This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
Solar activity reached high levels following an X1.5 flare (R3-Strong) from old Region 3386 (N11, L=092) at 07/2046 UTC. This region also produced an M2.4 flare (R1/Minor) at 07/0441 UTC, along with several C-class flares, as it moved beyond the W limb. Region 3387 (N18W73, Dsi/beta) added a couple more M-class flares (R1/Minor) during the period. The first, an M1/Sf at 07/1626 UTC and the second, an M1.4 (R1/Minor) at 07/1951 UTC. Analysis of the first CME (associated with the M2.4 flare) showed a likely miss, well ahead of the Sun-Earth line. Analysis of the second and third CME, associated with the M1 flares and subsequent X1 flare, will be accomplished as more imagery becomes available. However, with the source region of the X flare being well beyond the west limb, an Earth-directed CME is not anticipated.
The solar kp index is quiet, with no changes to retrograde effects. The solar wind speed is currently above average, making retrograde effects moderately increased.
Solar wind parameters began the period weakly enhanced as a minor perturbation in the IMF was observed. Solar wind speeds initially observed very little increase, ranging from 340 to 460 km/s, total field increased to 10 nT, and Bz saw weak southward deflections to near -9 nT. A more pronounced IMF enhancement, possibly associated with the arrival of a CME from 04 Aug, began at around 07/1100 UTC with wind speeds increasing to eventually reach 500, total field reached 14 nT, and Bz deflecting to near -6 nT. Bz temporarily turned north before dropping back to near -9 nT after 07/2000 UTC. Around 07/2215 UTC, solar wind speed increased to speeds ~600 km/s, however, no additional enhancements were observed in total IMF field strength.
There is a 10% chance of solar activity, with a 35% chance of a minor event, a 40% chance of a moderate event, and a 15% chance of a strong event.
The waning moon is currently in Taurus, at 13 degrees, 22' 10", at a velocity of 13.21 degrees per day.
The Third Quarter moon is currently 22 days old. It is 379527.62 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 Leo
The Sun is at 15 Leo 28' 38", and is 151704887km away and approaching.
The Moon
The Moon is in Taurus
The Moon is at 13 Tau 22' 10", and is 382031km away and receding.
Mercury
Mercury is in Virgo
Mercury is prograde at 12 Vir 46' 22", moving at 1.03 degrees per day, and is 137315693km away and approaching.
Holy celestial bodies, batman! Mercury has slipped into the snug, intellectual embrace of Virgo. And you know what that means? It's like your brain has suddenly morphed into the Starship Enterprise, ready to boldly cut through the galactic garbage and get straight to the point with Vulcan-like logic. Forget sugar-coating, this transit is all about passing on the sprinkles and serving up the facts with a side of sassy precision.
Virgo is that friend who can digest an entire Wikipedia page in seconds and only remember the important parts. So, like some cosmic software upgrade, our mental processing power hits warp speed as Mercury voyages through Virgo. We'll be communicating so clearly, aliens from Alpha Centauri will pick up our signals.
Now, here comes the not-so-fun part. With this productivity boost, you might feel like you've been thrown into a never-ending episode of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" The good news is that instead of drowning in a comedic whirlpool of dead-end ideas, we'll be laser-focused on details and useful information. Progress, here we come!
But let's not transform into Hypercritical Hanks or Nitpicking Nancies. With this transit, it's easy to become so engrossed in flaw-finding that we accidentally turn into a roasting session at the Galactic Council. A little refinement in our speech could save us from interstellar incidents. Remember, folks, tact is our universal translator when Mercury orbits this discerning sign.
So grab your telescopes, your Spock ears, and your sense of humor. Mercury in Virgo is a cosmic ride that's both intellectually stimulating and productivity-boosting. Just don't forget to enjoy the journey!
Venus
Venus is in Leo
Venus is retrograde at 23 Leo 36' 34", moving backwards at 0.57 degrees per day, and is 43827974km away and approaching.
Mars
Mars is in Virgo
Mars is prograde at 17 Vir 46' 17", moving at 0.63 degrees per day, and is 360168559km away and receding.
Jupiter
Jupiter is in Taurus
Jupiter is prograde at 14 Tau 22' 44", moving at 0.09 degrees per day, and is 723804899km away and approaching.
Saturn
Saturn is in Pisces
Saturn is retrograde at 05 Pis 14' 07", moving backwards at 0.07 degrees per day, and is 1319181383km away and approaching.
Buckle up, cosmic voyagers! Saturn, our favorite celestial taskmaster, has decided to take a swim in the deep, dreamy waters of Pisces. Imagine Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory deciding to take a transcendental meditation retreat - that's what we're dealing with here.
This is the astrological equivalent of Spock finally embracing his human side. So, while you might be used to Saturn laying down the law, now it's doing so while wearing tie-dye and listening to The Grateful Dead. It's the perfect time to flip open that dusty notebook of dreams and start scheming. Feel like opening a unicorn-themed bakery? Go for it! Aiming to write the next great sci-fi novel where cats rule the world? Why not? With Saturn in Pisces, it's time to blend structure with whimsy.
But wait, let's not sugar-coat this cosmic croissant too much. Just because Saturn's swapped its usual business suit for a pair of flared jeans doesn't mean it's all fun and games. This is still the planet that loves rules and discipline. It's like your dad crashing your slumber party - sure, he's wearing a funny onesie, but he's still going to tell you to turn down the music and clean your room.
And speaking of slumber parties, with all this Piscean energy, you might find yourself tossing and turning more than usual. But don't worry, this isn't the universe pulling a prank on you. Instead of counting sheep, use this time to delve deep into your subconscious - you never know what creative gems you'll unearth. Just remember, keep that dream journal handy. You wouldn't want to forget the blueprint for that intergalactic spaceship you dreamed up.
So, whether you're feeling anxious or enlightened, remember to take time to breathe, maybe even try meditating (we know, very 'new-agey') or go for a walk among the trees. After all, a little hippie wisdom never hurt anyone, right? Especially when Saturn's dancing to the tune of Pisces!
Uranus
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 22 Tau 53' 40", moving at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 2953284304km away and approaching.
Neptune
Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is retrograde at 27 Pis 18' 33", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 4359908926km away and approaching.
Alright, star children, buckle up because I'm about to take you on an intergalactic roller coaster. Neptune, that big blue giant, is lounging in the dreamy realm of Pisces and boy, is it causing some cosmic ripples! No need to panic – it's only about a gazillion kilometers away (give or take a few million). It also happens to be retrograde, which in astrology-lingo means it’s taking a celestial nap, but its dreams are leaking into our lives. Spooky, right?
Now, here's the magic part. Neptune in Pisces is like Gandalf from Lord of the Rings waving his staff, whispering "You shall not pass!" to all petty squabbles and shallow differences. Suddenly, we're seeing everyone as part of the same cosmic family, like a bunch of hobbits sharing a pint at the Prancing Pony. We're all in this together, folks!
This astrological mashup is also calling us to channel our inner Dumbledore. Remember how he could see the potential in every witch, wizard, or house-elf? This is our time to dig deep, find our unique gifts and use them to heal our world - whether it's being able to knit faster than a speeding broomstick or having the charisma to unite divided factions like Daenerys Targaryen (minus the dragons, please).
Feeling inspired? Good, because now is the perfect time to dive headfirst into the Hogwarts of spirituality that’s been calling your name. Set up your own Room of Requirement at home for some spiritual exploration. And remember, just like the Force was with Luke Skywalker, Neptune in Pisces is with you.
So, go forth, my star children! Unleash your inner wizard, Jedi, or dragon queen. The universe is waiting for your unique magic!
Pluto
Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is retrograde at 28 Cap 43' 34", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 5064389265km away and receding.
The Sun
The Sun
Mercury
Venus