reporting period, a C6.6/sf at 17/1516 UTC. Region 3373 (N07E25, Ekc/beta-delta) experienced growth, in particular among the trailing and intermediate spots. The region also developed a minor delta configuration in the intermediate spot section.
The solar kp index is unsettled, with retrograde effects slightly enhanced. The solar wind speed is high, making retrograde effects significantly increased!
Solar wind parameters were indicative of continued influences from the CME shock arrival on 16 Jul, with a possible weak magnetic cloud arrival later in the period. Total IMF strength gradually weakened to about 5-7 nT from a peak of 14 nT to start the period. The Bz component rotated from mainly a northward deviation to a prolonged southward state near 17/0500 UTC and a max deviation of -10 nT. The Bz component continued some rotation afterwards, but in a weakened condition. Solar wind speed gradually escalated from early speeds of mainly 425-500 km/s, before an unsteady, but gradual increase to ~600 km/s. The phi angle was in a predominant negative sector until about 17/0630 UTC, when some rotation between sectors began. Temperature dropped beginning about 17/1800 UTC, while speed remained elevated - a hint that some magnetic cloud influences were underway.
There is a 20% chance of solar activity, with a 35% chance of a minor event, a 25% chance of a moderate event, and a 5% chance of a strong event.
The waxing moon is currently in Leo, at 00 degrees, 50' 11", at a velocity of 11.97 degrees per day.
The New moon is currently 0.4 days old. It is 404043.56 km from the centre of the Earth.
The next new moon is at 9:38:49, 16 Aug, 2023. The next full moon is at 1:37:05, 31 Aug, 2023.
The Sun
The Sun is in Cancer
The Sun is at 25 Can 24' 19", and is 152045984km away and approaching.
The Moon
The Moon is in Leo
The Moon is at 00 Leo 50' 11", and is 404757km away and receding.
Mercury
Mercury is in Leo
Mercury is prograde at 13 Leo 10' 39", moving at 1.75 degrees per day, and is 181036602km away and approaching.
Venus
Venus is in Leo
Venus is prograde at 28 Leo 10' 17", moving at 0.18 degrees per day, and is 56735240km away and approaching.
Mars
Mars is in Virgo
Mars is prograde at 04 Vir 44' 57", moving at 0.61 degrees per day, and is 345509452km away and receding.
Brace yourselves, folks! Mars, our feisty cosmic cousin, has decided to take a sabbatical in Virgo, everyone's favorite cosmic control freak. Now, that does sound like a sitcom episode, doesn't it? But trust me, it’s more like a science fair! Mars is the 'Let's Do This!' planet, and Virgo is the 'Let's Do This Efficiently!' sign. So, basically, we're looking at a cosmic power couple here!
Imagine Mars with a clipboard and Virgo with a stopwatch. They are literally shouting "Cut the fat, streamline your work, and for the love of quantum physics, stop procrastinating!" I mean, who knew celestial bodies could be such taskmasters, right?
But here's the cool part. Virgo is also the lord of the 6th House of Health and Self-Improvement (no, not like the House of Stark, more like a cosmic neighborhood). So, get ready to dust off those neglected gym memberships, or maybe start that keto diet you've been bookmarking recipes for. Because, let's face it, Mars in Virgo loves routine as much as a cat loves a laser pointer.
Now, I hate to be the harbinger of a cosmic downside, but this planetary combo could also make us go full Sheldon Cooper on everyone. Expect the 'You're in my spot' kind of territorial skirmishes. We may tend to nitpick and express ourselves with the subtlety of a supernova because our expectations are higher than the Hubble's orbit. So, remember, patience is as vital as Pluto (Sorry, still a planet in my book).
In lieu of turning into perfectionist primadonnas, let's channel these cosmic energies into something productive. Mars in Virgo is a great time to balance budgets (yes, even on Star Trek they had credits), plan for the future (time travel not included), learn a new skill (like speaking Klingon) or maybe even find a new job.
So, in the words of Captain Picard, "Make it so!" And remember, there's no better time to kick-start your personal enterprise than with Mars vacationing in Virgo. Beam me up, Scotty, we've got work to do!
Jupiter
Jupiter is in Taurus
Jupiter is prograde at 11 Tau 59' 43", moving at 0.14 degrees per day, and is 770988928km away and approaching.
Alright, folks! Roll up your sleeves and hold on to your lucky rabbit’s foot because Jupiter (that big, gassy, overachiever of a planet) is snuggling up cozy with Taurus (the stubborn, luxury-loving bull). This planetary pyjama party is about 771 million kilometers away from us - but hey, who's counting? And it's moving prograde, which is space-talk for "forward".
Now, when Jupiter, the cosmic professor, mingles with Taurus, the chillaxed bull, you might assume a clash. Like an intense debate about quantum physics at a relaxed wine tasting. But surprisingly, they get along like peanut butter and jelly! This combo is as epic as mixing Star Trek marathons with yoga retreats!
What does this mean for you? Well, Jupiter, the joyous giant, is all about growth and expansion, while Taurus has a PhD in patience. So, you can't rush things. You need to believe in the nerd side, trust the process, and know that Rome wasn't built in a day, nor was the Death Star.
When these two heavenly bodies hang out, we're talking "cha-ching"! Because Jupiter is like the lucky leprechaun of the galaxy and Taurus loves the smell of fresh dollar bills. So, this might just be your golden ticket to the Wonka factory!
But let's not forget, Taurus has a weakness for the finer things in life (think: five-star hotels and artisanal cheese). And with Jupiter's influence, you might find yourself suddenly needing that limited edition Star Wars Lego set. It's essential, right? The FORCE is telling you so! But remember to keep your impulses in check and don't go full Gollum over materialistic pursuits.
So, in this cosmic comedy, let's remember the wise words of Spock, "Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end." Embrace the Jupiter-in-Taurus energy, take it slow, enjoy the journey, and maybe, just maybe, you'll find the droids you're looking for.
Saturn
Saturn is in Pisces
Saturn is retrograde at 06 Pis 28' 11", moving backwards at 0.05 degrees per day, and is 1345632834km away and approaching.
Hold onto your telescopes, folks! The grand ol' taskmaster of the galaxy, Saturn, is currently doing a cosmic cha-cha in the dreamy realm of Pisces. Yes, you heard it right, Saturn is all packed and ready for his seaside vacation, and boy, is he 1.35 billion kilometers away from home!
Now, let me tell you something. When Saturn, the cosmic equivalent of your high school principal, crashes into the ethereal world of Pisces, it's like having a surprise audit from the IRS in the middle of your mindfulness meditation session. You're going to want to panic, but don't. This is not the time to freak out, but rather an opportunity to focus, summon your inner Yoda, and plunge head-first into your dreams.
Ever thought about opening a cat café or writing the next great sci-fi novel? Well, now is the time to grab your dream by its stardust-covered tail and ride it into reality. Saturn in Pisces might sound like a mismatched buddy cop movie, but this dynamic duo is here to ensure that our dreams don't just remain as pretty bubbles in the sky.
Of course, Saturn in Pisces isn't a cosmic walk in the park either. Saturn tends to question everything, and I mean everything. Even your secret daydream of becoming a professional air guitar player won't escape his scrutiny. If you've hung up a "No Entry" sign on the door of your imagination, prepare for Saturn to barge in with a broom and a dustpan. But remember, sometimes, the best advice comes from the most unexpected quarters.
And hey, if you're finding it hard to catch some zzz's or experiencing an inexplicable urge to count sheep, just blame it on Saturn's grand tour through Pisces. This is the perfect time to embrace your inner hippie: meditate, hug a tree, breathe like Darth Vader, or simply take a power nap. Just make sure to keep a dream journal handy. Who knows, Saturn's stay in Pisces might just give you the plot for that best-selling novel you've been dreaming of writing!
Uranus
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 22 Tau 21' 53", moving at 0.03 degrees per day, and is 3003851147km away and approaching.
Neptune
Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is retrograde at 27 Pis 36' 23", moving backwards at 0.01 degrees per day, and is 4401221054km away and approaching.
Pluto
Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is retrograde at 29 Cap 13' 07", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 5056001266km away and approaching.
Alright, folks, let's talk about our favorite dwarf planet (sorry Eris), Pluto! So, Pluto is currently vacationing in the stately realm of Capricorn, and it's like mixing Spock's logic with Yoda's wisdom - an intriguing cocktail, isn't it? Now, Pluto is a long way off, think 5,056,002,548.402268410km away. That’s roughly the distance you’d have to walk if you decided to take a stroll around the Earth about 126,000 times. Tiring, huh? But in astrology, distance doesn’t matter, it’s all about the vibes!
Pluto and Capricorn are like two peas in a pod, both aiming for the stars (pun intended). They're kinda like the Sheldon Cooper of the zodiac - focused, determined, and a tiny bit intolerant of differing viewpoints. Now, before you go all "bazinga" on everyone who doesn't agree with you, remember to chill. Debate is fine, but don't start a galactic war over a disagreement of whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it does).
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Pluto wants us to ditch the negativity, like throwing out expired milk from the fridge. Yes, it's gonna stink and yes, it might be a little messy, but it's all for the best. We need to channel our inner Marie Kondo and get rid of what no longer serves a purpose. Remember, though, destruction should be as thoughtful as creation. We're not looking for a Death Star scenario here.
So, in short, let's make the most out of this transit. Channel your inner Jedi, embrace the logic, and may the force of Pluto in Capricorn be with you!
The Sun
The Sun
The Sun
Mercury
Mars