Good Morning! 🌞 

Have you ever had the problem of trying to have a conversation with more than three other people?

When groups get larger then four people, we automatically spit up into smaller groups. Apparently this is called the “dinner party problem” and has been noted in research for decades.

Social psychologists think it might have to do something to do with our ability to effect meaningful change in the groups opinions or actions. I guess if there are only three other people, you are not super outnumbered as long as you can convince one other person of your idea. 😃 

Innovation

The Sun: NASA's Gateway to Distant Worlds

Last week, we discussed the stunning images from the James Webb Space Telescope, including its discovery of a potential life-building block on Jupiter's icy moon, Europa. However, to truly uncover distant life or delve deeper into the wonders of our universe we need to see much farther.

Slava Turyshev, a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, is working on using the sun as a lens in a telescope. This concept is based on an effect known as Gravitational Lensing.

Gravitational Lensing happens when a massive object, such as a galaxy cluster, is positioned between an observer and a distant object, bending the latter's light into an Einstein ring. This effect is caused by the object's gravity, which warps and magnifies the images behind it.

Using the sun for this, which is called Solar Gravitational Lensing (SGL), could theoretically increase a background image by a factor of 100 billion. This would increase our ability to see distant planets and starts far beyond what we could conceivably do otherwise.

If this is not sci-fi enough for you already, SGL could potentially be used for interstellar communication. Signals sent through the gravitational field could much more easily reach nearby stars without degrading.

Here is a excellent video diving into the subject with much greater detail.

Culture

"Going, Going, Digital”

The auction industry has transformed significantly, accelerated by the digital shift in all industries. According to Francis Belin, Asia Pacific President at Christie’s, a striking 80% of global bids were made online in the first half of 2023.

Adjusting to the changes, traditional auction houses now use technology, ensuring industry continuity and offering new opportunities for collectors worldwide. Online bidding has democratized auctions, eliminating the need for physical attendance and making it accessible to a global audience.

Digitization has not only impacted the buying experience but also changed the dynamics of the art market. Auction houses can now reach a broader audience, attract new bidders, and expand globally without compromising authenticity. Enhanced data analytics and marketing strategies allow for personalized and immersive experiences.

The future of the auction industry is undoubtedly digital, with Christie’s leading the revolution.

World News

Beyond Skin Deep: A 106 Year Old Tattooist’s Vogue Moment

Apo Whang-Od, the 106-year-old Indigenous tattooist from the Philippines, has become the oldest Vogue cover star. Hailing from the remote village of Buscalan, she practices the traditional art of batok, using hand-tapped thorns for tattooing.

Known as the last mambabatok of her generation, Whang-Od has tattooed symbols of the Kalinga tribe on thousands of people. Originally representing bravery of the warriors and head-hunters of the tribe and beauty, her art now has attracted tourists over the past 15 years. Despite the popularity, she remains focused on passing down her skills to her grand-nieces.

Vogue Philippines' editor in chief, Bea Valdes, highlighted Whang-Od's representation of Filipino beauty. Without a birth certificate, she obtained a postal ID in 2017, granting her benefits for centenarians.

In an interview, Whang-Od expressed her commitment to tattooing as long as her sight allows, stating, "Why not keep tattooing while I can see? I'll only stop when I can no longer see, so I can continue to give people the mark of Buscalan, the mark of Kalinga."

Environment

First Solar Canal in the US, Pioneering in Arizona

Arizona is set to complete America's first solar-covered canal within the next couple of years.

The project, a result of an agreement between the Gila River Indian Community leaders and the US Army Corps of Engineers, aims to supply clean energy and reduce water evaporation in the drought-prone state. With a budget of $6.74 million, this initiative is on the verge of becoming a US-first, taking inspiration from the successful Canal Solar Power Project in Gujarat, India. By installing solar panels along a 305-meter stretch of the 1-10 Level Top canal, the project aims to generate approximately 1 MW of renewable energy in its first phase. The effort aligns with sustainable goals and leverages existing infrastructure for a cooperative partnership.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.

Mind Stretchers

Turn me on my side and I am everything. Cut me in half and I am nothing. What am I? 

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Eye 👀