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The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Stunning photos of Milky Way dazzle in sensational space snap contest and wow judges
THERE'S some real stars quality in the nightscapes nominated for the annual Milky Way Photographer of the Year. Photos taken from space, Chile and the US are all in the running for the out-of-this-world picture prize. Advertisement 7 Taken from an ice hut on Austria's Dobratsch mountain with a Milky Way backdrop Credit: UroA� Fink/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG 7 The Perseid Meteor Shower from the Eastern Sierra Nevada Credit: Mike Abramyan/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG 7 A breath taking panorama of the Milky Way captured over Chile's remote Atacama Cactus Valley, famed for its dense cluster of towering cacti Credit: Pablo Ruiz/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG Travel blog Capture The Atlas revealed the sensational photos that have wowed judges at this year's eighth annual competition. Photographer Uroš Fink, who took a snap from an Austrian ice hut, said: 'Undoubtedly my wildest location this winter – Austria's Dobratsch mountain! 'The sky was magnificent, with "In the foreground is the cabin, where I spent three freezing hours waiting for the perfect shot of the Milky Way's core. Advertisement READ MORE WORLD NEWS "It turned out exactly as I envisioned—a true winter fairytale.' 7 The heavens from Socotra, Yemen Credit: Benjamin Barakat/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG 7 Guatemala's Volcan de Fuego against the Milky Way's backdrop Credit: Sergio Montúfar/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG 7 Truly out of this world - the Milky Way from the International Space Station Credit: Don Pettit/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG Advertisement 7 Capturing the Milky Way core from Otago, New Zealand Credit: Kavan Chay/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG WHAT IS THE MILKY WAY The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System. It is a barred spiral galaxy, meaning it has a central bar-shaped structure composed of stars, and spiral arms that extend outward. Here are some key features: Galactic Centre : A densely packed area of stars and other matter, believed to contain a supermassive black hole known as Sagittarius A*. Bulge : Surrounding the galactic centre, the bulge is a roughly spherical region filled with older stars. Disk : This flat, rotating disk contains most of the galaxy's stars, gas, and dust, and includes the spiral arms. Halo : An extended, roughly spherical region surrounding the disk, containing older stars and globular clusters. Spiral Arms : These are regions of higher density that contain a lot of young stars, gas, and dust. Our galaxy is about 100,000 light-years in diameter and contains between 100 billion and 400 billion stars. The Sun is located roughly 27,000 light-years from the galactic center, in one of the spiral arms known as the Orion Arm or Orion Spur. The Milky Way rotates, with stars in the disk orbiting the galactic centre. The speed of rotation varies with distance from the centre. The Milky Way is part of a group of galaxies known as the Local Group, which also includes the Andromeda Galaxy, the Triangulum Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies. From Earth, the Milky Way appears as a milky band of light stretching across the sky, which is the combined light of billions of distant stars that are too faint to be seen individually. Stunning clip of Milky Way captured in record-breaking detail - scientists say it 'changes view of our galaxy forever'
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Stunning photos of Milky Way dazzle in sensational space snap contest and wow judges
See some of the sensational photos that have wowed judges at this year's annual competition OUT OF THIS WORLD OUT OF THIS WORLD Stunning photos of Milky Way dazzle in sensational space snap contest and wow judges Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THERE'S some real stars quality in the nightscapes nominated for the annual Milky Way Photographer of the Year. Photos taken from space, Chile and the US are all in the running for the out-of-this-world picture prize. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Taken from an ice hut on Austria's Dobratsch mountain with a Milky Way backdrop Credit: UroA� Fink/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG 7 The Perseid Meteor Shower from the Eastern Sierra Nevada Credit: Mike Abramyan/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG 7 A breath taking panorama of the Milky Way captured over Chile's remote Atacama Cactus Valley, famed for its dense cluster of towering cacti Credit: Pablo Ruiz/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG Travel blog Capture The Atlas revealed the sensational photos that have wowed judges at this year's eighth annual competition. Photographer Uroš Fink, who took a snap from an Austrian ice hut, said: 'Undoubtedly my wildest location this winter – Austria's Dobratsch mountain! 'The sky was magnificent, with Jupiter and Mars shining brightly. "In the foreground is the cabin, where I spent three freezing hours waiting for the perfect shot of the Milky Way's core. READ MORE WORLD NEWS STORM COMING British missiles could soon be used by Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia "It turned out exactly as I envisioned—a true winter fairytale.' 7 The heavens from Socotra, Yemen Credit: Benjamin Barakat/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG 7 Guatemala's Volcan de Fuego against the Milky Way's backdrop Credit: Sergio Montúfar/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG 7 Truly out of this world - the Milky Way from the International Space Station Credit: Don Pettit/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG 7 Capturing the Milky Way core from Otago, New Zealand Credit: Kavan Chay/Milky Way Photographer of the Year/CMG WHAT IS THE MILKY WAY The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System. It is a barred spiral galaxy, meaning it has a central bar-shaped structure composed of stars, and spiral arms that extend outward. Here are some key features: Galactic Centre : A densely packed area of stars and other matter, believed to contain a supermassive black hole known as Sagittarius A*. : A densely packed area of stars and other matter, believed to contain a supermassive black hole known as Sagittarius A*. Bulge : Surrounding the galactic centre, the bulge is a roughly spherical region filled with older stars. : Surrounding the galactic centre, the bulge is a roughly spherical region filled with older stars. Disk : This flat, rotating disk contains most of the galaxy's stars, gas, and dust, and includes the spiral arms. : This flat, rotating disk contains most of the galaxy's stars, gas, and dust, and includes the spiral arms. Halo : An extended, roughly spherical region surrounding the disk, containing older stars and globular clusters. : An extended, roughly spherical region surrounding the disk, containing older stars and globular clusters. Spiral Arms: These are regions of higher density that contain a lot of young stars, gas, and dust. Our galaxy is about 100,000 light-years in diameter and contains between 100 billion and 400 billion stars. The Sun is located roughly 27,000 light-years from the galactic center, in one of the spiral arms known as the Orion Arm or Orion Spur. The Milky Way rotates, with stars in the disk orbiting the galactic centre. The speed of rotation varies with distance from the centre. The Milky Way is part of a group of galaxies known as the Local Group, which also includes the Andromeda Galaxy, the Triangulum Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies. From Earth, the Milky Way appears as a milky band of light stretching across the sky, which is the combined light of billions of distant stars that are too faint to be seen individually.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Best stargazing events of summer 2025: Full moons, meteor showers, and eclipses you can't miss
Summer 2025 will be a celestial delight for amateur astronomers and stargazers alike. From dazzling meteor showers and glowing full moons to planetary alignments and rare eclipses, the night sky will offer an unforgettable series of astronomical events. Highlights include the breathtaking Perseid Meteor Shower, a dramatic total lunar eclipse, and the Autumnal Equinox, each providing unique opportunities to connect with the cosmos. As these events approach, timing and visibility are crucial. Knowing when and where to look will ensure you don't miss these awe-inspiring moments that illuminate the beauty and rhythm of our universe. For all the stargazers, check below the list of astronomical events this summer 2025 you surely can't miss. List of astronomical events 2025 Date Event Description June 25 New Moon The first new moon of summer 2025 marks a new lunar cycle. June 11 Full Strawberry Moon The last supermoon of the year, named for the strawberry harvest. June 21 June Solstice The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the start of summer. July 4 Spot Mercury Mercury will be at its greatest elongation east, visible in the evening sky. July 10 Buck Moon A full moon named after the antler regrowth of male deer. August 9 Sturgeon Moon Named for the abundance of sturgeon fish in North American lakes. August 12-13 Perseid Meteor Shower One of the most famous meteor showers, peaking with shooting stars. September 7-8 Total Lunar Eclipse A total lunar eclipse, visible in parts of Australia, Asia, and Europe. September 7 Corn Moon A full moon named for the harvest of corn by Native American tribes. September 21 Partial Solar Eclipse A partial solar eclipse visible in parts of New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. September 21 Spot Saturn Saturn will be in opposition, offering the closest and brightest view of the planet. September 22 Autumnal Equinox The official start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Top celestial events this summer by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo June 11, 2025: Full Strawberry Moon The Full Strawberry Moon is in June and is the final of the year's supermoons. The full moon is also known as the time of strawberry harvest in the Northern Hemisphere and thus the name. The moon itself, at times, reddens, but that is not the usual form it takes. Indigenous cultures have labeled the name "Strawberry Moon" to signify the time of the year when the berry crop is in full swing, and that is a cue about the time. The June full moon of June 11, 2025, will be in view in all its glory, offering perfect timing for moon watchers to observe this stunning space phenomenon. June 21, 2025: June Solstice June Solstice is the time when the Sun passes its most northern point in the sky, beginning summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the longest day of the year with the most daylight. In the Southern Hemisphere, it will mark the beginning of winter, the shortest day of the year. The Solstice falls on 02:42 UTC June 21, 2025. It is a time of greater hours of daylight across the Northern Hemisphere. It is cultural, astronomical, and the period for seasons that are gradually changing, growing, and renewal. July 4, 2025: Watch for Mercury Mercury will be at its easternmost distance from the Sun on July 4th, 2025, but all that fact really says is that it will have moved out as far from the Sun as it can at any time that it will be up in the evening sky. Since Mercury is so close to the Sun, you might find it difficult to spot Mercury with the unaided eye, but this event will be an excellent time for viewers. If you are not able to see this, the next event will be on August 19, 2025, when Mercury will be elongating west and appear in the morning. These events give viewers an opportunity to view the troubled planet that is not easily visible. July 10, 2025: The Buck Moon The Buck Moon, which occurs in July, receives its name since it is the time when the male deer or the bucks begin to grow new antlers after having shed them months earlier in the year. It is an organic phenomenon indicative of rebirth and renewal. The Buck Moon occurs on July 10, 2025. The moon at this time is associated with the natural cycles of the world, i.e., the natural cycle of renewal among animals. Association of the moon with the renewal of deer antlers makes this phenomenon significant for the completion of the moon's cycle and season change in animal life. 9th of August, 2025: The Sturgeon Moon The Sturgeon Moon appears in the month of August, so named because sturgeon fish fill North American lakes to excess during that time. The native community called this the best summer fishery. The fact that the Sturgeon Moon falls on the 9th of August, 2025, reflects a fullness and cycle of nature. It is a sign of heaven and earth interaction since the moon controls labor seasonally, i.e., fishing and harvesting. It also represents midsummer, as days begin to shorten by a little. August 12-13, 2025: Perseid meteor shower The Perseid meteor shower is the most eagerly awaited of all the year-round sky spectacles, and has best viewing opportunities on August 12-13, 2025. It is made by the debris of Comet Swift-Tuttle, which breaks apart when it enters the Earth's atmosphere and cools into the bright streaks of light that we see as meteors or "shooting stars." The Perseids are visible on July 17-August 24, but the best number of meteors can be seen during the mid-August peak, and present stargazers with an enchanted show. Perseids are numerous and extremely bright, and they are one of the best yearly meteor showers. September 7-8, 2025: Total lunar eclipse A total lunar eclipse will be seen on September 7-8, 2025, when Earth inserts itself squarely between Sun and Moon to give a dramatic look in the sky. This makes the shadow of the Earth cast in a reddish color on the Moon and is called the blood moon. The eclipse, however, will only be seen in Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe, while partial eclipses will be visible in most other places. Total lunar eclipse is a stunning sight, offering us a once-in-a-blue-moon view of the Moon transitioning to a new colour as it enters into the Earth's shadow. September 7, 2025: The Corn Moon The Corn Moon is the September moon and was given this name because it would have been the month in which the Native American tribes would have harvested the corn. On display to be seen on September 7, 2025, this moon represents a harvest, plenty, and preparation for the hard months of winter. It is the sign for farm cycles that govern much of the natural cycles on Earth, and it appears to indicate the completion of starting the height of summer and the commencement of autumn. The Corn Moon coincides with the phases of the moon with the times of year because it brings into play the interaction between the natural cycles of the Earth. September 21, 2025: Partial solar eclipse Partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025, where the Moon blocks part of the Sun, creating a crescent shadow. The eclipse can be seen from parts of New Zealand, Australia, and Pacific islands but cannot be seen in the United States. Though not a full solar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse is just as exciting to see as the Sun partially covered by the Moon. It is a great time to observe the Sun, but always wear eye protection to protect your eyes from damage caused by the Sun's radiation. 21 September 2025: View Saturn Saturn will be at opposition on 21 September 2025 as the Earth moves between Saturn and the Sun. Optimal time to observe Saturn's appearance as it will be closest to Earth and can be observed from sunrise to sunset. The characteristic ring of Saturn will be well seen with telescopes and one of the most exciting planets to observe during this time. The Earth is also well placed throughout all of October in the night sky, so astronomers will have ample opportunity to study this antique gas giant and its beautiful rings. September 22, 2025: Autumnal Equinox The Autumnal Equinox on September 22, 2025, marks the astronomical beginning of fall for the Northern Hemisphere and spring for the Southern Hemisphere. During the equinox, the Sun moves across the celestial equator and the length of day and night is practically equal. This season is marked by a balance and transition period, with the Northern Hemisphere experiencing shorter and colder days whereas the Southern Hemisphere is once again upon the radiant splendor of spring. Equinox is an event that is unique in both its cultural and astronomical significance, also keeping alive memories about the cycle of seasons and light and dark in perfect balance. New moons in 2025 New moons play an important role in the lunar cycle as symbols of new beginnings and new starts. Four new moons this summer 2025, all marking the start of a new lunar cycle. In astrology and astronomy, events are crossroads, since usually it is connected to thinking, planning, and new beginnings. June 25, 2025 July 24, 2025 August 23, 2025 September 21, 2025 New moons also hold prominence when eclipses occur, usually before solar or lunar eclipses, so an important milestone in the sky. Summer 2025 celestial events: Related FAQs 1. Do I need a telescope to see celestial events? No, most celestial events like meteor showers, full moons, and eclipses can be seen with the naked eye. A telescope or binoculars can offer a closer view, but they're not necessary. 2. When is the best time to stargaze? The best time is usually after sunset when the sky is dark. For events like meteor showers, the peak viewing times are typically after midnight. Check specific event times for the most accurate viewing windows. 3. How do I find the best stargazing locations? Look for areas away from city lights, such as national parks, nature reserves, or high elevations. Apps and websites can help you locate dark sky parks or stargazing spots near you. 4. Can I watch a solar eclipse safely? No, never look directly at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses or a solar filter for telescopes. Viewing without protection can cause serious eye damage. 5. Are stargazing events impacted by the weather? Yes, cloudy skies and rain can obscure visibility. For the best experience, check the weather forecast before heading out to ensure clear skies. Also Read | NASA's James Webb Telescope discovers frozen water around a star unveiling new insights
Winnipeg Free Press
07-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Prosecutor says Sycamore Gap tree cutters committed 'arboreal equivalent of mindless thuggery'
LONDON (AP) — Two men who cut down the beloved Sycamore Gap tree did it for a laugh, a prosecutor said Wednesday as he provided a motive for the first time to explain the senseless crime that shocked Britain. Richard Wright told jurors in his closing argument that the men charged with criminal damage for the 'arboreal equivalent of mindless thuggery' had badly misread their audience. 'They woke up the morning after and soon realized — as the news media rolled in, as the outrage of the public became clear … it must have dawned on them that they couldn't see anyone else smiling,' Wright said. 'Far from being the big men they thought they were, everyone else thought that they were rather pathetic.' FILE - A general view of the stars above Sycamore Gap prior to the Perseid Meteor Shower above Hadrian's Wall near Bardon Mill, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell, File) Wright mocked the defense of the duo, saying common sense and a trail of evidence should lead jurors to convict them for their 'moronic mission' to fell the famous tree that sat symmetrically in a dip between two hills along ancient Hadrian's Wall in northern England. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, both testified in Newcastle Crown Court that they did not take part in the crime that was carried out early the morning of Sept. 28, 2023. They have pleaded not guilty to two counts each of criminal damage. Prosecutors said that the value of the tree exceeded 620,000 pounds (around $830,000) and damage to the wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was assessed at 1,100 pounds (nearly $1,500). The two men had been best friends, but those days are over. Graham has blamed Carruthers and another man for cutting down the tree, saying they tried to frame him by taking his car to the scene of the crime and using his phone to shoot video of the tree being cut down. Andrew Gurney, a lawyer for Carruthers, said Graham's story didn't add up and he was projecting his guilt on his former friend. 'Is that a plausible chain of events or is that the desperate story of a man caught out?' Gurney said. Both men had said they were home that night — about a 40-minute drive away from the tree — as Storm Agnes battered the U.K. with rain and strong winds. But prosecutors showed grainy video from Graham's phone of the tree being cut down — a video sent shortly afterward to Carruthers' phone. Metadata showed it was taken at the tree's location in Northumberland National Park on the night it was felled. Data showed Graham's Range Rover had traveled there. Wright said he couldn't say who cut the tree and who held the phone, but the two were the only people in the world who had the video on their devices. 'What a coincidence,' Wright said. Text and voice messages exchanged the following day between Carruthers and Graham captured their excitement as the story took on a life of its own. They even appeared to boast about their feat. In response to a critic on Facebook who called the vandals weak, Carruthers told Graham he'd like to see the man 'launch an operation like we did last night.' Carruthers testified that what he said — or meant to say — was 'he,' not 'we' on the voice message. Carruthers said he didn't understand why people were upset because it was 'just a tree' and said the amount of attention was 'almost as if someone had been murdered.' Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sign up for The Warm-Up Prosecutors said another video on Graham's phone showed a slice of wood from a tree and a chainsaw in the back of his vehicle taken at his home. A forensic botanist said there was 'very strong evidence' it was the missing wedge cut from the Sycamore Gap tree to direct its fall properly. The wedge has never been recovered, but Wright said it had been the trophy the two took from their caper. Attorney Chris Knox, who represents Graham, acknowledged his client initially lied to police to cover up for Carruthers, who he said was obsessed with the tree. Knox said his client may have been irritable in the witness box, but asked: 'Does that make him the Sycamore Gap tree murderer?' Jurors will begin deliberating on Thursday.
