This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
Solar activity was moderate with five numbered sunspot groups present on the visible solar disk, and background X-ray flux at low C-class levels. Region 3296 (N16W20; Ekc/beta-gamma) underwent growth in the intermediate section and some decay in the leader area. The mixed polarity signature strengthened, nearly developed a delta signature, and the region was the source of multiple C-class flares, to include the largest of the period, an M2.3 (R1; Minor) flare at 08/2025 UTC. Region 3297 (N08W03; Ekc/beta-gamma-delta) experienced growth and developed a delta signature within the lead penumbra. Only a few minor enhancements or weak C-class flares and optical subflares were produced from the region. The remaining regions underwent little change or some decay.
The solar kp index is unsettled, with retrograde effects slightly enhanced. The solar wind speed is currently above average, making retrograde effects moderately increased.
Solar wind parameters were indicative of weakening CME influences (from the previous CME activity) and continuing, unsteady CH HSS effects. Total IMF strength began the period in an enhanced state, with a peak of 12 nT at 08/0010 UTC. The total field declined shortly afterwards and was at 4-6 nT later in the period. The Bz component was in a pronounced southward direction when the period began, with a maximum deflection of -12 nT, but shifted mainly northward by 08/0046 UTC, however, brief southward deviations still occurred. Solar wind speed was unsteady between mainly 450-500 km/s most of the period, but briefly escalated to near 550 km/s between 08/1500-1800 UTC, before it declined. The phi angle was variable, but was predominantly positive from about 08/0200-1330 UTC.
There is a 30% chance of solar activity, with a 40% chance of a minor event, a 15% chance of a moderate event, and a 1% chance of a strong event.
The waning moon is currently in Capricorn, at 04 degrees, 00' 33", at a velocity of 14.2 degrees per day.
The Waning Gibbous moon is currently 18.5 days old. It is 367789.25 km from the centre of the Earth.
The next new moon is at 15:55:56, 19 May, 2023. The next full moon is at 3:43:56, 4 Jun, 2023.
The Sun
The Sun is in Taurus
The Sun is at 18 Tau 23' 17", and is 150995198km away and receding.
The Moon
The Moon is in Capricorn
The Moon is at 04 Cap 00' 33", and is 370570km away and approaching.
Mercury
Mercury is in Taurus
Mercury is retrograde at 07 Tau 07' 60", moving backwards at 0.42 degrees per day, and is 85561142km away and receding.
Kid, I've flown from one side of this galaxy to the other, and now Mercury's in Taurus. Yeah, you heard me right, that little fast-talkin' planet is cozying up with our favorite space bull. Just like the Millennium Falcon (though not quite as fast), this combo means we're all in for a wild ride.
So, what's the deal with Mercury and Taurus? Well, think of it this way: If Mercury's the brains behind the operation, then Taurus is the muscle. Together, they make a pretty solid team. Kind of like Chewie and me, but less hairy and more... earthy.
During this transit, daydreams and crazy schemes are taking a back seat. Instead, we're talkin' about practical plans, the kind that'll make even the most skeptical Jedi masters nod in approval. You know, the stuff that actually pays off in the long run.
Now, don't go thinking this is some boring space lecture on planning for retirement. No, no, my nerf herder friends. This is your chance to buckle down, work on your aim, and create a foundation as strong as the Death Star (but, you know, without the whole exploding thing).
So grab your blaster, strap in, and get ready to navigate this Mercury in Taurus transit like a true space cowboy. Remember, sometimes it's not about making the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs, but about building something that lasts. And hey, who knows? Maybe along the way, you'll find your own personal scruffy-looking nerf herder to share the adventure with.
May the Force be with you, or at least some retrograde-proof astrological guidance!
Venus
Venus is in Cancer
Venus is prograde at 01 Can 49' 25", moving at 1.09 degrees per day, and is 137404438km away and approaching.
Gather around, my space cadets! The celestial love boat has entered the cosmic waters of Cancer, and it's time to buckle up for a ride on the emotional roller coaster. Venus, our favorite planet of sensitivity and affection, has teamed up with the ultra-nurturing zodiac sign of Cancer. So, if you've been feeling like your love life is as barren as the surface of Mars, worry not! Things are about to get as steamy as the atmosphere of Venus itself (which, by the way, is a scorching 467°C).
With Venus in Cancer, expect an urge to care for others that's stronger than a tractor beam. Family ties and connecting to your roots will become more important than ever, and you might find yourself nesting like an extraterrestrial bird building its interstellar nest. Go ahead, decorate your spaceship or buy that fancy zero-gravity furniture you've had your eye on. Your home is your sanctuary, and with Venus in Cancer, it's time to make it as cozy as a wormhole.
But beware, my astro-enthusiasts! This planetary alignment might make you feel moodier than a grumpy Klingon. Friendships and romantic relationships could trigger your emotional force fields, leaving you more sensitive than a Vulcan's ears. Remember, Cancer's natural defense mechanism is to withdraw and hide in their crabby shell when they're hurt, so try not to retreat into your personal asteroid belt.
On the bright side, this vulnerability comes with a massive heart expansion, just like the universe itself. You'll be able to attract and give love with the same intensity as a supernova explosion. So, let Venus in Cancer guide you on this interstellar journey of affection, and may the cosmic forces be with you!
Mars
Mars is in Cancer
Mars is prograde at 23 Can 34' 30", moving at 0.56 degrees per day, and is 271077065km away and receding.
Great Scott, fellow time travelers! Mars is currently takin' a groovy trip through Cancer, and it's 271,020,784.096245706 kilometers away (yes, I measured). Now, don't go reaching for your hoverboard just yet; we're still on Earth, but this cosmic combo is all about blending the past with the future, man!
As Mars cruises through the sensitive Cancer, we're gonna feel like we're in a DeLorean, fusing that fiery Martian energy with Cancer’s nostalgic vibes. It's time to cherish our roots while building a future that's more comfy than your favorite tie-dye t-shirt.
Now, hold onto your lab goggles, 'cause Mars in Cancer doesn't mean we're slowing down. Oh no, my dudes, there's a lot to accomplish during this stellar transit! So, grab your hammer and nails, and let's tackle those home improvement projects that've been collecting dust (probably since 1985).
But wait, there's more! With Mars in Cancer, you might find yourself going all "Doc Brown" to protect your family or a domestic situation. This planetary pairing makes us fiercely protective, and we'll do whatever it takes to defend what and who we care about. So, buckle up, because an intense parental instinct is about to kick in, and you're gonna need 1.21 gigawatts of energy to ride this wave.
Now, here's the catch-22, my interstellar friends: As Mars chills in cautious Cancer, we might end up taking a more passive approach to getting what we want. If our hearts ain't feeling it, chances are we won't make a move. But when we do, it might come off as more reactive and oversensitive than we'd like. So, let's try to keep our emotions on a cosmic leash, shall we?
To sum it up, this Mars in Cancer journey is like a cosmic mash-up of past and future, where we're all Marty McFlys trying to find our way through the space-time continuum. So, embrace the nostalgia, protect what you love, and build a future that's as rad as you are. Rock on, stargazers!
Jupiter
Jupiter is in Aries
Jupiter is prograde at 28 Ari 16' 37", moving at 0.23 degrees per day, and is 881113470km away and approaching.
Ok, fellow astro-nerds and interstellar hippies, buckle up your seatbelts on your imaginary starships because Jupiter is in Aries, and we're about to embark on a cosmic journey of self-discovery and growth at warp speed!
Picture Jupiter as that eccentric, boisterous relative who shows up at the family gathering, pushing us to take risks and step outside our comfort zones. Now, imagine Aries as the impulsive, fire-powered cousin who's always itching for adventure. Put them together, and you've got an unstoppable force of innovation and intuition that even Spock would find fascinating.
During this galactic transit, we've got the chance to go where no man or woman has gone before within ourselves. It's time to jettison those outdated ideas and stale beliefs that have been weighing us down like excess baggage on the Starship Enterprise. There's no time for slow, calculated planning – we need to seize the moment and run with our ideas faster than the Millennium Falcon in hyperdrive.
While Jupiter might usually be that wise mentor who urges us to learn from others (think Dumbledore or Yoda), this time, it's all about self-teaching and learning through experience. So, don't be afraid to boldly go forth and try new things, even if you feel like you're stepping into a wormhole without a map. Remember – there’s no failure, only feedback. Every experience can be a valuable lesson in the grand cosmic classroom (which, let's be real, is way cooler than any traditional "teacher-and-student" setting).
But beware, space cadets! With Jupiter in Aries, it's easy for our opinions to overheat like a malfunctioning warp core, leading to confrontation and conflict. Like a heated debate between Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy, we must find a balance between our drive for action and the need for open communication. After all, even in the infinite expanses of the universe, expansion means nothing if we're closed off to new perspectives.
So, as Jupiter soars through Aries, remember that we are the captains of our own starships, navigating towards new opportunities, relationships, and cosmic fortune. It's time to grab your tricorder, set your phasers to "stun" and boldly go forth, embracing your potential and unlocking
Saturn
Saturn is in Pisces
Saturn is prograde at 05 Pis 57' 34", moving at 0.06 degrees per day, and is 1504920517km away and approaching.
Oh, noble earthlings! Lo and behold, for Saturn has sauntered into Pisces like a nerdy hipster at a kombucha bar, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to dive into the kaleidoscopic waters of your innermost dreams. So, whip out those quills and be ready to scribble down the wisdom bestowed upon you by this groovy celestial duo!
Now, don't expect this cosmic dance between the Master of Rules and the zodiac's psychedelic fish to be all peace signs and flower crowns. Oh no, my friends! Saturn is like that overbearing parent who insists on questioning your life choices while wearing socks with sandals. It may feel like an unwelcome intrusion, but deep down, you know that it's here to help you tidy up your chaotic dreamland.
When Saturn waltzes into Pisces territory, you may find yourself tossing and turning in bed like an insomniac at a silent disco. Fret not, fellow stargazers! This is the perfect time to channel your inner Zen master, meditating in the moonlight, taking leisurely strolls amongst the trees, or simply indulging in a well-deserved siesta (with a trusty dream journal by your side, of course).
As you embark on this cosmic journey, remember to heed the sage advice of Londo Mollari: "The universe is run by the complex interweaving of three elements: energy, matter, and enlightened self-interest." So, take a deep breath, embrace the swirling energies of Saturn in Pisces, and boldly chase those dreams like a hippie chasing a solar-powered van. The stars are on your side, my friends, and they've got one heck of a sense of humor!
Uranus
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 18 Tau 54' 12", moving at 0.06 degrees per day, and is 3090656066km away and receding.
Neptune
Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is prograde at 26 Pis 57' 41", moving at 0.03 degrees per day, and is 4566970837km away and approaching.
Pluto
Pluto is in Aquarius
Pluto is retrograde at 00 Aqu 21' 03", moving backwards at 0 degrees per day, and is 5151814669km away and approaching.
The Sun
Mercury
Jupiter