Latest news with #Antares
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Northrop Grumman lifts 2025 profit forecast on strong demand for weapons
Northrop Grumman's Antares rocket lifts off the launch pad at the NASA Test Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) Northrop Grumman raised its annual profit forecast and topped Wall Street estimates for second-quarter revenue on Tuesday, aided by sustained demand for its military aircraft and defense systems as geopolitical tensions simmer. Shares of the company rose about three per cent in premarket trading. A protracted Russia and Ukraine war and conflict in the Middle East have boosted demand for weapons from defense contractors such as Northrop. The company, which makes the B-2 Spirit stealth bombers that were used in U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites in June, is also expected to benefit from President Donald Trump's defense budget for next year that seeks more missiles and drones. Northrop had cut its 2025 profit forecast in April to between US$24.95 per share and $25.35 per share after manufacturing costs spiraled in an attempt to ramp production of its B-21 stealth bombers, causing a $477 million hit. It now expects annual profit per share of $25.00 to $25.40 Northrop, however, narrowed its revenue forecast for the year to between $42.05 billion and $42.25 billion, compared with $42 billion to $42.5 billion earlier. Despite the strong demand, supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic linger, affecting production in industries including defense. The defense contractor's second-quarter sales rose to $10.35 billion, compared with analysts' average estimate of $10.07 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. It reported a quarterly net income of $1.17 billion, or a per-share profit of $8.15, compared with the $940 million, or $6.36 per share, a year ago. (Reporting by Utkarsh Shetti in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed)
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
We travelled to Antarctica to see if a Māori lunar calendar might help track environmental change
Antarctica's patterns of stark seasonal changes, with months of darkness followed by a summer of 24-hour daylight, prompted us to explore how a Māori lunar and environmental calendar (Maramataka) might apply to the continent and help us recognise changes as the climate continues to warm. Maramataka represent an ancient knowledge system using environmental signs (tohu) to impart knowledge about lunar and environmental connections. It traces the mauri (energy flow) between the land (whenua), the ocean (moana) and the sky and atmosphere (rangi), and how people connect to the natural world. Maramataka are regionally specific. For example, in Manukau, the arrival of godwits from the Arctic indicates seasonal changes that align with the migration of eels moving up the local Puhinui stream. During matiti muramura, the third summer phase that aligns with the summer solstice, the environment offers tohu that guide seasonal activity. The flowering of pohutukawa is a land sign (tohu o te whenua), the rising of Rehua (Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius) is an atmospheric sign (tohu o te rangi), and sea urchins (kina) are a sea sign (tohu o te moana). When these signs align, it signals balance in nature and the right time to gather food. But if they are out of sync (such as early flowering or small kina), it means something in the environment (te taiao) is out of balance. These tohu remind us how deeply land, sea and sky are connected, and why careful observation matters. When they're out of sync, they call us to pause, observe and adapt in ways that restore natural balance and uphold the mauri of te taiao. Tracking a Maramataka in Antarctica One of the key tohu we observed in Antarctica was the mass arrival of Weddell seals outside New Zealand's Scott Base at the height of summer. Guided by Maramataka authorities, we explored other local tohu using Hautuu Waka, an ancient framework of weaving and wayfinding to navigate a changing environment. Originally used for navigating vast oceans, wayfinding in this context becomes a metaphor for navigating the complexities of today's environmental and social challenges. During the Antarctic summer, the Sun doesn't set. But we documented the Moon when visible in the day sky and observed the Sun, clouds, mountains and various forms of snow and ice. This included glacial ice on the land, sea ice in the ocean and snowflakes in the sky. While the tohu in Antarctica were vastly different from those observed in Aotearoa, the energy phases of the Maramataka Moon cycles aligned with traditional stories (pūrākau) describing snow and ice. We identified some of the 12 different forms of snow recorded by ethnographers, who described them as the 'offspring of wind and rain'. At Scott Base, we observed feather-like snow (hukapuhi) and floating snow (hukarangaranga). Further inland on the high-elevation polar plateau, we found 'unseen' snow (hukakoropuku), which is not always visible to the naked eye but felt on the skin, and dust-like snow (hukapunehunehu), akin to diamond dust. The latter phenomenon occurs when air temperatures are cold enough for water vapour to condense directly out of the atmosphere and form tiny ice crystals, which sparkle like diamonds. In te ao Māori, snow has a genealogy (whakapapa) that connects it to wider systems of life and knowledge. Snow is part of a continuum that begins in Ranginui (the sky father) and moves through the god (atua) of weather Tāwhirimātea, who shapes the form and movement of clouds, winds, rain and snow. Each type of snow carries its own name, qualities and behaviour, reflecting its journey through the skies and land. The existence of the specific terms (kupu) for different forms of snow and ice reflect generations of observation, passed down through whakapapa and oral histories (kōrero tuku iho). Connecting Western science and mātauranga Māori Our first observations of tohu in Antarctica mark the initial step towards intertwining the ancient knowledge system of mātauranga Māori with modern scientific exploration. Observing snow through traditional practices provided insights into processes that cannot be fully understood through Western science methods alone. Mātauranga Māori recognises tohu through close sensory attention and relational awareness with the landscape. Drawing on our field observations and past and present knowledge of environmental calendars found in mātauranga Māori and palaeo-climate data such as ice cores, we can begin to connect different knowledge systems in Antarctica. For example, just as the Maramataka contains information about the environment over time, so do Antarctic ice cores. Every snowflake carries a chemical signature of the environment that, day by day, builds up a record of the past. By measuring the chemistry of Antarctic ice, we gain proxy information about environmental and seasonal cycles such as temperature, winds, sea ice and marine phytoplankton. The middle of summer in an ice core record is marked by peak levels in chemical signals from marine phytoplankton that bloom in the Ross Sea when sea ice melts, temperatures are warmer and light and nutrients are available. This biogenic aerosol is a summer tohu identified as a key environmental time marker in the Maramataka of the onset of the breading season and surge in biological activity. The knowledge of Maramataka has developed over millennia. Conceptualising this for Antarctica opens a way of using Māori methods and frameworks to glean new insights about the continent and ocean. Grounded in te ao Māori understanding that everything is connected, this approach invites us to see the polar environment not as a remote but a living system of interwoven tohu, rhythms and relationships. Disclosure statement Holly Winton receives funding from Royal Society Te Apārangi (Rutherford Discovery Fellowship and Marsden Fast-Start) and Victoria University of Wellington (Mātauranga Māori Research Fund). Logistics support for Antarctic fieldwork was provided by Antarctica New Zealand. Ayla Hoeta receives funding from Victoria University of Wellington (Mātauranga Māori Research Fund). Logistics support for Antarctic fieldwork was provided by Antarctica New Zealand.
Otago Daily Times
16-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Panels reflect ORC building's new name
A feature panel is now secured to the side of the Otago Regional Council's new premises, reflecting the building's new name — Aonui. PHOTOS: GERARD O'BRIEN Two feature panels being installed on the side of the Otago Regional Council building this week hold clues to the name of the new premises. The Maclaggan St building, owned by Port Otago and leased by the ORC, is to be called Aonui — a prestigious name that encapsulates Kāi Tahu identity throughout time. Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou ūpoko Edward Ellison said the name had "great mana and significance" in both te ao Māori and in Kāi Tahu tradition, and had the endorsement of mana whenua from across the region. "Given ORC's important role in achieving the sustainable use and management of our environment, and their commitment to partnering with mana whenua, we are delighted to share such a prestigious name for their building." Mr Ellison said Aonui related to the pursuit of knowledge in the natural world, and it was the son of Rehua in the celestial world — also known as Antares in Western astronomy. The waka Āraiteuru, which is synonymous with the Otago coast, had a crew member named Aonui, who sought fresh water and found it at Mata au (Clutha River), and is remembered by the tall basaltic pillar named Aonui (Cooks Head) just north of the Tokomairaro River on the Āraiteuru coastline. The name and panel designs were provided by mana whenua cultural experts Dr Megan Pōtiki, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe and Mr Ellison. The pūhoro patterns on the panels were created by Kāi Tahu artist Ephraim Russell, under the guidance of Aukaha's Mana Ahurea design team, and depict the rivers and streams that run through Dunedin — in particular, the awa Toitū that flows down MacLaggan St. Kāi Tahu shares a deep, cultural connection to fresh water, recognising its vital role in traditions, practices and its symbiotic relationship with the land. Fresh water holds importance as a taoka (precious resource), influencing traditional practices of mahika kai, and fostering a sense of respect, reciprocity and kaitiakitaka (stewardship). The location of the build is significant to mana whenua, with the Toitū awa (stream) next to the site of the building, as well as the location of the old Māori hostel nearby. Otago Regional Council chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said Aonui reflected the council's dedication to mana whenua and to the environment. "We are delighted that mana whenua have endorsed this prestigious name that is solidified in the Otago landscape and pulls together all aspects of the environment, from freshwater to salt water and to air. "It really highlights the importance council places on our relationship with mana whenua and our joint environmental priorities and aspirations." Other councillors' opinions were mixed. Cr Gary Kelliher denounced the whole $54.5million building as a "burden" on ratepayers. "This building continues to be a huge blight on the ratepayers and a huge cost to everyone except iwi, who get paid for their involvement and now get a mythical name that doesn't really resonate with the wider Otago community." Cr Tim Mepham described Cr Kelliher's comment as "a redneck rant". "Accepting the name Aonui, given by Ngai Tahu for the new building, reflects not only the maturing of relationship between Ngai Tahu and the council, but a growing acceptance within New Zealand that Maori and Pakeha are working together to create a positive future that will distinguish this country from the rest of the Western world." Cr Kelliher also criticised the decision to use synthetic carpet in the building instead of more environmentally friendly wool carpet, which he said was "one of the biggest kicks in the guts" for Otago farmers. "This building will burden Otago for generations, and is a prime example of why major changes are needed in regional government." Cr Michael Laws described the new headquarters as an official "up yours" to every ratepayer in the region. "It's a building in search of an empire." Cr Alexa Forbes and Cr Mepham said those who were concerned about the rates should have a close look at the funding mechanisms for the building — the sale of existing property, an existing building fund and what would normally be paid in rent. "The actual impact on ratepayers is minor," Cr Forbes said. Cr Kate Wilson, Cr Alan Somerville and Cr Forbes said they were all happy with the new name.
Otago Daily Times
15-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
ORC reveals name of new building
Two feature panels being installed on the side of the Otago Regional Council building this week hold clues to the name of the new premises. The Maclaggan St building, owned by Port Otago and leased by the ORC, is to be called Aonui - a prestigious name that encapsulates Kāi Tahu identity throughout time. Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou ūpoko Edward Ellison said the name had ''great mana and significance'' in both te ao Māori and in Kāi Tahu tradition, and had the endorsement of mana whenua from across the region. ''Given ORC's important role in achieving the sustainable use and management of our environment, and their commitment to partnering with mana whenua, we are delighted to share such a prestigious name for their building.'' Mr Ellison said Aonui related to the pursuit of knowledge in the natural world, and it was the son of Rehua in the celestial world - also known as Antares in Western astronomy. The waka Āraiteuru , which is synonymous with the Otago coast, had a crew member named Aonui, who sought fresh water and found it at Mata au (Clutha River), and is remembered by the tall basaltic pillar named Aonui (Cooks Head) just north of the Tokomairaro River on the Āraiteuru coastline. The name and panel designs were provided by mana whenua cultural experts Dr Megan Pōtiki, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe and Mr Ellison. The pūhoro patterns on the panels were created by Kāi Tahu artist Ephraim Russell, under the guidance of Aukaha's Mana Ahurea design team, and depict the rivers and streams that run through Dunedin - in particular, the awa Toitū that flows down MacLaggan St. Kāi Tahu shares a deep, cultural connection to freshwater, recognising its vital role in traditions, practices and its symbiotic relationship with the land. Freshwater holds importance as a taoka (precious resource), influencing traditional practices of mahika kai, and fostering a sense of respect, reciprocity, and kaitiakitaka (stewardship). The location of the build is significant to mana whenua, with the Toitū awa (stream) adjacent to the site of the building, as well as the location of the old Māori hostel nearby. Otago Regional Council chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said Aonui reflected council's commitment to mana whenua and to the environment. ''We are delighted that mana whenua have endorsed this prestigious name that is solidified in the Otago landscape and pulls together all aspects of the environment, from freshwater to salt water and to air. ''It really highlights the importance council places on our relationship with mana whenua and our joint environmental priorities and aspirations.''
Scoop
15-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
'Prestigious' New Build Name Solidified In The Otago Environment
As the first of two feature panels are installed on Port Otago's new build this week, the name of the building, to be leased by the Otago Regional Council (ORC), has been revealed. Aonui is a prestigious name that encapsulates Kāi Tahu identity throughout time, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Ūpoko Edward Ellison says. 'The name Aonui has great mana and significance in both te ao Māori and in Kāi Tahu tradition and has the endorsement of mana whenua from across the region. Given ORC's important role in achieving the sustainable use and management of our environment, and their commitment to partnering with mana whenua, we are delighted to share such a prestigious name for their building,' Mr Ellison says. Aonui relates to the pursuit of knowledge in the natural world. In the celestial world, Aonui is the son of Rehua, known as Antares in western astronomy. The waka Āraiteuru, which is synonymous with Otago coast, had a crew member named Aonui, who sought fresh water and found it at Mata au (Clutha River) and is remembered by the tall basaltic pillar named Aonui (Cooks Head) just north of the Tokomairaro River on the Āraiteuru coastline. Otago Regional Council Chairperson, Gretchen Robertson, says Aonui reflects Council's commitment to mana whenua and to the environment. 'We are delighted that mana whenua have endorsed this prestigious name that is solidified in the Otago landscape and pulls together all aspects of the environment, from freshwater to salt water and to air. It really highlights the importance Council places on our relationship with mana whenua and our joint environmental priorities and aspirations.' The name and designs have been derived from matauraka (knowledge) provided by mana whenua cultural experts Dr Megan Pōtiki, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe and Edward Ellison. The new name is in line with the installation of the first of two large feature panels being installed along Maclaggan Street and The Broadway this week. The panels, designed by Kāi Tahu artist Ephraim Russell, under the guidance of Aukaha's Mana Ahurea design team, depict the awa (rivers and streams) that run through Dunedin, in particular the awa Toitū that flows down MacLaggan Street. Kāi Tahu share a deep, cultural connection to freshwater, recognising its vital role in traditions, practices, and its symbiotic relationship with the land. Freshwater holds importance as a taoka (precious resource), influencing traditional practices of mahika kai, and fostering a sense of respect, reciprocity, and kaitiakitaka (stewardship). The pūhoro patterns (a traditional motif in Māori design) represent the water's movement and speed as it journeys across the whenua. Aukaha is a mana whenua owned organisation that delivers cultural design integration, environmental and social services across the Otago and South Canterbury region. Led by Aukaha Design Lead Aroha Novak, Aukaha's design team includes Kāi Tahu artists Kate Stevens West, James York, and Ephraim Russell, who have worked with architects GHD in a co-design process to weave mana whenua values and narratives into the building design. The location of the build is significant to mana whenua, with the Toitū awa/stream adjacent to the site of the building, as well as the location of the old Māori hostel nearby.
