🌞 Aurora From Space

Daily Upsider - Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

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James Linder & Julia Mejia
September 04, 2024

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

Good Morning! 🌞 

I hope you have a great day today and remember this: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. ~Wayne Gretzky

Today’s Upside

Space

Aurora From Space

Two weeks ago, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a warning about a massive geomagnetic solar storm that began on August 11.

Within hours, a breathtaking aurora lit up the sky, captured by two photographers—one a pilot on a passenger plane and the other an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

A series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) produced a spectacular light show lasting over 48 hours, visible across North America and possibly reaching as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick, orbiting on the ISS, shared incredible images of the aurora online, gaining thousands of fans.

Matthew Dominick - X

Meanwhile, Scott Bateman, a pilot flying an Airbus A350-1000 on a long-haul international flight, had a front-row view of the spectacle from within Earth's atmosphere. Bateman described the scenes as he flew across the globe: “It was spectacular! It started as we passed Chicago at 39,000 feet and lasted until dawn over Ireland, when it turned purple. I have never seen the aurora borealis so vivid with reds and purples."

Scott Bateman from the cockpit of an Airbus - cropped

Bateman captured these stunning images using his iPhone 15 without any editing or filters, offering an unaltered view of the aurora from his cockpit.

Red and green Northern Lights by pilot Scott Bateman at 39k feet - cropped

Auroras result from disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar flares and winds. These dynamic light displays can appear as curtains, rays, spirals, or flickering patterns across the sky.

Purple Northern Lights over Ireland by Scott Bateman - cropped

Entertainment

The Making of a $24,000 Dagger

If you’ve never watched a master blacksmith at his forge, then you are missing out. Watching craftsmen of all types can be engrossing. However, blacksmithing in particular has a beautiful allure. Seeing the metal being heated and shaped from chunks or bars, to eventually becoming an item of beauty or function is simply fascinating.

I think I agree with the comments under the video. When I watched this video, $24,000 for a dagger seemed rather steep. After watching the crafting that went into it, and seeing the finished piece, it almost seems too cheap.

p.s. A historical note for those interested. The type of patterning you see on the dagger is commonly referred to as Damascus steel. However, historical Damascus steel is what we usually refer to as wootz steel nowadays. Modern Damascus steel is usually created through a technique called pattern welding. Both wootz steel and pattern welding are found in history, and they are both beautiful. However, they are not identical. This video is an incredible example of pattern welded steel.

Environment

US National Parks Get $100M Boost for Ecosystem Protection

A reef in Biscayne Bay National Park – credit National Park Service

The National Park Foundation (NPF) is set to receive a $100 million donation from the Lilly Endowment, marking the largest philanthropic gift in its history. This funding is designated to protect the most fragile ecosystems within the national parks.

While some parks, like Glacier and Canyonlands, safeguard vast landscapes, others, such as Biscayne Bay and Channel Islands, focus on smaller, highly vulnerable ecosystems. The $100 million from Lilly Endowment will be directed toward these at-risk areas.

Will Shafroth, President and CEO of the NPF, mentioned that the funds will also support the over 400 sites managed by the National Park Service beyond the 63 major parks. Recent NPF projects include restoring coral reefs in Biscayne Bay and wild trout habitats in western parks. Shafroth expects the first grants from the Lilly donation to continue this work.

Despite the Great American Outdoors Act, which aims to generate $9.5 billion over five years for conservation, the National Park Service still faces a $24 billion backlog in deferred maintenance. To address this gap, the NPF has launched a fundraising campaign, with Lilly Endowment leading the way. According to the NPF, such contributions are vital for tackling urgent conservation projects while federal budget negotiations continue.

"For over 50 years, private philanthropy has been crucial in bridging the gap between park needs and available funding. This grant will significantly boost our efforts to preserve our national parks for future generations," Shafroth said.

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Nutrition Tips for Sustained Energy: Healthy Snack Options

Maintaining steady energy throughout the day can be challenging, especially when afternoon fatigue hits. Instead of turning to sugar or caffeine for a quick fix, opt for nutritious snacks that provide lasting energy. Here are some tips:

1. Prioritize Protein

Protein stabilizes blood sugar, offering sustained energy. Snack on:

  • Greek Yogurt: High in protein, pairs well with fruits or nuts.

  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Portable and protein-packed.

  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds offer protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

2. Choose Complex Carbs

Complex carbs provide a slow release of energy. Try:

  • Oatmeal: Fiber-rich and can be topped with fruits or nuts.

  • Whole Grain Crackers with Hummus: Balanced with carbs and protein.

  • Sweet Potatoes: A good source of complex carbs.

3. Include Healthy Fats

Healthy fats support cell health and energy absorption. Consider:

  • Avocado Toast: Combines healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbs.

  • Nut Butter with Apple Slices: A mix of fats and fiber.

  • Olives: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

4. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can cause fatigue, so drink plenty of water. Try:

  • Herbal Teas: Caffeine-free and hydrating.

  • Coconut Water: Rich in electrolytes.

  • Infused Water: Add fruit slices for flavor.

5. Opt for Fiber

Fiber helps regulate blood sugar and keeps you full. Snack on:

  • Berries: High in fiber and antioxidants.

  • Carrot Sticks with Guacamole: Fiber and healthy fats.

  • Chia Pudding: Packed with fiber and omega-3s.

For sustained energy, balance your snacks with protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and fiber. This combination keeps blood sugar stable, helping you stay energized and focused throughout the day.

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
I have no life, but I can die. What am I?

  • A battery

Gerry Moore got the correct answer first! I would like to point out that some other people had some great answers as well. My favorites being “fire”, or “hope”. Both fit the riddle very well I think.

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to email.


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