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🌞 Orion Nebula Sighting
Daily Upsider - Wednesday, December 11th, 2024
James Linder & Julia Mejia
December 11, 2024
Wednesday, December 11th, 2024
Good morning! 🌞
🌟 Did you know? Orion’s Belt, a trio of stars, is one of the most recognized features in the night sky. Check out our latest article to learn more about this celestial wonder!
Today’s Upside
Earth Sciences
Nebulae to Shine Mid-December
Composite from two images taken with a Canon 85mm of Orion’s belt and sword (nebula) – Credit: Skatebiker, public domain
Orion's Belt, a recognizable trio of stars in a slightly curved row, is a staple of the Northern Hemisphere’s night sky. This December 13th, just before midnight, presents an exceptional opportunity to observe the Orion Nebula, one of the most captivating celestial sights. Located 1,344 light-years away, the Orion Nebula is the only nebula visible to the naked eye and appears as the middle “star” in Orion’s sword. While it can be seen unaided in dark rural areas, even basic binoculars or a simple telescope can reveal its intricate details. Astrophotographers can achieve stunning results with minimal equipment, such as an 85mm lens, particularly in areas with low light pollution.
Below the Orion Nebula lies the Running Man Cluster (Sh2-279), situated at the tip of Orion’s sword. This region includes three nebulae, one of which is a reflection nebula where dust and gas obscure star-forming areas, making it a challenge to observe directly. However, for astrophotographers, a low shutter speed can unveil the cluster’s subtle beauty, capturing striking images of this popular target. December’s crisp, clear skies make this the perfect time to marvel at these celestial wonders and delve into the rich tapestry of the Orion constellation.
Good News
50-Day Rockies Survival
A hiker in British Columbia has been found alive after surviving five weeks lost in a remote provincial park, enduring subzero temperatures and harsh wilderness conditions.
Sam Benastick, 32, embarked on a 10-day camping and fishing trip in Redfern-Keily Provincial Park, 660 miles north of Vancouver. Equipped with basic supplies, he planned to hike 80 kilometers to fish for Arctic grayling. When he failed to return by October 17th, his family alerted authorities, prompting an extensive search by the BC Search and Rescue Association involving over 120 volunteers, vehicles, and aircraft. On November 12th, surveyors discovered him on a remote access road. He was hospitalized for frostbite, exhaustion, and smoke inhalation and later discharged. Benastick initially stayed near his car before relocating to a creekside campsite and eventually building a shelter in a dried creek bed. Encountering wolves forced him to abandon his original plans and adapt to worsening conditions, including heavy snow. The park’s rugged terrain, dangerous wildlife, and lack of communication networks pose significant challenges even for seasoned outdoorsmen.
Timber Bigfoot, a land manager and member of the Prophet River First Nation, described Benastick’s survival as a “miracle” and praised his resilience. Despite the ordeal, his family believes his passion for the outdoors remains undiminished, with relatives joking about getting him a GPS for Christmas. Reflecting on his experience, Benastick quipped from his hospital bed that he didn’t even catch a single fish.
Environment
An Anti-Trafficking Victory
The seized radiated tortoises – Credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
Thai authorities seized 48 lemurs, 30 primates, several crocodiles, and over 1,000 rare tortoises in a raid on four smuggling trucks. The bust, valued at $2 million on the black market, will see these animals returned to Madagascar.
At a ceremony in Bangkok, the Thai government handed over the 961 healthy animals to representatives from the Malagasy Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, ahead of their flight home on three Qatar Airways planes. “This operation sends a clear message: possessing these animals is wrong, and arrests like this raise global awareness,” said Attapol Charoenchansa, director of the department.
Radiated tortoises and all the lemur species seized are listed under CITES Appendix I, meaning their trade is only allowed in exceptional circumstances. Trafficking these species carries severe penalties. Both are native to Madagascar and are in high demand in the illegal pet trade. Wildlife, including plants and seeds, is the third-largest illegal market globally, after drugs and weapons. Unlike drugs and weapons, endangered species cannot be replaced, making this seizure a major disruption to criminal operations and a positive step in the conservation of these species.
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Stress-Relief Techniques for Busy Professionals
In today’s fast-paced world, stress is inevitable, especially for busy professionals. Long work hours, tight deadlines, and constant multitasking can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. However, managing stress is crucial for maintaining productivity and overall health. Here are some simple yet effective stress-relief techniques:
Deep Breathing Exercises – Taking a few minutes to focus on deep breathing can significantly reduce stress. Try inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds, and exhaling for 4 seconds. This calms the nervous system and helps refocus your mind.
Quick Stretching – Sitting for long periods can increase stress. Incorporate short stretching breaks throughout the day to release tension, especially in your neck, shoulders, and back. A few stretches every hour can improve blood circulation and reduce stress.
Mindfulness Meditation – Even a few minutes of mindfulness can be powerful. Focus on the present moment, whether it’s during a break or while completing a task. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you if you’re new to meditation.
Time Management Techniques – Prioritize your tasks with methods like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break). This prevents burnout and keeps your mind fresh throughout the day.
Set Boundaries – It’s essential to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Avoid checking emails during off-hours, and take time for activities that help you unwind, such as reading, walking, or spending time with loved ones.
By incorporating these stress-relief techniques into your routine, you can improve your focus, productivity, and overall well-being, even on your busiest days.
Mind Stretchers
⁉️
Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
I have a heart that doesn’t beat,
But in the kitchen, I’m quite a treat.
My leaves are tough, but inside I'm soft,
What am I?
— An artichoke, James Godfrey got this first! ☀️
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.
From the Community
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