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In today's newsletter, discover the marvels of the deep sea with our featured article on the discovery of 100 new species. Don't miss the stunning images accompanying the piece — they're fascinating!

Science

Solar Chaos Coming Soon

At first glance, the sun appears as a tranquil, steady beacon in the sky. However, a closer look reveals a star in constant turmoil, oscillating between states of calm and chaotic plasma activity in a cycle that reshapes its surface and magnetic field.

Every 11 years, the sun undergoes a dramatic transformation. Its magnetic field, having become as twisted as an overwound bundle of elastic bands, abruptly reverses, swapping its magnetic poles. This event is the climax of a process leading to heightened solar activity, including the ejection of massive plasma blobs, the formation of vast dark spots, and the release of intense radiation streams.

This phase of increased solar behavior, known as the solar maximum, can trigger solar storms capable of disrupting communication systems, damaging electrical grids, affecting living organisms (astronauts in particular), and endanger satellites.

Recent observations indicate that the upcoming solar maximum might arrive earlier and with more intensity than previously anticipated. Although scientists had forecasted the peak of the current solar cycle to occur in 2025, a surge in sunspots, solar storms, and unusual solar events now suggests that the solar maximum could begin as early as the end of this year.

The solar cycle transitions from a solar minimum, a period of low solar activity, to a solar maximum and back every 11 years. The reasons behind the duration of these cycles remain a mystery, despite their consistent tracking since the first recorded Solar Cycle 1 between 1755 and 1766. The ongoing cycle, Solar Cycle 25, started in December 2019, as confirmed by NASA.

The root of the sun's cyclical changes lies in its magnetic field, explains Alex James, a solar physicist. During the solar minimum, the sun's magnetic field is strong and well-ordered, effectively suppressing solar activity by keeping the sun's plasma contained. Over time, however, this magnetic field becomes entangled, leading to a weakening of its strength and a subsequent increase in solar activity. This activity is marked by the emergence of coronal loops — massive, magnetized structures on the sun's surface — and the occurrence of solar flares and coronal mass ejections as the magnetic field realigns.

Following the peak of this activity, the sun's magnetic field undergoes a complete reversal, marking the end of the current cycle and the beginning of a new solar minimum, thus continuing the cycle of solar transformation.

While this is a regular event that happens every 11 or so years, I am very excited for the upcoming solar maximum. The quality of images we have been able to take of the sun over the last few years has gotten so much better. I think we will get a whole new wealth of amazing photographs of our sun in its most active time.

Environment

Over 100 Stunning New Species Found

Over a hundred novel species of exotic marine creatures have been unveiled in the vicinity of towering underwater peaks off Chile's coast. This discovery was made by an international group of researchers who ventured into the uncharted territories of sea mountains, some reaching heights of up to 3,530 meters.

The expedition, spearheaded by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, revealed a diverse collection of species previously unknown to science, including unique deep-sea corals, sponges, sea urchins, amphipods, and squat lobsters.

Utilizing a remotely operated underwater vehicle, the team probed the depths of the ocean floor, encountering marine life in regions as deep as 4,500 meters. They discovered that each underwater mountain hosted a rich variety of ecosystems, many of which were classified as vulnerable, featuring vibrant coral reefs, sponge gardens, and an array of peculiar fish, lobsters, and amphipods.

Dr. Javier Sellanes from the Universidad Católica del Norte in Chile expressed astonishment at the sheer number of new species found, particularly among sponges, expressing that the findings surpassed their expectations. The team is currently examining the physical and genetic characteristics of these specimens to officially classify them as new species.

The captivating journey and its findings can be viewed through the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s video footage below. Make sure to check it out, it is amazing!

Culture

Harry Potter Proof Copy Bought for 15 Cents May Sell for $20,000

The 52-year-old owner, who wants to stay anonymous, found a rare proof copy of the first Harry Potter story in a used bookstore bin where three books were sold for 45 cents. He kept it on his shelf for 30 years without realizing its value, and now it's expected to fetch $20,000 at auction.

The plain white and yellow-covered copy of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" was bought in 1997. This early edition, with a mistake in the author's name, was one of only 200 printed by Bloomsbury, marking the beginning of the Harry Potter phenomenon.

The owner, recalling the purchase, said, “In 1997, when I was 26, I lived in Crystal Palace in London. I didn’t have much money but I always liked to treat myself to a browse in second-hand bookshops on Saturday mornings. I dropped into one of my usual haunts looking for some Agatha Christies. Piles of books were all jumbled up in baskets on the floor, and the Harry Potter book was among the piles of Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, etc. I bought it as a throw-in with a couple of other titles. I don’t think I even looked at it properly, to tell the truth. Since then, it’s followed me round to China, Taiwan, the UK, and now Italy, being packed and unpacked—without being read.”

The owner realized the book's value after reading about high prices for Potter books online. Hansons book expert, Jim Spencer, mentioned the uniqueness of the find, having encountered only one other similar book that sold for almost $24,000 (£18,750) last year. The title page mistakenly states the author’s name as ‘J A Rowling’ instead of J K Rowling and, on the other side, ‘Joanne Rowling’.”

World News

UK's Super Energy-Efficient Mud Home

This new British home, featuring thick mud walls, is part of an EU project aiming to enhance energy efficiency. Architect Anthony Hudson used an old construction method while ensuring compliance with modern building rules.

Constructed in Fakenham, Norfolk, the walls are made from a simple mix of hemp straw, earth, and water, known as 'cob,' giving the project its name, CobBauge. These cob walls provide insulation comparable to modern standards.

Built in January by local builders Grocott and Murfit, the three-bedroom project by Hudson Architects is celebrated for its affordability, though the exact cost remains undisclosed. Mud, a sustainable material, has seen some traditional British mud buildings last over 500 years.

The new house, equipped with large south-facing windows for winter sun and a heat pump for additional warmth, is part of an EU-funded initiative for zero carbon emission mud construction, marking the first regulations-compliant cob building.

The next goal is to streamline construction techniques to reduce labor intensity, with Hudson optimistic that this approach will gain popularity once this hurdle is overcome. In March, the mud house will open to the public, featuring a 'green roof' to support biodiversity and compensate for lost green space on the site.

Here is a video of an interesting construction project that was done in India also using mud as its base.

Mind Stretchers

❓️ 

How can the number four be half of five?

Answer to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Bookkeeper 😵 

Albert Knox got the correct answer 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]

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