News
Asteroid Apophis: An Exciting Encounter with Earth
Get ready for an exciting and safe encounter with asteroid Apophis as it zooms past Earth in 2029! Don’t miss this celestial event! #Apophis2029
In just five years, on April 13, 2029, the world will witness the close encounter of a rather infamous asteroid named Apophis. This grand event, visible to the naked eye, has sparked curiosity among astronomers and captured the attention of the public. However, rest assured, there is no reason for alarm. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of the asteroid Apophis and shed light on its journey through the cosmos.
Location, Location, Location:
Apophis is an asteroid measuring about 1,100 feet (340 meters) in diameter. Extensive calculations have revealed that it will safely pass by Earth both in 2029 and 2036. During the 2029 flyby, Apophis will come within a nominal distance of 19,662 miles (31,643 km) from our planet’s surface, closer than the moon and many satellites in Earth’s orbit. As it traverses through Earth’s gravitational field, the passage of Apophis might even cause subtle asteroid-quakes and slightly alter its orbit.
Spectacular Viewing Opportunities:
Although not observable from everywhere, lucky viewers in Australia, southern Asia, southern Europe, and Africa will have a front-row seat to witness Apophis at its brightest in 2029. As the asteroid gradually moves away from Earth and dims, it will become visible in eastern South America. Furthermore, as evening falls along the east coast of North America, telescopes will reveal Apophis located approximately 15 degrees north of the Pleiades. An ephemeris for the asteroid can be found on our website to help astronomers and enthusiasts track its celestial journey.
The Discovery of Apophis:
On the remarkable evening of June 19, 2004, astronomers at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona made a thrilling discovery. Dave Tholen, Fabrizio Bernardi, and the late Roy Tucker stumbled upon an asteroid, later designated as 2004 MN4. What made this discovery even more extraordinary was the fact that the asteroid was unusually close to the sun, only 57 degrees away. Further observations revealed that Apophis had an orbit different from most asteroids, resembling that of an Aten-class asteroid.
Narrowing the Probability of Collision:
Initially, calculations showed that Apophis had a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth on April 13, 2029, a date marked with superstition. This resulted in a media frenzy surrounding the potentially hazardous asteroid. However, over several years, astronomers meticulously observed Apophis, taking into account the influence of other celestial bodies and the Yarkovsky effect caused by sunlight. By 2006, these studies dispelled the notion of a collision in 2029, relieving the world of any imminent danger.
No More Worries for the Future:
Many eagerly awaited the subsequent close approach of Apophis in 2036. However, in 2013, after conducting radar observations using the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex and the Green Bank Observatory, NASA definitively ruled out any potential impact in 2036 and for the next 100 years. Apophis is now no longer on the Sentry Impact Risk Table, which lists potentially dangerous objects near Earth.
Unlocking the Scientific Opportunities:
With the new knowledge that Apophis poses no threat, astronomers can fully embrace the upcoming close encounter as a fantastic scientific opportunity. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, known for its historic mission to bring samples from asteroid Bennu back to Earth, is now en route to rendezvous with Apophis in April 2029. Renamed OSIRIS-APEX (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security – Apophis Explorer), this mission will unlock further insights into the asteroid’s composition and characteristics.
As we eagerly anticipate the visit of the asteroid Apophis in 2029, let us celebrate the wonders of our universe. Apophis serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our cosmic neighborhood and the continuously advancing knowledge of our exceptional astronomers. So mark your calendars and join the world in witnessing this extraordinary celestial event, which promises to be a captivating spectacle for all.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
News
Discovering the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: A New Cultural Landmark in Los Angeles
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, opening in 2026, will explore storytelling through diverse art collections, fostering connections among cultures, and promoting inclusivity and dialogue.
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
Nestled in the vibrant Exposition Park of Los Angeles, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to reshape our understanding of storytelling through visual art. Co-founded by the legendary filmmaker George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum aims to be the first institution solely dedicated to exploring the meaning and impact of narrative art, reflecting the common beliefs and values that bind society together.
The museum’s construction is progressing towards a grand opening in 2026, with its innovative 300,000-square-foot building designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects. Its design takes inspiration from the natural world, featuring a biomorphic structure that mimics the relationship between trees and their surroundings. The bustling 11-acre campus will include lush gardens and parks designed by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, infusing more than 200 trees into the landscape to create a serene gathering space for the community while promoting biodiversity.
But what truly sets the Lucas Museum apart is its ambitious collection aimed at featuring narrative art from various cultures, mediums, and historical periods. With works ranging from ancient Roman mosaics to contemporary photography, the collection invites viewers into complex dialogues about identity, society, and history. Artists like Lucas Cranach the Elder, Kerry James Marshall, and Cara Romero illustrate the extent to which art can challenge societal norms and provoke meaningful conversations.
As Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the museum’s Director and CEO, eloquently states, “Through narrative art, people from every age and background can find connections between their lives and the lives of others across eras, cultures, and regions of the globe.” This goal underscores the museum’s mission to foster inclusive dialogues and broaden the understanding between diverse communities.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lovingly embraces visual storytelling in all its forms, from traditional paintings and sculptures to comic art and illustrations. This multifaceted approach not only honors the rich history of narrative in art but also opens doors to contemporary practices that resonate with today’s viewers.
As construction milestones are reached, including the recent installation of unique, curved panels on the museum’s façade and the introduction of iconic landscaping elements, excitement builds for the museum’s anticipated opening. The Lucas Museum stands as a beacon of creativity, connection, and inclusivity, inviting the public to delve into the powerful narratives that shape our world.
In a society where storytelling is at the heart of human experience, the Lucas Museum aims not only to showcase art but also to ignite deeper connections and provoke thought about the world we inhabit. Mark your calendars for 2026—you won’t want to miss this extraordinary addition to Los Angeles’ cultural landscape!
Museum Link: https://lucasmuseum.org/
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
and let your entertainment journey begin!
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
The Bridge
An upward spiral – how small acts of kindness and connection really can change the world, according to psychology research
Liza M. Hinchey, Wayne State University
Political chasms, wars, oppression … it’s easy to feel hopeless and helpless watching these dark forces play out. Could any of us ever really make a meaningful difference in the face of so much devastation?
Given the scale of the world’s problems, it might feel like the small acts of human connection and solidarity that you do have control over are like putting Band-Aids on bullet wounds. It can feel naive to imagine that small acts could make any global difference.
As a psychologist, human connection researcher and audience member, I was inspired to hear musician Hozier offer a counterpoint at a performance this year. “The little acts of love and solidarity that we offer each other can have powerful impact … ” he told the crowd. “I believe the core of people on the whole is good – I genuinely do. I’ll die on that hill.”
I’m happy to report that the science agrees with him.
Research shows that individual acts of kindness and connection can have a real impact on global change when these acts are collective. This is true at multiple levels: between individuals, between people and institutions, and between cultures.
This relational micro-activism is a powerful force for change – and serves as an antidote to hopelessness because unlike global-scale issues, these small acts are within individuals’ control.
Abstract becomes real through relationships
Theoretically, the idea that small, interpersonal acts have large-scale impact is explained by what psychologists call cognitive dissonance: the discomfort you feel when your actions and beliefs don’t line up.
For example, imagine two people who like each other. One believes that fighting climate change is crucial, and the other believes that climate change is a political ruse. Cognitive dissonance occurs: They like each other, but they disagree. People crave cognitive balance, so the more these two like each other, the more motivated they will be to hear each other out.
According to this model, then, the more you strengthen your relationships through acts of connection, the more likely you’ll be to empathize with those other individual perspectives. When these efforts are collective, they can increase understanding, compassion and community in society at large. Issues like war and oppression can feel overwhelming and abstract, but the abstract becomes real when you connect to someone you care about.
So, does this theory hold up when it comes to real-world data?
Small acts of connection shift attitudes
Numerous studies support the power of individual acts of connection to drive larger-scale change.
For instance, researchers studying the political divide in the U.S. found that participants self-identifying as Democrats or Republicans “didn’t like” people in the other group largely due to negative assumptions about the other person’s morals. People also said they valued morals like fairness, respect, loyalty and a desire to prevent harm to others.
I’m intentionally leaving out which political group preferred which traits – they all sound like positive attributes, don’t they? Even though participants thought they didn’t like each other based on politics, they also all valued traits that benefit relationships.
One interpretation of these findings is that the more people demonstrate to each other, act by act, that they are loyal friends and community members who want to prevent harm to others, the more they might soften large-scale social and political disagreements.
Even more convincingly, another study found that Hungarian and Romanian students – people from ethnic groups with a history of social tensions – who said they had strong friendships with each other also reported improved attitudes toward the other group. Having a rocky friendship with someone from the other group actually damaged attitudes toward the other ethnic group as a whole. Again, nurturing the quality of relationships, even on an objectively small scale, had powerful implications for reducing large-scale tensions.
In another study, researchers examined prejudice toward what psychologists call an out-group: a group that you don’t belong to, whether based on ethnicity, political affiliation or just preference for dogs versus cats.
They asked participants to reflect on the positive qualities of someone they knew, or on their own positive characteristics. When participants wrote about the positive qualities of someone else, rather than themselves, they later reported lower levels of prejudice toward an out-group – even if the person they wrote about had no connection to that out-group. Here, moving toward appreciation of the other, rather than away from prejudice, was an effective way to transform preconceived beliefs.
So, small acts of connection can shift personal attitudes. But can they really affect societies?
From one-on-one to society-wide
Every human being is embedded in their own network with the people and world around them, what psychologists call their social ecology. Compassionate change at any level of someone’s social ecology – internally, interpersonally or structurally – can affect all the other levels, in a kind of positive feedback loop, or upward spiral.
For instance, both system-level anti-discrimination programming in schools and interpersonal support between students act reciprocally to shape school environments for students from historically marginalized groups. Again, individual acts play a key role in these positive domino effects.
Even as a human connection researcher, I’ve been surprised by how much I and others have progressed toward mutual understanding by simply caring about each other. But what are small acts of connection, after all, but acts of strengthening relationships, which strengthen communities, which influence societies?
In much of my clinical work, I use a model called social practice — or “intentional community-building” – as a form of therapy for people recovering from serious mental illnesses, like schizophrenia. And if intentional community-building can address some of the most debilitating states of the human psyche, I believe it follows that, writ large, it could help address the most debilitating states of human societies as well.
Simply put, science supports the idea that moving toward each other in small ways can be transformational. I’ll die on that hill too.
Liza M. Hinchey, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychology, Wayne State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
FDA CDC News
Seafood Recall: Important Information on Hannaford Seafood Salads
In early November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Class II recall concerning Hannaford Seafood Salads, affecting over 1,600 units across five states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. The recall, initiated on October 31, was due to a mislabeling incident that poses a significant risk to consumers with soy allergies.
Understanding the Class II Risk Level
The FDA has classified this recall as a Class II risk, indicating that exposure to the affected products may cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” However, the risk of experiencing serious health consequences remains “remote.” Despite this classification, consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy must take this recall seriously, as they could face life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the mislabeled salads.
What Happened?
The problem arose when the printer responsible for the salad labels provided Elevation Foods, the manufacturer of the salads, with labels that did not accurately reflect the current product formulation. Instead of the correct labels, the printer mistakenly issued labels meant for an upcoming formulation change. As a result, the affected salads may contain undeclared hydrolyzed soy protein, a known allergen that must be clearly stated on product labels to protect consumer safety.
Product Details
The implicated Hannaford Seafood Salads were distributed between October 25 and 29, and they feature use-by dates of November 13 and 14. Consumers can find these dates printed on the lid of the containers. Following the recall announcement, all affected products were promptly removed from store shelves.
Health Risks Associated with Soy Allergies
For individuals with soy allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies soy proteins as harmful invaders, leading to a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. Common reactions include stomach issues, coughing, itching, wheezing, vomiting, hives, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, these reactions can escalate to life-threatening conditions, such as anaphylaxis.
To mitigate risks, those with soy allergies are advised to carry an epinephrine injection (Epi-Pen) to counteract severe allergic reactions swiftly.
What Should Consumers Do?
Customers who purchased Hannaford Seafood Salads before the recall are urged not to consume the products. Instead, they can return them to the store where they made the purchase for a full refund. Elevation Foods has not reported any known cases of illness related to these salads, but consumer safety remains a top priority.
Conclusion
This seafood salad recall serves as a crucial reminder about the importance of accurate labeling, especially when it comes to potential allergens. Consumers should remain vigilant and informed about the products they purchase, particularly if they have food allergies. Stay safe and always check your labels!
Related Links:
https://www.newsweek.com/seafood-salad-recall-update-fda-risk-level-hannaford-1992294
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Urbanism1 year ago
Signal Hill, California: A Historic Enclave Surrounded by Long Beach
-
News2 years ago
Diana Gregory Talks to us about Diana Gregory’s Outreach Services
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years ago
The Absolute Most Comfortable Pickleball Shoe I’ve Ever Worn!
-
STM Blog2 years ago
World Naked Gardening Day: Celebrating Body Acceptance and Nature
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years ago
ACE PICKLEBALL CLUB TO DEBUT THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED INDOOR PICKLEBALL FRANCHISES IN THE US, IN EARLY 2023
-
Travel2 years ago
Unique Experiences at the CitizenM
-
Automotive2 years ago
2023 Nissan Sentra pricing starts at $19,950
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years ago
“THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS OF PICKLEBALL” – VOTING OPEN