Remarkably, Samsung got its Galaxy S25 Ultra as thin and light as it is, but it came at the cost of a few other capabilities. For instance, the venerable S Pen, a longstanding fixture in the Galaxy Ultra lineup, no longer has a Bluetooth chip to facilitate certain features. In a briefing for its latest flagship release, Samsung told us and other press that no one was using that stuff in the first place, so it decided to scrub them entirely from the lineup. Specifically, the S Pen can no longer perform Air Actions, a feature launched with the Galaxy Note 10 five years ago. The basic premise of Air Actions is that you control the screen with the stylus from a distance, either using it as a remote or as a wand. There were gestures you could draw in the air to control the interface from afar. The S Pen could also be used to sift through your gallery and move back and forward a page in the Samsung browser. It was even usable as a slideshow remote. If you have a WearOS smartwatch, Samsung or otherwise, you can use a camera shutter shortcut instead. Samsung still lets you use the open-palm hand gesture to start a countdown for a selfie, tooits such a popular gesture that even Google adopted it for the Pixel. In the grand scheme of things, what the S Pen used to offer is minimal compared to everything else the $1,300 Galaxy S25 Ultra purports to do now, which includes a slew of new AI abilities and higher resolution wide-angle photography. Dropping the Bluetooth chip helped the Galaxy S25 Ultra shave enough grams so that Samsung could laud its efforts in chassis thinness. Samsung also kept the handy tracking mechanism that lets you know if youve left the S Pen behindBecause if youre going to use a phone with dedicated storage for a stylus, you should have an alarm mechanism that reminds you what youre leaving behind. The S Pen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra still does everything you want a stylus to do: it draws, takes notes, and lets you point and tap on stuff. You can customize the Air Command menu to feature only the abilities you care for most. Screen off memo captures fleeting thoughts in a snap just by popping out the pen. Theres even an option to add a second S Pen for double the stylus entry.

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Norman Foster and Buildner Deliver Once Again: A Showcase of Exceptional Designs for Revitalizing Kharkiv's Freedom SquareSponsored ContentThe city of Kharkiv has faced significant challenges due to its proximity to the Russian border. Amidst these circumstances, Kharkiv's Mayor, Ihor Terekhov, underscored the need for a new landmark during the United Nations' Second Forum of Mayorsa project that could embody renewal, resilience, and hope. The Freedom Square International Competition was launched as part of this vision, inviting local and international experts to propose innovative designs for Freedom Square and the Kharkiv Regional State Administration Building.This competition is part of the broader Kharkiv Masterplan Concept, an initiative led by the Kharkiv City Council in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Norman Foster Foundation, Arup, and local architects and experts. The Masterplan Concept seeks to guide Kharkiv's regeneration by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking urban environment while honoring the city's historical identity.Freedom Square and the Kharkiv Regional State Administration BuildingFreedom Square, one of Europe's largest urban spaces, has long served as a cultural and civic centerpiece for Kharkiv. In the center of the square is the State Industrial Complex, built in 1928 after an international competition in 1925, a monument of the architectural avant-garde, often compared to Bauhaus designs. Also during this period, a unique spatial ensemble of Freedom Square was created, of which the Regional State Administration Building is a part of. This ensemble symbolizes an important moment in the history of modern architecture. Recent events have affected this historic area, including damage to both buildings. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble, these structures carry significant historical and cultural weight. The competition to preserve their symbolic and architectural value while reimagining Freedom Square as an inclusive and adaptable public space.The CompetitionThe Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival Competition, organized by Buildner, the Norman Foster Foundation, the Kharkiv City Council, UNECE, and Arup, presented a unique platform for architects, urban planners, and designers worldwide. Announced on September 10, 2024, the competition aimed to develop visionary concepts for one of Kharkiv's most iconic sites. This competition marks only the first step in the critical and responsible work of creating a comprehensive vision for Freedom Square, a central symbol of Kharkiv's identity and resilience.The Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival Competition was organized by Buildner who sponsored the 10,000 EUR prize fund, and in partnership with the Norman Foster Foundation, the Kharkiv City Council, UNECE, and Arup. The competition presented a unique platform for architects, urban planners, and designers worldwide. With a prize pool of 10,0003,000 for each Prize Winner and 1,000 for the Student Awardthe competition inspired designs that honor Kharkiv's rich heritage while embracing its vision for renewal and growth. This initiative marks a key milestone in shaping the city's future, embodying Kharkiv's resilience and its dedication to creating a vibrant space that reflects both its historical legacy and its evolving aspirations.The Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival competition demonstrated a remarkable level of participation, receiving a total of 84 submissions from architects, designers, and urban planners worldwide. Notably, 21 submissions were from teams based in Ukraine, showcasing the strong involvement and dedication of Ukrainian architecture bureaus. These contributions underscore the critical role of local expertise in shaping the vision for one of Ukraine's most iconic urban spaces while engaging a global audience to provide diverse perspectives. In addition to Ukraine, teams from other countries, including the United States of America, United Kingdom, Italy, India, Canada, Germany, Bangladesh, France, Israel, South Korea, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, also participated in the competition.Buildner's other ongoing competitions include:Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025with a 100,000 EUR prize fund to celebrate yet-to-be-realized works; the2025 edition of the Kingspan MICROHOME competition with a 100,000 EUR prize fund; and the 2024/25 House of the Future competition with a 250,000 EUR prize fund. The House of the Future annual competition is organized in collaboration with the government of Dubai, and invites architects to design innovative, sustainable, and technologically advanced residential concepts that embody Dubai's vision for the future of urban living, where winning submissions are to be constructed. Buildner worked with an outstanding jury of regional and global experts: Norman Foster: Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners; President, Norman Foster Foundation Deborah Berke: Dean, Yale School of Architecture; Founder, TenBerke Vishaan Chakrabarti: Founder, Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) Beatriz Colomina: Architectural Historian and Theorist, Princeton University Anupama Kundoo: Architect and Professor, TU Berlin; Visiting Professor, Yale Maxim Rosenfeld: Architectural Historian and Associate Professor, Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts Stuart Smith: Director, Arup Germany Brinda Somaya: Founder, SNK Consultants Moshe Safdie: Founder of Moshe Safdie Architects Igor Terekhov: Mayor of Kharkiv ResultsThe Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival competition showcased strong global participation and thoughtful contributions. The 10 jury members were from Ukraine, UK, India, Spain, Israel, and USA, representing fields such as Architecture, Urban Planning, Transport, and History. Accordingly, rather than identify one clear winner, and second and third places, the jury decided to give equal weighting and prize money to three projects of equal standing, whose ideas would contribute to a second stage competition, open to new entrants as well as those who had competed in the present competition.Recognized ProjectsThe jury has recognized three prize winners as equal contributors to the ongoing dialogue about the future of Freedom Square and the Kharkiv Regional State Administration Building, alongside a standout student project. Each of these projects offers valuable ideas, highlighting diverse approaches to reimagining this iconic space. Their strengths and areas for improvement reflect the complexity of the design challenge and emphasize the richness of this endeavor.Instead, these projects collectively serve as stepping stones toward a more balanced, inclusive, and inspiring outcome. The standout student project further underscores the importance of engaging emerging talent in shaping the city's future, adding fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the discourse.While the selected projects should not be seen as definitive solutions, they represent a foundation for continued exploration. Together, they fulfill the competition's goal of sparking meaningful conversations and setting the stage for future efforts. This measured approach embraces the potential for these ideas to evolve into a comprehensive vision that reflects Kharkiv's resilience, history, and aspirations for renewal.Key reflections from the juryAn ambitious brief: The competition brief set forth ambitious goals, yet its broad scope left room for interpretation, leading to proposals that diverged significantly from the intended vision. Many participants did not fully align with the local context or site-specific realities, particularly in terms of practicality and the symbolic weight of the space.Avoiding over-programming: The jury expressed concern about projects that overly fragmented the square with excessive features, likening some to "Tivoli Gardens" in their attempt to fill the space with varied programming. This approach risked trivializing the symbolic and monumental essence of Freedom Square, which demands a balance between openness, gravitas, and functionality.Balancing innovation and feasibility: While some proposals introduced imaginative and bold concepts, they often fell short in terms of feasibility, either due to technical constraintssuch as Kharkiv's complex underground infrastructureor their limited adaptability to the needs of a large-scale civic gathering space.Paving the way for future stages: The jury highlighted that, much like the multi-stage process of reimagining the Reichstag in Berlin, this competition should be viewed as a foundational step for the next stages of planning the Freedom Square and the Kharkiv Regional State Administration Building recovery. It establishes critical parameters for the next phase, including the need for clearer guidelines, deeper community engagement, and a sharper focus on Freedom Square's symbolic, civic, and practical functions.Prize Winner 1/3Author: Jansen Che, from AustraliaStrengths:This project centers on a below-ground memorial, providing a contemplative space that honors Kharkiv's resilience and history. The oculus design offers a symbolic connection between the memorial and the surrounding square, emphasizing themes of reflection, transparency, and accessibility. The design preserves the square's openness, maintaining its monumental scale while incorporating modern elements that acknowledge the city's recent challenges. In addition, the project proposes the development of the underground part of the Regional State Administration Building as a public space and as a new group entrance and transit pedestrian corridor, which successfully combines the space of the building and the square. The inner courtyard of the building is designed as a functional atrium, which is a public space.Challenges:A prominent feature of the proposalthe use of a grid of large freestanding columnshas drawn criticism from the jury. While intended to provide rhythm and structure to the square, the columns were seen as too reminiscent of imperial or authoritarian aesthetics, which risks sending the wrong symbolic message. This aspect, in particular, contrasts with the square's identity as a space of freedom and democracy.Additionally, the underground memorial, though conceptually compelling, raises practical concerns due to Kharkiv's complex subterranean infrastructure. Questions also remain about how the square would accommodate both contemplative reflection and active civic use. Ultimately, while the project introduces strong architectural elements, the jury found the columnar approach at odds with the spirit of Kharkiv's aspirations for an open, inclusive, and forward-looking space.Prize Winner 2/3Author: Nischal Ba, from IndiaStrengths:This design introduces a seasonal landscape framework that respects Freedom Square's monumental scale while integrating adaptable public amenities. Biodiverse green zones, shaded pathways, and multifunctional spaces create opportunities for year-round use. The proposal thoughtfully considers ecological sustainability and offers a more human-centered approach to the square's design, emphasizing relaxation and connection to nature.Challenges:While the project's focus on landscaping is commendable, it risks diluting the square's symbolic importance. The division of the square into smaller zones could compromise the sense of openness and gravitas that defines the site. Furthermore, the traffic rerouting proposed in this scheme has raised concerns about feasibility and its impact on the broader urban context. Additionally, the constraints posed by the existing underground infrastructure limit the potential for certain features, such as an underground museum or water ponds in front of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration Building, making these elements impractical within the current conditions.Prize Winner 3/3Author: Daniel Mintz, from IsraelStrengths:This submission highlights a cohesive and understated approach to the redesign of Freedom Square, focusing on preserving its monumental scale while introducing subtle modern updates. The proposal's use of a translucent facade for the Kharkiv Regional State Administration Building is particularly noteworthy, softening the building and symbolizing transparency and accessibility. This intervention reflects a thoughtful reinterpretation of the building's historical significance while signaling a forward-looking vision for Kharkiv. The project authors also focused on transforming the internal space of the Regional State Administration Building and creating new inclusive public spaces.Challenges:One of the central elements of the proposal, a reflecting pool, has raised concerns. While visually striking, the pool detracts from the square's role as a flexible and functional gathering space. Its placement and scale reduce the square's ability to accommodate large public events, and the practical implications of maintaining a pool in Kharkiv's climate and infrastructural conditions make it less feasible. Overall, while the restrained approach offers a dignified vision, the reliance on a reflecting pool limits the square's versatility and does not fully embrace its potential as an active civic hub.D) Buildner Student Award Author: Qiqi Wu of University of Sheffield, United KingdomStrengths:This project demonstrates impressive creativity and a deep sensitivity to the site's needs. The design proposes lush green landscapes surrounding the square, interspersed with subtle interventions that enhance usability while maintaining the square's grandeur. The Kharkiv Regional State Administration Building's restored facade integrates well with the surrounding public space, creating a harmonious balance between history and future aspirations.Challenges:The project's strength in landscape design could be complemented by a stronger architectural vision for the square itself. Additionally, its proposals for activating the square with public programming remain underdeveloped, leaving room for further refinement.Highlighted ProjectsE) Title: Kharkiv's Freedom Plaza & World StageAuthors: Elizabeth Ranieri Kuth, Leif Emilson Tobias Estrada, Leo Panian, and Dmytro Kharytonenko from UkraineThe project introduces a new Freedom Stage Pavilion, crafted from local Scots Pine, serving as a modular, adaptable venue for public and ceremonial events. The design enhances pedestrian safety through re-routed vehicle traffic and includes eco-friendly solutions like solarium gardens and water conservation. The plaza is now a fully accessible, dynamic public space, emphasizing community engagement and sustainable design. The adjacent administrative building is reprogrammed as the Ukraine Museum of Art & Culture (UMAC), featuring atriums that support public interaction and green initiatives.F) Title: Kharkiv: Forged with ResilienceAuthors: Kazi Mahzuza Maysun of Poche Architecture Ltd., from BangladeshThe project revitalizes Kharkiv's Freedom Square and the regional administrative building into resilient and sustainable hubs. Incorporating advanced technologies and sustainable strategies, the redesign enables the spaces to function as both public realms and emergency shelters. Features include subsurface stores, renewable energy generation from foot and car traffic, and photovoltaic cells on building facades. The design emphasizes community and continuity, transforming these areas into multifunctional, adaptive spaces that embody the strength and resilience of the local community through innovative urban design solutions.Moving Forward: A Broader Vision for Freedom SquareThis competition marks the beginning of an inclusive and ongoing dialogue about the future of Freedom Square and the Kharkiv Regional State Administration Building. The projects recognized in this competition, along with several other compelling submissions, contribute valuable ideas that highlight both the complexities and opportunities of reimagining this iconic space.While none fully resolves the design challenge, each offers unique insights that will inform future conversations and shape the next steps in this ambitious endeavor, which will integrate the strongest ideas from the recognized submissions. As part of these next steps, there are plans to consider launching a follow-up competition, incorporating the valuable feedback from jury members and proposals from this competition to refine the vision further.Additionally, inspiration can be drawn from the process of reimagining the Reichstag in Berlin, as shared by Norman Foster. This transformative project involved conducting multiple competitions before arriving at a successful solution, demonstrating the importance of iterative and thoughtful planning in addressing complex challenges.Ultimately, the success of this competition lies in its ability to frame a vision for Freedom Square that honors Kharkiv's rich history, meets the needs of its present, and inspires its future. The jury commends the efforts of all participants and reaffirms the commitment to creating a space that reflects Kharkiv's resilience, democratic values, and aspirations for renewal and prosperity. This competition is not an endpoint but a foundation for the transformative journey ahead.Buildner's other ongoing competitions include:Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025with a 100,000 EUR prize fund to celebrate yet-to-be-realized works; the2025 edition of the Kingspan MICROHOME competition with a 100,000 EUR prize fund; and the 2024/25 House of the Future competition with a 250,000 EUR prize fund. The House of the Future annual competition is organized in collaboration with the government of Dubai, and invites architects to design innovative, sustainable, and technologically advanced residential concepts that embody Dubai's vision for the future of urban living, where winning submissions are to be constructed. Read the full letter from Lord Norman Foster here and find out more about the competition. Image gallerySee allShow lessCite: "Norman Foster and Buildner Deliver Once Again: A Showcase of Exceptional Designs for Revitalizing Kharkiv's Freedom Square" 24 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026011/norman-foster-and-buildner-deliver-once-again-a-showcase-of-exceptional-designs-for-revitalizing-kharkivs-freedom-square&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Spaces that Educate: The Role of Architectural Design on International Education DaySave this picture!YueCheng Courtyard Kindergarten / MAD Architects. Image Hufton+CrowToday, the International Day of Education serves as a reminder of the significant impact that architectural design has on learning environments. From flexible classrooms that adapt to diverse teaching methods to outdoor learning areas that integrate natural elements, the architecture of learning spaces embodies the principles of pedagogy, offering opportunities for exploration, collaboration and creativity, all while maintaining a focus on the safety and comfort of all users. This selection of articles explores the potential of design to enhance learning outcomes through spatial exploration, be it inside the classroom, in outdoor spaces or by encouraging larger communities to part-take in the learning process.Balancing Flexibility and SafetyThe architecture of learning spaces directly impacts learning outcomes. Flexible designs featuring adaptable partitions, movable furniture, and multi-use areas enable spaces to transform seamlessly to accommodate diverse teaching methods and student activities. Safety features, such as carefully considered circulation paths, age-appropriate furnishings, and robust materials, are seamlessly integrated, demonstrating that safety and stimulating design are not mutually exclusive. In essence, the architecture itself becomes a teaching tool, translating pedagogical principles into the built environment; the design's adaptability mirrors the fluidity of the learning process. Related Article World Architecture Day 2024: Mobilizing the Next Generation for Urban Transformation The Design of Learning Spaces: Architecture as a Teaching ToolSave this picture!How to Design Schools and Interiors Based on Waldorf PedagogySave this picture!Designing the School of the Future: Multifunctional Spaces for Dynamic LearningSave this picture!"Architecture Schools Are Responsible for Educating the Whole Student:" In Conversation with Michael MontiSave this picture!Interior Wellbeing: The Design Of Educational SpacesSave this picture!Learning as a Collective ActionIn addition to the definitive advantages for children, schools and community learning centers can serve as vital hubs for community gathering and engagement. Children's education, often the initial impetus, can spark broader community participation in initiatives related to health, environmental sustainability, or social justice. Learning spaces that incorporate community gardens, shared resources, or public art installations foster interaction and collaboration, building social capital and strengthening community bonds. This ripple effect, stemming from educational initiatives, demonstrates the transformative potential of well-designed learning environments.Architecture for Peace: Fostering Growth and Learning through Educational Spaces in HondurasSave this picture!More than a Classroom: The Multifunctionality of Educational Spaces in Global South CommunitiesSave this picture!Investing in People, Prioritizing Education: Architecture for Learning in Latin AmericaSave this picture!Save this picture!Outdoor Learning SpacesOutdoor learning environments offer siignificant advantages in addition to the traditional classroom settings. Community sports halls, for example, promote physical literacy and social skills development through organized activities and informal play, improving cardiovascular health and teamwork. Outdoor classrooms, particularly those incorporating local flora and fauna, provide opportunities for experiential learning in science, ecology, and environmental stewardship. Playgrounds, designed with varied play features, stimulate cognitive development through problem-solving and risk assessment, fostering creativity and resilience. Biophilic design, integrating natural elements like plants, water features, and natural light, has been shown to reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance cognitive performance in students. These diverse spaces, collectively, support a broader range of learning styles and outcomes, enriching the educational experience.From Play to Shelter: The Many Roles of Small-Scale Community Sports Halls Save this picture!Building Outdoor Learning Spaces: 5 Community Projects by Semillas in PeruSave this picture!Learning Through Play: Architecture for Kids in Educational Spaces and PlaygroundsSave this picture!Biophilic Landscaping in Educational Spaces: Stimulating Learning, Well-Being and CreativitySave this picture!Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCite: Maria-Cristina Florian. "Spaces that Educate: The Role of Architectural Design on International Education Day" 24 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026146/spaces-that-educate-the-role-of-architectural-design-on-international-education-day&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

The wait is over! Dive into the ultimate snow environment course and learn how to create stunning 3D worlds using Blender and Unreal Engine 5. From modeling detailed structures to sculpting realistic landscapes, this course has it all. Start building your snowy masterpiece today! Available on: https://www.patreon.com/c/cgmasterclass Also on Blendermarket: https://blendermarket.com/products/creating-snow-environments And Gumroad: https://cgmasterclass.gumroad.com/l/qywui Free tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssur3uYEBeY&amp ;amp;t=

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Full Video - https://youtu.be/9K68TWsYYNw FAB - https://www.fab.com/sellers/CGHOW Whatsapp - https://bit.ly/3LYvxjK Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/Ashif NFT - https://opensea.io/CGHOW Twitter - https://twitter.com/cghow_ If you Liked it - http://bit.ly/2UZmiZ4 Channel Ashif - http://bit.ly/3aYaniw Support me on - paypal.me/9953280644Beam FX in Unreal Engine 5.4 Niagara Tutorial #cghow #UE5 #UE4Niagara #gamefx #ue5niagara #ue4vfx #niagara #unrealengineniagara #realtimevfxVisit - https://cghow.com/ Unreal Engine Marketplace - https://bit.ly/3aojvAa Artstation Store - https://www.artstation.com/ashif/store Gumroad - https://cghow.gumroad.com/

NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flareas seen in the bright flash on the right sideon September 10, 2017. The image shows a combination of wavelengths of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares, which has then been colorized. NASA/SDO/GoddardShareOn a hot and humid Florida night in late August 1859, the sky suddenly lit up. But it was not from fireflies or a fireswamp. Instead, it was the Northern Lightsor aurora borealis. The aurora is usually seen in far more northern latitudes, but it had somehow reached the subtropics and danced across the night sky. Reports of the aurora came in from as far south as Central America and some in the Rocky Mountains even believed it was morning because the sky was so bright.Across the Atlantic Ocean in England, a wealthy amateur astronomer named Richard Carrington was also watching the cosmos. However, Carringon had his eyes on the Sun and its various sunspots and solar flares. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.Sunspots are there all the time, almost. You can see them with a small telescope, University of Glasgow astrophysicist Hugh Hudson tells Popular Science. Carrington was sketching the spots areas and recording them. He noticed at a certain point that there were two bright patches of light that appeared in the sunspot group, which ought not to have been there.What Carrington and the awestruck people of the subtropical Atlantic saw were related. The aurora was a result of the most intense solar storm in recorded history, now called the Carrington Event. These solar storms can send out large clouds of electrified gas and dust at up to two million miles per hour. If and when these particles reach Earth, it can disrupt and distort Earths magnetic field.The Carrington Event was so large that these particles interacting with Earths magnetic field impacted telecommunications.There were sparks that were so intense that the wires caught fire, in some places, says Hudson. Some of the telegraph operators were shocked and burnt. When you connect the long wires together for power distribution, youre asking for trouble when surges like that happen.CME blast and subsequent impact at Earth This illustration shows a CME blasting off the Suns surface in the direction of Ea CME blast and subsequent impact at Earth This illustration shows a CME blasting off the Suns surface in the direction of Earth. This left portion is composed of an EIT 304 image superimposed on a LASCO C2 coronagraph. Two to four days later, the CME cloud is shown striking and beginning to be mostly deflected around the Earths magnetosphere. The blue paths emanating from the Earths poles represent some of its magnetic field lines. The magnetic cloud of plasma can extend to 30 million miles wide by the time it reaches earth. These storms, which occur frequently, can disrupt communications and navigational equipment, damage satellites, and even cause blackouts. (Objects in the illustration are not drawn to scale.) Credit: NASA/GSFC/SOHO/ESA Engineers have since learned a great deal about how to handle those large wires since the Carrington Event. However, our reliance on electricity has only grown exponentially. A flare of similaror even greater like Miyake Eventsmagnitude still could happen and the effects are of major interest to sci-fi aficionados and scientists alike. With so much more technology at risk than just the telegraph wires of the Nineteenth Century, the effects could be catastrophic.In a world that is now so dependent on electricity and electronics, a similar event has the potential to cause widespread disruptions and damage to the electronics aboard Earth-orbiting satellites, ground-based electronics, and the power grid, Alex Gianninas, an astrophysicist at Connecticut College tells Popular Science.Our in-space infrastructure, such as, telecommunication satellites are also particularly vulnerable to the Suns coronal mass ejections (CME). CMEs are large eruptions at the surface of the Sun that shoot charge particles out into space. All of that energy from the particles can degrade solar panels, damage navigation systems, and alter orbital paths, potentially causing mass collisions and excess space debris.[ Related: Does the Sun make noise? ]While there is constant activity happening on the surface of the Sun, there are generally more low intensity flares than higher intensity ones.The sunspot activity that creates these storms and flares also rises and falls on a roughly 11-year cycle. This year, we are heading into the maximum level of this cycle. Larger solar storms are most likely to occur during solar maximum, sometimes with several per day. During solar minima, these can pop up less than one per week.Geomagnetic storms, and more specifically, the CMEs that cause them, increase in frequency and intensity as the solar cycle reaches its maximum, says Gianninas. We are currently in Solar Cycle 25 and are still heading toward the maximum, which is predicted to occur this coming summer, likely in July.While some scientists estimate that the chances of a solar storm like the Carrington Event happening in the next century are at 12 percent or less, it is still a threat to be taken seriously. Currently, an array of satellites are constantly monitoring the Sun. These include the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES), the two Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory satellites (STEREO-A and -B), the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). These send back data and images in both visible and invisible light, so we can see a wide range of activity.According to Gianninas, it can take between several hours and a few days for the particles from a CME to reach Earth, so there is some advance warning that something is coming. NOAAs Space Weather Prediction Center also tracks all of this activity and can be a good resource for determining where and when the aurora might be visible. This can give utility companies, satellite operators, and crew aboard the International Space Station some time to prepare their systems for impact. For the general public, there is not too much to do beyond charging up devices and making sure you have general emergency supplies like water, batteries, and flashlights..For scientists and citizen scientists alike, this combination of potential doom and the big questions about our origins are part of what makes studying this solar activity so exciting.People are so fascinated by the origin of life and the fundamental questions that the stars inspire in us, says Hudson. I think the Sun is in the same category. Its just something very close by and familiar and yet we have eclipses and strange things happen. So its not surprising that 10-year-olds can be amazed by the same thing as adults.

Stack CommerceShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more What if your next pet taught you how to code? In 2025, thats a real thing. This robotics kit is a great way to flex your noodle while learning how some of todays most relevant skills, like programming and AI, work together.Plus, by the time you finish building this DIY kit, youll have a robot dog that listens better than a real one. How many people can say that? You can save $30 on the PiDog here and get yours for $149.99.Build your own best friendNo experience with coding or robotics? It doesnt matter. A video shows you how to build the robot; then, youll follow a step-by-step guide on coding with Python and programming commands using your Raspberry Pi board (sold separately).Youll learn how to make the dog walk, sit, wag its tail, and perform tricks, just like a real dog. This teaches you how virtual programming translates to real-world objects.Then, you can practice integrating AI into robotics projects with ChatGPT. This is where the PiDog really comes to life because AI makes it capable of recognizing your face, responding to touch, detecting and avoiding obstacles, hearing and responding to voice commands, and more.To see just how freaky AI-powered robots can get, the PiDog can even solve math problems by looking through its camera. Once you get comfortable with programming, robotics, and AI, who knows what else you can have it do!Get your PiDog robot dog kit here for $149.99 (reg. $179.99).StackSocial prices subject to change.SunFounder PiDog Robot Dog Kit for Raspberry Pi $149.99See Deal

NewsAnimalsFevers link with specialized immunity is surprisingly ancientFevers boost survival and killing ability of T cells in fish Nile tilapia (one shown) seek warmer waters when sick, a behavior that kicks off their specialized adaptive immune system, a new study suggests.Luying WangBy McKenzie Prillaman13 seconds agoThe immune-boosting power of a fever is surprisingly ancient.Cold-blooded creatures like fish typically move to warmer environments to help fight infections. In one fish species, Nile tilapia, that behavioral or sought-out fever triggers the adaptive immune system, known for its acquired memory of specific bodily invaders, researchers report in the Dec. 24 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The finding hints that the link between fever and adaptive immunity arose long ago in animals evolutionary history, with a truly archaic common ancestor.