Latest news with #Swarm
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sound of Earth's Flipping Magnetic Field Is an Unforgettable Horror
Earth's magnetic field dramatically flipped roughly 41,000 years ago. We can now experience this epic upheaval, thanks to a clever interpretation of information collected by the European Space Agency's Swarm satellite mission. Combining the satellite data with evidence of magnetic field line movements on Earth, geoscientists mapped the Laschamps event and represented it using natural noises like the creaking of wood and the crashing of colliding rocks. The resulting compilation – unveiled in 2024 by the Technical University of Denmark and the German Research Center for Geosciences – is unlike anything you've ever heard. Generated by the swirling liquid metals in our planet's core, Earth's magnetic field reaches tens to hundreds of thousands of kilometers into space, protecting us all by deflecting atmosphere-stripping solar particles. As the iron and nickel inside our planet shift, so does Earth's magnetic field, meaning the North (and South) Poles are also constantly on the move. Recently, the position of the magnetic North Pole was officially changed, as it continues its shift away from Canada and towards Siberia. In its current orientation, the magnetic field lines form closed loops that are directed south to north above the planet's surface, and then north to south deep within it. Yet every so often the field randomly flips its polarity. Were this to happen again today, our north-pointing compasses would point to the South Pole. The last such cataclysmic event occurred about 41,000 years ago, leaving a signature in the Laschamps lava flows in France. As the field weakened to only 5 percent of its current strength the reversal process allowed a surpluss of cosmic rays to pass into Earth's atmosphere. Ice and marine sediment preserve isotopic signatures of this higher-than-normal solar bombardment, with levels of beryllium-10 isotopes doubling during the Laschamps event, according to a study published last year. These altered atoms are formed when cosmic rays react with our atmosphere, ionizing the air and frying the ozone layer. With global climate change being a potential consequence, it's speculated the extinction of Australia's megafauna as well as changes in human cave use may have been associated with this event. "Understanding these extreme events is important for their occurrence in the future, space climate predictions, and assessing the effects on the environment and on the Earth system," German Research Center for Geosciences geophysics Sanja Panovska explained at the time. It took 250 years for the Laschamps reversal to take place and it stayed in the unusual orientation for about 440 years. At most, Earth's magnetic field may have remained at 25 percent of its current strength as the north polarity drifted to the south. Recent magnetic field anomalies like the weakening over the Atlantic ocean have led to questions about an impending reversal today, but recent research suggests these anomalies are not necessarily connected to flipping events. The South Atlantic anomaly is, however, exposing satellites in the area to higher levels of radiation. Since 2013, ESA's Swarm constellation has been measuring magnetic signals from Earth's core, mantle, crust, oceans, ionosphere, and magnetosphere so we can better understand our planet's geomagnetic field and predict its fluctuations. An earlier version of this article was published in October 2024. World-First Study Reveals How Lightning Sparks Gamma-Ray Flashes The Universe Is 'Suspiciously' Like a Computer Simulation, Physicist Says Seismic Waves From Intense Storms Can Ripple Through Earth's Core
The Verge
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Love, Death, and Robots keeps a good thing going in volume 4
At its best, Netflix's Love, Death, and Robots creates the same feeling as picking up a collection of sci-fi short stories. You don't always know what to expect, and not everything is brilliant, but you're guaranteed to experience something interesting. That was especially true of volume 3 of the animated anthology, which offered nine shorts, all of which were excellent. The latest volume doesn't quite hit the same heights, nor does it have a singular standout episode like ' The Very Pulse of the Machine,' but it's still a strong offering. What volume 4 does do well — and it's something that's a strength of LDR as a whole — is offer a wide variety of tones and styles. There are still the dark, violent, and hyperreal episodes that are so closely associated with LDR, like 'Spider Rose,' a follow-up to last season's 'Swarm,' which tells a cyberpunk story about a woman consumed with revenge who ends up finding it with the help of a very strange creature. There's also 'The Screaming of the Tyrannosaur,' in which trained warriors fight to the death in front of rich dignitaries and royalty, all while racing on dinosaurs. In a strangely inspired bit of casting, the death races are hosted by MrBeast. But the show also continues to push beyond classic, darker science fiction. There's a lot of comedy here, for instance. One episode is a confessional for smart devices like connected toothbrushes and toilets, which complain about how horrible it is to serve humans. Another follows a cat intent on world domination, who finds the perfect accomplice when its owners bring home a robotic assistant. And if you enjoyed last season's 'Night of the Mini Dead,' there's a sequel that similarly turns an alien invasion into a cutesy diorama of death and destruction. And while the show still skews heavily toward CG animation, there are a pair of great 2D episodes, as well. 'How Zeke Got Religion' is pure Heavy Metal and is a story about a group of WWII soldiers who end up fighting a demonic monstrosity summoned by the Nazis. It's filled with copious amounts of blood and gore and a truly terrifying monster that's all hands, mouths, and screams. That's joined by '400 Boys,' a wild and kinetic post-apocalyptic action story about a world filled with warring gangs that join together to fight a group of towering, naked babies that are simply called 'boys.' Volume 4 takes a few fun risks, as well. 'Golgotha' is the show's first fully live-action short, a simple story about a priest, an alien invasion, and a resurrected dolphin who might be the messiah. Like the best of LDR, the episode is satisfying on its own, but it also leaves you wanting to see and learn much more about its world. Not all the episodes are quite so successful. 'For He Can Creep' is a fine-if-forgettable tale of a cat fighting Satan, while 'Can't Stop' is an impressive-looking music video that turns the Red Hot Chili Peppers into marionettes but feels pretty out of place amid the rest of the season (and LDR as a whole). But even the worst episodes of volume 4 are still interesting, and that's the promise of Love, Death, and Robots, really. Streaming services have helped usher in a new wave of sci-fi anthologies, which have ranged from prophetic and impactful to completely unnecessary. LDR might be the most consistent modern example of the form. It's funny, violent, and surprising — and almost never boring.
Black America Web
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Malia Obama Brings Black Girl Magic To Nike's Newest Ad Featuring A'ja Wilson
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: LOU BENOIST / Getty Malia Obama is stepping further into her director bag, and we're so here for it! Fresh off her Sundance directorial debut, Malia is back behind the camera, bringing some star power with her. The eldest daughter of Michelle and President Barack Obama has teamed up with WNBA superstar A'ja Wilson for a new project. A'ja is launching a new signature shoe with Nike – the A'One – and Malia is bringing the footwear to life in a vibrant new ad campaign. RELATED: Malia Obama Co-Wrote One Of 'Swarm's Wildest Episodes With these two powerhouses together, we're not surprised the campaign's ads are dripping in Black Girl Magic. It features A'ja alongside a young Black girl teaching her a rhythmic handclap game to a catchy remix of the classic playground chant. Yes, we're talking about 'Miss Mary Mack.' The little girl in the ad has no problem correcting A'ja, who messes up occasionally. The playful lyrics – 'A'ja Wilson's on top, top, top' – celebrate the athlete's incredible achievements as a WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, all while showing off the stylish pink kicks that sold out almost immediately after dropping. Malia's second video is a timely tribute to HBCU culture, cheer groups, and school spirit. It opens with interesting shots of braids and beads that spell out A'ja's name as two Black girls clap and sing. The cinematography is also pop-culture-like and surprisingly familiar. Parts of the ad, Malia's second creation, nod to Beyoncé's 'Formation' music video. WNBA player and superstar coach Dawn Staley also makes an appearance. Talk about the culture, influence, and brilliance of Black girls everywhere. While fans of Malia and A'ja love the Nike campaign, there has been some controversy. Filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris pointed out similarities between Malia's Nike ad and her own Sundance short, 'Grace.' Natalie noted striking visual and thematic parallels, raising meaningful conversations about creative inspiration and recognition within the film industry. Neither Malia nor A'ja has commented on the allegations. Despite this dialogue, Malia deserves her flowers for amplifying Black women's stories and continuing to carve out her path in the arts. Collaborations like these between Malia and A'ja highlight the beauty of sisterhood and solidarity, reminding us that when Black women uplift each other, the world takes notice. SEE ALSO Malia Obama Brings Black Girl Magic To Nike's Newest Ad Featuring A'ja Wilson was originally published on
Black America Web
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Malia Obama Directs A'ja Wilson's Latest Nike Ads
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Nike / via li_jade_li Malia Obama is carving a new path in the world of television and film. First, she penned an episode of Swarm , the edgy Prime Video series starring Dominique Fishback as an obsessed fan, then she helmed her first short film, The Heart , which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Now, she's behind the camera again in a high-profile campaign for WNBA star A'ja Wilson, who recently launched her signature Nike A'One sneaker. As Malia Ann, the 26-year-old daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama captured two vignette videos for the social media promos and is credited as one of the directors for the overall campaign. Malia is shown in one photo holding a camera and directing Wilson and a young actress who's part of the commercial. In it, the actress shows Wilson how to play a hand-clapping game of Miss Mary Mack by recounting all the high points of her career. Obama also helmed an interview with Wilson at Big T's Bar-B-Que in her hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, where Wilson starred for the Gamecocks. Wilson, the WNBA's three-time MVP won two championships with the Las Vegas Aces and is one of the league's most bankable players. She announced last season that she'd be releasing a signature shoe. Her Nike A'Ones in the Pink A'ura colorway officially launch on Tuesday, May 6, on the Nike SNKRS app. They're listed at $110. 'When you see young people, young girls and boys want to wear your shoe, want to be a part of your journey and your legacy, that's what it's truly all about for me,' she told People earlier this year at the women's Final Four. 'So I will try not to cry, but it's a big moment.' If you're wondering why Malia is credited as Malia Ann for her film career, it's because, as her father explained, she doesn't want to trade off her famous name. Some 'nepo babies' as famous offspring are often called, embrace their birthright, but others want to succeed on their own terms. 'I was all like, 'You do know they'll know who you are,'' Obama said about his daughters on The Pivot podcast in 2024. 'And she's all like, 'You know what? I want them to watch it that first time and not in any way have that association.' So I think our daughters go out of their way to not try to leverage that.' Get a better look at the A'One below. SEE ALSO Malia Obama Directs A'ja Wilson's Latest Nike Ads was originally published on
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who are Barack Obama's daughters Malia and Sasha dating? A rare look into the sisters' private lives
All eyes were on the daughters of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, when the siblings made a rare appearance at the album release party for their friend and R&B singer Destin Conrad. Now, 26 and 23 the Obama sisters garnered attention for their elegant fashion choices. Photographer Ryder shared photos from the event, capturing the Obama sisters flanking Conrad in a candid yet stylish shot. Malia kept her look understated but cozy in a brown leather coat, angled slightly away from the camera, exuding effortless cool. Sasha opted for a breezier ensemble, sporting a cropped white tank, low-rise jeans, and a woven belt, complete with a surfer-chic leather cord necklace featuring an amber pendant. Who are Malia and Sasha dating? Malia Obama, 26, who was previously linked to record producer Dawit Eklund, seems to be currently single. On Valentine's Day 2025, Malia was seen dining with friends, suggesting she's not in a relationship. Earlier, Malia dated British Harvard classmate Rory Farquharson, with whom she quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sasha Obama on the other hand is dating Clifton Powell Jr. , the 25-year-old son of actor Clifton Powell. They began dating in 2022 after Sasha transferred to the University of Southern California. Clifton Jr., a former college basketball player, now works as a commercial executive. They have kept their romance low-key and are said to be serious about each other. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo A peek into their early days When Barack was in office in 2008, Malia and Sasha were 10 and 7, respectively, and it was quite a challenge to give them a normal teenage life, considering they were always under constant scrutiny. Keeping their teenage years out of the tabloid was quite a task. Michelle Obama in an interview shared, transitioning her daughters into adulthood wasn't a small feat. "Every weekend was a nightmare," she recalled in a recent interview. Yet today, she and Barack watch proudly as their daughters flourish on their own, and even share an apartment in L.A. Looking at their lives today, Obama sisters who spent nearly a decade growing up in the White House, have built lives of their own in Los Angeles. Malia, a Harvard graduate, is emerging as a creative force in film. She made her writing debut on Donald Glover's Swarm and premiered her directorial short film The Heart at Sundance under the name Malia Ann. The film explores themes of grief, loneliness, and forgiveness. In a "Meet the Artist" segment, Malia said she hopes it helps viewers feel 'a bit less lonely.' Her father, Barack Obama, shared on The Pivot Podcast that she dropped 'Obama' to avoid any assumptions, wanting audiences to judge her work on its own merit. Sasha, who earned her sociology degree from USC in 2023, has leaned into a more low-key public persona but remains a figure of interest thanks to her distinct fashion choices and growing independence. Michelle in an interview with PEOPLE said the two share a unique bond as the two grew up 'with the brightest spotlight in the world' on them during their formative years. Malia, Barack and Michelle's first daughter was born six years after their marriage on July 4, 1998. Their younger daughter, Sasha, was born on June 10, 2001. Malia and Sasha: How alike are they really? Malia, described as 'wise and thoughtful' by her parents, understood her responsibilities early on and by the time she was in first grade, she set her own alarm and made her bed every morning. Barack told InStyle that Malia is "somebody who enjoys people, enjoys life and enjoys conversation. She's never bored, which is a badass quality that can take you places." Sharing an anecdote about his elder daughter, Obama said: "When [Malia] was 6 years old [...] we were walking along the lake, holding hands, and she turned to me and said, 'Daddy, are we rich?' I said, 'We're very well off compared to a lot of people, but we're not really rich, as some people might define really rich.' " "And she said, 'Well, that's good because I don't want to be really rich. I think I want to live a simple life.' And I looked at her and wondered, 'Where did she come up with that?' " he said. From a young age, the Obamas have described their daughters as bright, kind, and full of personality. 'My younger one, Sasha, is just full of energy and the comedian in the family,' Barack told PEOPLE back in 2008. Sasha's childhood was a lively mix of basketball, gymnastics, tap dancing, and piano lessons—activities she often shared with Malia. Their home was loving but structured, guided by simple rules like 'no whining.' Obamas depart for Martha's vineyard Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
