Good Morning! 🌞

We are about to have a really cool, and rare, event in North America. A total solar eclipse.

Check out the article below for all the details and to see if you ware in the path of the total solar eclipse. I am quite excited for the eclipse. I will be getting around an 80% eclipse in my area.

Also, don’t use sunglasses to look at the eclipse, your eyes will not appreciate it! ☀️ 🌎️ 😎 

US News

Solar Eclipse Over North American Coming Soon

A solar eclipse is slated for April 8th, 2024, cutting across North America instead of remote regions like the Indian Ocean. These celestial events, occurring when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, hold great fascination for skywatchers.

Total solar eclipses are relatively rare, happening roughly once every year or two, often in areas with few inhabitants. This upcoming eclipse, nicknamed "The Great North American Eclipse," will be visible across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

During a partial eclipse, the Moon partially obscures the Sun, leaving crescents visible. Millions will experience the "path of totality," where the sky darkens during daylight hours, reminiscent of the 2017 eclipse.
The eclipse will commence in Mexico and traverse several US states before reaching Canada. Though the total eclipse phase lasts only a few minutes, the entire progression takes about three hours. Despite the Sun's immense size compared to the Moon, they appear similar in size from Earth due to their respective distances.

According to Space.com, it's only safe to observe the sun's corona with the naked eye when the sun is fully obscured during totality. For any other stage of the eclipse, including the partial phases, you need to use certified solar eclipse glasses to safely view the sun.

Specialized eclipse glasses or solar viewers, readily available on platforms like Amazon, provide a safe means of observing the event and may even reveal phenomena such as coronal mass ejections. If you purchase any eclipse glasses, you can check to make sure they are approved by the American Astronomical Society here.

All of the U.S. will be able to see at least a partial eclipse, but only some of it will get the total eclipse. You can find the path of the total eclipse here.

Health Science

Lyme Disease Vaccine In Its Final Clinical Trial

A forthcoming vaccine for Lyme disease is undergoing its final clinical trial, announced by French pharmaceutical company Valneva, in collaboration with Pfizer. This vaccine, dubbed VLA5, demonstrated a robust immune response during Phase 2 trials.

The upcoming Phase 3 trial will enlist 6,000 participants worldwide, focusing on regions with high Lyme disease prevalence such as Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United States. By targeting the outer surface protein (OspA) of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted by ticks, the vaccine aims to prevent human infection.

Annaliesa Anderson, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Head of Vaccine Research & Development at Pfizer, expressed anticipation for the Phase 3 results, emphasizing collaboration with research sites in the U.S. and Europe.

With over 476,000 annual Lyme disease cases in the U.S. and a 5.8 percent global incidence rate, the potential impact of this vaccine is substantial. Given Lyme disease's capacity to progress into chronic illness, the prospect of preventing debilitating conditions for millions is a significant development.

Entertainment

Deadpool X Wolverine

"Deadpool & Wolverine" promises an explosive reunion between Marvel's beloved antiheroes. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film sees Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reprising their roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, stirring excitement among fans. With the Time Variance Authority (TVA) meddling, Deadpool's peaceful existence is shattered as he embarks on a mission alongside Wolverine that could alter MCU history.

Packed with action and humor, this anticipated sequel, set to release on July 26, 2024.

Check the trailer out!

Sports

2024 European Youth Boxing Championships

Poreč, Croatia, is set to host the EUBC Youth Men and Women European Boxing Championships from April 2nd to April 15th. Organized by the Croatian Boxing Federation and the European Boxing Confederation (EUBC), this event serves as a proving ground for Europe's up-and-coming boxing talent.

The championships will see young fighters from across the continent compete in intense bouts, showcasing their skills and determination. With victory on the line, every match promises fierce competition and adrenaline-fueled action.

Beyond the ring, the event fosters a sense of unity among participants, offering opportunities for cultural exchange and friendship. Poreč's scenic beauty adds to the event's appeal, providing a picturesque backdrop for the championship.

As spectators gather to witness the action, they can expect thrilling matchups and displays of raw talent. For these young boxers, the championships represent a chance to make a name for themselves on the international stage.

Mind Stretchers

❓️ 

Lee, Joe, Sue, Janet and Charles took a math exam.  Charles was not last, Janet was not first or last.  Charles scored higher than Joe, Janet scored higher than Sue, Lee scored lower than Joe but higher than Janet.  Who had the highest score?

Answer to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Because they've just finished a long March! 🤣 

Gerry Moore 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 might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.