Chipwitch Today!
This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
16 August, 2023
Solar activity was low. Regions 3404 (S07E45, Cao/beta), 3405 (N10E65, Dso/beta), 3406 (S17W18, Bxo/beta) and 3407 (S18E22, Cro/beta) all underwent marginal growth. Region 3403 (N26E05, Dao/beta) remained the largest area on the disk, but was inactive.
The solar kp index is quiet, with no changes to retrograde effects. The solar wind speed is currently normal.
The solar wind environment was at background levels the first half of the day; a minor enhancement was observed midday. Total magnetic field strength was 7 nT or less and Bz did not exceed -5 nT. Solar wind speeds were less than 300 km/s at DSCOVR. The phi angle was mostly negative.
There is a 40% chance of solar activity, with a 10% chance of a minor event, a 1% chance of a moderate event, and a 1% chance of a strong event.
The waning moon is currently in Leo, at 21 degrees, 39' 25", at a velocity of 11.85 degrees per day.
The New moon is currently 29.4 days old. It is 405479.28 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.
Planetary Information
The Sun
The Sun is in Leo
The Sun is at 23 Leo 09' 20", and is 151508433km away and approaching.
The Moon
The Moon is in Leo
The Moon will change from Leo to Virgo in the next 24 hours.
The Moon is at 21 Leo 39' 25", and is 406615km away and approaching.Moon Is In Leo
Okay, brace yourselves, star children! The Moon has sauntered into the fiery and dramatic sign of Leo. Our lunar lady is currently 406,604.703906862 km away, not that she's counting or anything, but hey, who wouldn't? It's a big universe out there! Now, I can see you are wondering, "What does this mean for me?" Well, listen up, because we're about to drop some cosmic knowledge bombs. Leo, represented by the lion (meow...or rather, roar!), is all about courage, creativity, and a touch of narcissism. So, with the moon in this sign, expect to feel as if you're on the cosmic red carpet. You might find yourself over-exaggerating your hair flip, practicing your Oscar acceptance speech, or perhaps breaking into spontaneous interpretive dance in the middle of the supermarket. But remember, just like Judge Dredd's uncompromising sense of justice, Leo's energy can be a double-edged sword. While you're busy feeling like the center of the universe, don't forget that the world does not revolve around you. Or does it? No, it doesn't. Or... does it? No. But with the Moon in Leo, it's easy to get confused. Now, here's the sci-fi twist! The Moon will soon move from Leo to Virgo in the next 24 hours. If Leo's energy had you feeling like a superstar, Virgo will bring you back down to Earth faster than a falling asteroid. This earthy sign is all about practicality, organization, and modesty - a stark contrast to Leo's flamboyance. So, enjoy your moment in the spotlight while it lasts, because soon you'll be trading in your sequined jumpsuit for a pair of sensible slacks. But hey, at least you'll finally get that spice rack organized! Remember, folks, the stars incline, they do not define. Except when they do, in which case, good luck! And may the celestial bodies align in your favor. Or not. They're kinda fickle that way.
Mercury
Mercury is in Virgo
Mercury is prograde at 19 Vir 25' 37", moving at 0.6 degrees per day, and is 120032093km away and approaching.
Mercury Is In Virgo
Mercury in Virgo: A Nerd's Paradise
Greetings, star gazers! Time to polish those glasses and grab a fresh notebook, because Mercury just clocked into Virgo and it's about to get all kinds of analytical up in here. First off, let's address the elephant in the solar system: Mercury is currently sitting pretty at a cool 120140440.378395408km away. If you're thinking "that's oddly specific", well, welcome to Virgo season, my friend! We’re not interested in approximations or ballpark figures here. We want the facts, the whole facts, and nothing but the facts. Mercury, our cosmic messenger, has parked its celestial self in Virgo, the meticulous master of the zodiac. It’s like when your nerdy cousin comes to visit, and suddenly, everyone's IQ bumps up a few points. This is a period when our minds are as sharp as a freshly-honed lightsaber, and our words become as precise as a Spock quip. We’re cutting through the clutter like Marie Kondo on a mission, aiming straight for the heart of the matter. Virgo has an uncanny knack for hoovering up data like some kind of cosmic Kirby. It strips out everything that’s not necessary, leaving us with the purest, most useful nuggets of information. So, while Mercury moonwalks through Virgo, our inner Sherlock Holmes will be on the case, making us human lie detectors and communication ninjas. Productivity will be through the roof during this transit. It might not be as fun as a Star Wars movie marathon, but our opportunities to make real progress are massive. We'll be slicing through dead-end ideas and circular conversations, focused intently on details and useful information, making this a prime time for putting pedal to the metal. But being detail-oriented doesn't mean becoming a Galactic Empire-level dictator. During Mercury in Virgo, we can get so focused on finding faults that we start sounding like a malfunctioning C-3PO. Remember, nobody likes a know-it-all, even if you do know it all. Refining our speech and conveying our opinions with tact is key. So channel your inner Yoda and speak with wisdom, not just knowledge. In short, strap in folks! Mercury in Virgo is here and it’s time to engage our hyperdrive towards productivity, precision and a healthy dose of perfectionism. Peace, love, and may the force of the cosmos
Venus
Venus is in Leo
Venus is retrograde at 18 Leo 44' 47", moving backwards at 0.61 degrees per day, and is 43342942km away and receding.
Venus Is In Leo
Great Scott! Venus is in Leo, my dear celestial enthusiasts! Now, I know what you're thinking... "Doc, isn't Venus 43,337,541.445367269km away?" Well, yes, if you want to get technical about it, and you know I always do. But in the grand cosmos of astrology, distance is as relative as a flux capacitor in a DeLorean. When our cosmic sweetheart Venus prances into Leo, the most theatrical sign of the zodiac, we're all cranking up the amplifier to the max, ready to declare our love like Marty on an electric guitar. Leo, being a Fire sign, turns the passion dial up to 11, igniting sparks of creativity, flamboyant displays of affection, and heartfelt soliloquies that would make Shakespeare blush. Expect dates as playful as a hoverboard ride and love declarations louder than the clock tower bell! In this stellar transit, simply being liked or appreciated won't cut it. Oh no, we're craving adoration like a flux capacitor craves 1.21 gigawatts. It's a time to take risks, make grand gestures, and be as bold as the time I wore double ties. Those who play it safe may find themselves as popular as Biff in the alternate 1985. Now, Venus in Leo isn't all roses and rainbows. Leo, much like a malfunctioning DeLorean, can be full of unexpected drama. Feel neglected or unappreciated? You might find yourself roaring louder than a lion. Remember, we're all in this cosmic journey together. The more we focus on our own needs, the more likely we are to end up alone. In the words of my good friend Marty, "Nobody calls me chicken!" As for your hard-earned dollars, they become a means to an end during this transit. Think of money as your personal Mr. Fusion, fueling the extravagance and generosity characteristic of Leo. It's a time to splurge, to feel like a million bucks, and to shower those you care about with over-the-top gifts. After all, what's the point of inventing a time machine if you can't enjoy the ride? Venus in Leo is a technicolor explosion in the monochrome film of life. It's a time to re-energize your relationships, express your feelings with unabashed enthusiasm, and remember what Doc has always said: "Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one
Mars
Mars is in Virgo
Mars is prograde at 22 Vir 48' 39", moving at 0.63 degrees per day, and is 364755048km away and receding.
Mars Is In Virgo
Space Log: Mars In Virgo
"Oh Captain, my Captain... No wait, I'm the captain, right? So, buckle up space cadets, because Mars, our scrappy little red neighbor, is doing a tango with Virgo, the universe's resident perfectionist. Picture Kirk in a tutu... got that image? Good, let's dive in. Mars, the solar system's overcaffeinated taskmaster, is all about "doing," and Virgo, well, it’s the equivalent of that friend who color codes their sock drawer. With these two celestial bodies doing the cosmic cha-cha, you're going to find yourself hankering to perfect your warp drive efficiency. You know, cutting down on unnecessary dilithium crystal usage and all that jazz. Virgo has dominion over the 6th House of Health and Self-Improvement. This means most of you may suddenly get the urge to hit the gym, eat your vegetables, or meditate more often. And because Mars in Virgo is as routine-oriented as Spock doing his morning Vulcan salute, there's a good chance these healthier habits will stick around. But beware, my interstellar comrades! This cosmic coupling can have a dark side. Just like when Scotty gets cranky when the Enterprise's engines are running slow, you too might become overly critical and lash out. We all want things to run as smoothly as a well-oiled tractor beam, but let's remember to practice patience, eh? Instead of nitpicking at others’ inefficiencies, use this time to focus on your own personal growth. Want to balance your budget better? Go for it. Planning for the future? Now's the time. Learning Klingon? Well, it might not improve your social life, but hey, it's detail-oriented. Basically, there's no better time to take care of business than under the influence of Mars in Virgo. So, beam up these productive vibes, crew, and let's boldly go where no one has gone before!"
Jupiter
Jupiter is in Taurus
Jupiter is prograde at 14 Tau 58' 21", moving at 0.06 degrees per day, and is 705648861km away and approaching.
Jupiter Is In Taurus
Alright, comrades of the cosmos, buckle up! The big cheese Jupiter, the planet that's basically the cosmic equivalent of that really wise old uncle who spouts profound nuggets of wisdom between sips of tea, is taking a leisurely stroll through Taurus. Imagine this as Yoda, suddenly finding himself in the middle of Wall Street. Now that's an image, huh? Now, my geeky friends, remember, Taurus is essentially the zodiac's equivalent of a hibernating bear. It's steadfast, solid, and doesn't like to be rushed, just like your computer during a software update. When Jupiter and Taurus get together, it's kind of like having a philosophical debate with a brick wall. It might not respond immediately, but give it time. It'll eventually reveal the secrets of the universe, or at least where you left your car keys. Hang on to your telescopes, because this cosmic duo is about to make your dreams and goals more tangible than a fresh comic book in mint condition! Jupiter's got that growth energy, like a sci-fi mutant after a radioactive incident, and Taurus has the patience of a trekkie waiting for the next Star Trek movie release. Trust the process, my star-loving companions, and you'll find success as clear as the Andromeda Galaxy on a cloudless night. Now, here's where it gets fun. Jupiter is like your lucky charm and Taurus, well, it's the sign that loves its money like a dog loves its bone. Together, they could potentially make it rain dollar bills. But remember, friends, with great power comes great responsibility (thanks, Uncle Ben!). This isn't a call to fulfill every Amazon wish list item or to buy every collectible action figure on eBay. Taurus, the cosmic hedonist, loves the finer things like a nerd loves trivia night. And when Jupiter, the planet of expansion, meets this indulgent sign, we might find ourselves confusing our needs with our wants. There's a fine line between treating yourself and becoming the dragon Smaug atop a pile of unnecessary loot. So, let's be mindful, not just mindful of our spending, but also of our impulses. So, fellow stargazers, as Jupiter waltzes through Taurus, remember to take the time for some deep cosmic contemplation, keep your goals in sight, watch your resources, and above all, stay nerdy!
Saturn
Saturn is in Pisces
Saturn is retrograde at 04 Pis 39' 57", moving backwards at 0.07 degrees per day, and is 1313762090km away and approaching.
Saturn Is In Pisces
Great Scott! Saturn, our celestial taskmaster, has parked its cosmic DeLorean in the dreamy realm of Pisces! Now, don't go panicking and frantically shouting, "1.21 Gigawatts!" Remember, where we're going, we don't need roads... but a solid plan wouldn't hurt. Saturn in Pisces is like Doc Brown handing you the Flux Capacitor and saying, "You're up, kid." It's time to take those wild visions of yours – you know, the ones you usually keep stashed between your comic book collection and your vintage vinyl records – and actually make them tangible. It's time for some serious, lab-coat-wearing, glasses-pushing-up-your-nose kind of work. Now, I'll be honest with you, this astrological alignment might feel like you're trying to solve a quantum physics equation while floating in zero gravity. Saturn, the strict school principal of the cosmos, is going to be knocking on the door of your subconscious, demanding to see your homework. And let me tell you, there's no hiding under the bed from this planet. Saturn is like a bloodhound when it comes to sniffing out procrastination and laziness. During this transit, you may find yourself tossing and turning at night, your dreams more crowded than a Star Trek convention. It's like your unconscious is hosting a non-stop sci-fi marathon and you've got front row seats. But don't pull the plug on your dreams. Instead, grab your dream journal (you do have one, right?), and jot down those nocturnal adventures. They might be your brain's way of decoding the secret messages from the universe. So, buckle up, my friends! With Saturn in Pisces, it's time to take your dreams to warp speed. Remember, if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. Now, fire up those retro thrusters and let's get this starship moving!
Uranus
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 23 Tau 00' 24", moving at 0.01 degrees per day, and is 2933062697km away and approaching.
Uranus Is In Taurus
Uranus In Taurus: The Cosmic Bull in a Porcelain Economy
Attention all Earthlings! Uranus is currently crashing the Taurus party, and boy, is it shaking up the joint. Imagine a cosmic bull in a china shop, except the china shop is your comfort zone and the porcelain figurines are your conventional views about money and possessions. Yeah, it's going to get messy.
Taurus, the celestial embodiment of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," is currently playing host to Uranus, the intergalactic equivalent of a home renovation reality TV show. You know, the kind where they tear down everything and rebuild it from scratch while the homeowners watch in horror and fascination. Change isn't just coming, my friends—it's taken the express train and it's arrived early.
Money, dear old Taurus' favorite subject (apart from food and cozy blankets), is about to get a Uranian makeover. We're talking revolutionary, throw-your-coin-jar-out-the-window type changes. Your piggy bank might morph into a cryptocurrency wallet, banks could suddenly look more like app stores, and we may see the stock market do the cha-cha slide.
On a personal level, this Uranian invasion is about to stage a 'Great Escape' from the prison of financial constraints. Debts, taxes, credit card interest, rent, mortgages—these are the guards in our monetary Alcatraz that Uranus is plotting to outsmart. Our material possessions, too, might start feeling like ball and chains instead of badges of honor.
The mission, should you choose to accept it, is to redefine your relationship with the material world. Don't be the stubborn Taurus who'd rather get hit by a falling sky than move. Embrace the chaos, ride the storm, and remember: change is the only constant. And if things get a little too shaky, just hold on tight and trust that Uranus is driving you towards a more liberated and sustainable future. It's science, baby!
Neptune
Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is retrograde at 27 Pis 08' 51", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 4347645289km away and approaching.
Neptune Is In Pisces
Greetings, celestial voyagers! Buckle up your space boots and put on your cosmic glasses because we're taking a warp-speed trip to the realm of Neptune in Pisces – a combo that’s as groovy as a Star Trek marathon on a rainy Sunday! Now, let's get techy for a sec. Neptune is currently chilling at a distance of approximately 4347682040.025628090km from us (give or take a few light years). And it's doing the moonwalk – it's in retrograde, folks. But don't panic, it's not like your computer crashing or your favorite sci-fi series getting cancelled. This retrograde is actually a good thing! So, what does this mean for you? Well, imagine you're Spock and suddenly, you're able to understand human emotions. That's right, people! Neptune in Pisces is like a magic potion that gives us Vulcan-like telepathy. We can see through the petty squabbles of Kirk and McCoy and realize how pointless they are. The golden snitch of unity starts glowing in our grasp, and the path to Hogwarts becomes clearer than ever (oops, mixed franchises there!). This cosmic event is your personal invitation, straight out of a TARDIS, to explore the deeply fascinating galaxies of your own emotions. You've got a unique contribution to make to the starship Enterprise we call Earth – and it's time to discover what it is. Perhaps you can channel your inner Yoda and delve into a spiritual course that calls to you. Or maybe it’s time to become the Doctor Who of your own life, creating a sacred space at home to connect with the universe. Remember, fellow space cadets, Neptune in Pisces isn't just an astrological event – it's a nudge from the cosmos itself to share your ideas and dreams with the world just as readily as you'd share your Netflix password. After all, we're all in this vast, star-studded universe together. Peace out and live long and prosper!
Pluto
Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is retrograde at 28 Cap 33' 05", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 5072507519km away and receding.
Pluto Is In Capricorn
Alright, stargazers, buckle up! We're hopping on our cosmic surfboard and catching the wave to Pluto, which is currently chilling out in Capricorn. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Pluto? Isn't that the tiny, demoted planet that's about as warm and welcoming as my mother-in-law?" Well, yes - but like your mother-in-law, Pluto has some important lessons to teach us. And, also like your mother-in-law, it's currently about 5 billion kilometers away. (I love a good mother-in-law joke, don't you?) Now, Pluto and Capricorn are like two peas in a pod - both are all about success, power, and getting stuff done. It's like they're on a constant caffeine high, always buzzing away at their next project. But while they're busy being the overachievers of the zodiac, they can sometimes forget to play nice with others. So, during this transit, you might find yourself less patient with differing opinions. But remember folks, it's okay to agree to disagree. After all, we can't all have the correct opinion - mine. Pluto, being the cosmic Marie Kondo that it is, wants us to toss out patterns that are cluttering up our lives. Sure, this might mean some 'constructive destruction' (is that an oxymoron?), but rest assured, it's all for a good cause. So go ahead, metaphorically blow up that bad habit or negative mindset. Just make sure you're not doing it literally... I can't afford any more lawsuits. In conclusion, folks, Pluto in Capricorn is a time of hard work and transformation. So roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite hippie headband (you know you have one), and get ready to embrace change. And if you need me, I'll be over here, trying to convince NASA to reinstate Pluto's planet status. Fight the power, am I right?Current Planetary Aspects
Current Planetary Positions
The Sun
Sun Conjunct Moon
Your individuality and personality seem at one today. You feel like you really know and understand yourself and what it is that you want and need to do. Today might be a good day to shine light on your unconscious attitudes and habit patterns with the hope of improving your weak points. Change the areas of your personality that you aren't satisfied with.
The Sun
Sun Conjunct Venus
Today is a good day to express yourself through creative and artistic endeavors. You appreciate art and beauty more than usual today. You have a desire to be with people you like. Your natural warmth and friendliness really manifest themselves today. Watch for feelings of extravagance, self-indulgence, and self-love. Do not dissipate yourself in the pursuit of pleasure.The qualities of the planet Venus are aligned with these people’s egos, so that they project the traits of Venus powerfully. Social relationships are extremely important to those with Sun conjunct Venus in the natal chart. They are generally charming people who possess an easy-going manner. It is generally quite important to these people to be personally popular, to come across in a pleasant way, and to be liked and appreciated. Sometimes, vanity is part of the package. Venus is a peace-making, harmony-loving planet, and those with Sun conjunct Venus do their best to seek peace and harmony. If you want things to go smoothly, call upon a Sun conjunct Venus person to restore balance. They are diplomatic and veritable experts at smoothing over (and sometimes glossing over) problems. They are openhanded with others, tolerant and accepting. When expressed negatively, they can be superficial and two-faced, and they can be very much tied up with appearances—their own, and sometimes others’. They might be too agreeable, too pleasant (at the expense of honesty), and downright lazy at times. These people have a fine eye for style and enjoy pleasing surroundings. They generally dress well and enjoy a certain amount of luxury.These people are gracious. They are romantic and sometimes romantically impulsive. They tend to rely on the power of attraction to bring people to them, rather than aggressively pursuing love interests. There is some vanity involved here–they are most attracted to people who express interest in them, or who respond well to their charms! These are not the types of people who overtly pursue people who appear to be indifferent to them–something that Sun-Mars people might do. They are not competitive people in the aggressive sense of the word, and they are not people who love a good chase. Instead, they work their charms and draw people to them. Remember that their ability to attract others (Venus) is very much tied up with their ego (Sun).People with this aspect tend to be quite attractive, pleasing, and charming. Others sense the value people with this aspect tend to place on the feminine.Famous people with Sun conjunct Venus: Jamie Lee Curtis (Sun late Scorpio and Venus early Sagittarius), John Travolta (Sun late Aquarius and Venus early Pisces), Oprah Winfrey (in Aquarius), Leonardo DiCaprio (in Scorpio).The Sun
Sun Square Uranus
Surprises may be in store for you today. These surprises may be disruptive and, if so, they are designed to help you grow. Look upon them as challenges and learning experiences. Problems today could come because of your eccentric behavior. Avoid bohemian tendencies and doing things just to be different. People are likely to take offense at your uniqueness. Don't draw unnecessary attention to yourself. Be alert today as impulsiveness may lead to accidents. Resist the urge to overthrow everything just for the sake of something new.The ego is quite large when the Sun is square or opposite Uranus. This is largely due to the fact that these people’s very identities ride on their sense of personal freedom. It can be quite a challenge to get them to do what they don’t want to do, simply because they see any attempts to push them in a certain direction as threatening their freedom. These are very dynamic individuals who question tradition and authority, yet, paradoxically, are quite set in their own ways.These people have a love-hate relationship with their own uniqueness. Much of the time they are very proud of their original personalities. Other times, they feel a bit left out for being “different”. Although they are humanitarian in many ways, they can be a little brusque when it comes to sentimentality or what they perceive to be excessive attachment to the past or to tradition.When the Sun and Uranus form a challenging aspect, there can be a lot of nervous energy and defensiveness. It can be difficult to hold a 9 to 5 job or to develop steady routines. They work best when they can manage their own schedules. They work in spurts. When they are hit with creative inspiration, they are capable of tremendous effort. However, they can be quite temperamental, and it is very hard for them to pour their hearts and souls into something that they don’t “feel” for at the moment. They don’t like superficiality or pretense, which is an admirable trait. However, their disdain for pretense can be problematic in a world where people are expected to perform whether they are inspired or not! I have a daughter who has the Sun in challenging aspect to Uranus, and there was quite an adjustment period when she entered first grade–a time when kids begin to truly experience structure. When the children in her gym class were told to dance, she simply stood there, immobile. When asked why she was not dancing, she replied, “But I don’t feel the dance inside of me, so how can I dance?” Sun-Uranus people don’t always feel like they “fit in” with the rules and structures of society. However, those that recognize the need to conform at least some of the time may be able to channel their high levels of intuition, inventiveness, and spiritedness into creative endeavors or important causes. They might find that they encounter much less resistance in day-to-day life this way.Some Famous People with Sun in Hard Aspect to Uranus: Squares – Alan Alda, Billy Crystal, Stephen King, O. Henry (writer), Wynonna Judd (Sun square Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto), John Ritter, Dennis Rodman, Oliver Stone, George Washington, Bono (U2), Dustin Hoffman; Oppositions – Kevin Costner, Lauren Bacall, Ray Bradbury, Frank Capra, Billy Corgan, the Olsen twins, Geena Davis.Mercury
Mercury Conjunct Mars
Pour constructive energy and action into communication, writing, reading and anything of a mental nature. Do all your errands today. Your mind is active and it may be difficult at times to slow it down and relax. Your nerves are wound up and it may be necessary for you at some time today to force yourself to seek a quiet place and recoup your strength. Watch a tendency to argue with friends, display impatience, especially while driving, and to generally be on edge. Do not let your high energy level today cause you to become reckless or careless. Pay attention to the things you do and slow down a bit. Remember, discipline. You feel very self-assertive today. Do not let your ego ride roughshod over the people you deal with today. Control your temper AND your tongue. Avoid petty gossip and talking about people behind their backs.
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Mars
