Latest news with #equator
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
This summer, the sky comes alive with shooting stars. What you need to know about ongoing meteor showers.
Three different meteor showers are happening at the same time this month, giving skywatchers plenty of chances to spend their summer nights looking for shooting stars. The annual alpha Capricornids, the Southern delta Aquariids and the Perseid meteor showers are all currently active, with each celestial show set to last through mid-August. Here's what to know about these meteor showers, and where and how you can spot shooting stars. The alpha Capricornids The alpha Capricornids and the Southern delta Aquariids will peak in activity at the end of this month, overnight from July 29 to 30, while the Perseids — often considered the best and most reliable shooting star display — will ramp up to its peak next month. Skywatchers will likely encounter mostly favorable conditions for catching meteor showers this July, according to the American Meteor Society. The alpha Capricornids meteor shower is not typically a strong display, but it can produce a number of bright fireballs while active. At its height, the meteor shower can produce around five shooting stars per hour under dark skies and clear conditions, according to the American Meteor Society. The shower gets its name because the meteors appear to stream from the constellation of Capricorn. During this year's peak, the moon will be only 27% full, offering people on either side of the equator a chance to catch the celestial show. The alpha Capricornids meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through clouds of dust particles and debris from the comet 169P/NEAT, which completes one orbit around the sun every 4.2 years. As pieces of debris hit the planet's atmosphere and vaporize, they create bright streaks of light that sometimes leave behind bright trails. The Southern delta Aquariids The Southern delta Aquariids, as their name suggests, are best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere. This meteor shower is capable of producing up to 25 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, but the shooting stars are typically fainter. Southern delta Aquariids can be tricky to spot, according to NASA, but the best chances this year will likely be in the early morning hours. The meteor shower is thought to be caused by pieces of the comet 96P/Machholz, which completes one orbit around the sun every 5.2 years. The Perseids Finally, the Perseids meteor shower is underway and is expected to peak overnight from Aug. 12 to 13. The Perseids are usually one of the most highly anticipated skywatching events of the year because the meteor shower occurs during warm summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and it typically delivers a high rate of shooting stars. Under ideal conditions, the Perseids can produce as many as 100 shooting stars per hour. This year, however, the moon will be around 84% full, which will likely wash out meteors and 'severely compromise this shower at the time of maximum activity,' according to the American Meteor Society. 'Such conditions will reduce activity by at least 75% as only the brighter meteors will be visible,' the society said in its forecast. The Perseids shower occurs when Earth passes through a cloud of dust particles and debris left over from a comet known as 109P/Swift-Tuttle. This article was originally published on
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
These Lightweight Pants Kept Me Cool and Dry Hiking in the Galapagos—and I Found 8 Similar Styles From $37
While preparing for my recent trip to the Galapagos Islands, I kept coming across hiking pants on suggested packing lists. At first, I was skeptical and wondered why I would need long pants on a warm weather trip. While I knew I'd be hiking most days, I thought I'd be better suited to face the Ecuadorian sun in running shorts or tennis skirts. A few days before my vacation, I ended up making a last-minute trip to browse the TJ Maxx activewear section. There, I stumbled upon the Free People Movement Fly By Night Pants. They instantly caught my eye for being more fashion-forward than your typical hiking pants, which encouraged me to take the leap and buy them, knowing I could wear them for more than just hiking on my trip. On our first full day of activities, it became clear to me that these Free People pants weren't only cute but also practical. Since the Galapagos is at the equator (we passed through it multiple times during the trip), the sun is much stronger than I'm used to. These pants kept my legs protected to avoid sun damage and burns. Made from 100 percent nylon, they're lightweight, airy, and breathable. I was able to move around in them with ease while hiking on different terrain. I felt just as comfortable in these pants as in shorts, if not even more so, since they shielded my skin from the intense heat. A bonus: While these pants did wrinkle in my suitcase, any creases fell out while I was wearing them, so I already know I'll be bringing them on future trips. But what really put these hiking pants to the test was the unpredictable climate of the Galapagos. When we set out for a hike, we never knew if we'd be in the sun all day or facing rainstorms. During the worst downpour of the trip, these water-resistant pants kept my legs completely dry underneath. Plus, when I hung them up in my cabin, they dried off much quicker than any of my other hiking clothes, which makes them more convenient for travel. These pants are slightly oversized in the leg but have a more fitted elastic waistband that offers a good amount of stretch. I'm generally a size 0 to 2 in bottoms, and the XS is a perfect fit on my petite frame. 'I bought my usual size Medium and they fit comfortably with room to wear over leggings [for colder weather],' said one shopper. Some reviewers recommend sizing down, but Free People Movement tends to run slightly big overall, and these pants fit consistently with the brand's sizing. One thing to keep in mind is that they are a cropped style, meant to hit above the ankle. I'm 5-feet tall and they fit me more like full-length pants, which I appreciate as I generally struggle to find wide-leg pants that fit me properly. Shoppers agree that these pants would be cute and comfortable for everyday activities beyond the trails. 'I bought these for my trip to Europe, where I'll be walking a lot,' said one shopper, adding that they are very flattering and cute. The only downside to these pants is that they make a swishing sound when you walk, but personally, I've found this to be pretty minimal, and I tend to forget about it while wearing them. After a weeklong cruise in the Galapagos, I've officially been converted to a hiking pants aficionado. I'm currently planning my next active trip to Alaska, and fully plan on stocking up on more styles beforehand. Continue on for some similar styles I'm currently eyeing, all on sale for under $100. These nylon hiking pants are lightweight, breathable, and quick drying like my Free People Movement pair, but offer an additional benefit: They're made with UPF 50+ fabric for built-in sun protection. Plus, they feature a drawstring on the ankle hem that you can either cinch to keep debris and bugs out or push up to turn them into capris. Choose from 10 different colorways, ranging from fun colors like lake green to neutrals like black. These jogger-style hiking pants have five different zippered sections for stashing valuables, which would come in handy on a travel day when you want to keep track of your essentials in the airport or on the trails. Available in both petite and regular inseams, these travel pants have over 4,800 five-star ratings. 'The UPF protection ensured that I had no sunburn on my legs hiking between 14,000 and 17,000 ft elevation,' said one reviewer after returning from a five-day hike of the Inca trail at very high altitudes with intense sun exposure. 'These pants withstood everything,' she said, adding that even when she fell on steep, jagged stone, the pants were unscathed. Another fashion-forward option, these stylish hiking pants have wide legs and a utility belt-style belt. The hue of this coastal teal colorway reminds me of my favorite Free People Movement pair, though the pants are also marked down in black. Plus, these pants are sweat-wicking, quick-drying, abrasion-resistant, and made from UPF 40+ material. These ultra-lightweight pants are not only breathable but also designed to be packable. You can fold them down to fit into the left-hand pocket, so they take up minimal suitcase space. The waistband also has loops that you can attach carabiners to for climbing. If you're looking for more of a fitted style, consider these straight-leg pants with a stretchy mid-rise waistband. They're made from an omni-proof material, which means they can repel and withstand a variety of elements like water and stains, so you'll have them for many getaways to come. One reviewer who bought these pants for an Iceland trip said, 'I wore them over thermal leggings and fleece sweatpants, so these added warmth and were waterproof.' $118 $57 at I'm currently eyeing these wide-leg pants for my upcoming trips to both Spain and Alaska for their versatility. While they look like sleek trousers, they're actually made from lightweight athleisure material. It's rare to find pants that can take you from the trails to a night out on town, so at over half off, it's an instant add to cart for me. Made from a breathable, stretchy cotton blend, these hiking pants are designed to keep you comfortable on casual hikes. The split-leg style would turn heads, but they also come in solid variations. As part of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, they're currently marked down to just $53, so we won't blame you for grabbing multiple hues. My mom swears by Free Country for outdoorsy clothes, and I can see why. This versatile style combines the comfort of sweats and the function of hiking pants. Plus, they have a zipper that you can use to turn them into shorts if you get sweaty or decide you don't need the extra sun protection. They'd definitely come in handy in a destination with unpredictable weather (like, say, the Galapagos). Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
South China Morning Post
13-07-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China's Shijian satellite pair appears to dock in orbit for historic refuelling mission
Two Chinese satellites may have docked in geostationary orbit for a historic refuelling mission, an autonomous satellite servicing feat the United States has yet to achieve. China's Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 'appeared visually merged in optical sensor data' between July 2 and July 6, US-based space situational awareness software provider COMSPOC said on Saturday in a social media post. 'Given the prolonged RPO time, SJ-21 and SJ-25 may have docked,' it said, using the acronym for 'rendezvous and proximity operations'. The two probes were observed carrying out such operations in geosynchronous orbit in June and July 'with multiple close approaches', it added. The first close approach was observed on June 11, when Shijian-25 continued its 'steady drift towards' Shijian-21, and the two came within 1km (0.6 mile) of each other on June 13 before separating 90 minutes later, according to COMSPOC. US surveillance satellites USA 270 and USA 271 flanked the Chinese satellites from east and west at the time and were positioned for optimal viewing angles, the company said. According to optical tracking images from Swiss space surveillance firm s2a systems, the Chinese satellites, both orbiting at an altitude of 35,786km (22,236 miles) above the equator, carried out another round of close-proximity operations on June 30.
Grazia USA
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Hailey Bieber Reacts To Justin Bieber's Surprise Album Announcement
Justin Bieber is dropping new music for the first time since 2021. On Thursday, Justin and Hailey Bieber took to their Instagram accounts to drop photos of billboards advertising his new album. Following the posts, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news officially. The album will be titled Swag and is releasing on Friday July 11, likely around 5 PM AEST, for those of us on this side of the equator. This project comes after major life changes, including the birth of his son Jack Blues Bieber last year, as well as his split from longtime manager Scooter Braun in 2023. Concurrently, Justin and Hailey have also been the source of constant speculation regarding their marriage. Though, recent social media posts seem to indicate they are in a good place at the moment. The album will be made up of 20 tracks and includes features from Gunna, Sexxy Red, and Cash Cobain. The track titles suggest the album will touch on mental health, his marriage, fatherhood, and faith. Notably, many of the official promotional images seem to feature both Hailey and Jack, so we can assume his family will be a recurring theme. Hailey herself has already reacted to the news, taking to her Instagram stories to not only share images of album promotions, but also to reference Justin's 'clocking it' meme in the process. She wrote, 'Is it finally clocking to you fucking losers?' under a photo of the track list. We're clocking it. And surely all will be even more clear, when the album officially drops.
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Travel + Leisure
07-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The 15 Best Cruise Essentials to Shop During Amazon Prime Day, Picked by a Former Crew Member
I spent years sailing the world on cruise ships as a dancer. I have ported in over 45 countries, crossed the equator on several occasions, and was even aboard a vessel for its World Cruise. After experiencing life aboard, I can tell you exactly what's worth packing—and there's no better time to stock up on cruise essentials than during Amazon Prime Day, when some of these simple yet valuable items go on sale. There are a lot of cruise ship packing lists out there, and they can vary depending on where you're sailing and what the weather will be like. But some items will always come in handy, no matter where your itinerary takes you. From space-saving hacks to gear that keeps you cool, these Amazon Prime Day deals will help you pack smarter and cruise in comfort. Shop top deals starting at just $5. Packing cubes may not be essential, but they will make for a tidier stateroom. You'll find unpacking a lot faster when your clothes are organized into categories, like beachwear, resortwear, formalwear, and shoes. Use the packing cubes to separate clean and dirty clothes for the duration of your cruise. You don't want to be stuck ashore with a dead phone and no way to navigate back to the ship. Always have a portable power bank in your bag when leaving the ship so you can recharge important tech that will help you get back to the gangway on time. Whether you're cruising to the beach or on a misty Norwegian fjord, your tech will probably be exposed to wet conditions. Keep it safe from moisture and sand with a waterproof phone pouch that firmly seals and locks out water. This belt bag two-pack features an adjustable waist strap and a touchscreen-friendly clear front so you can use your phone without removing it from the bag. It's easy to get overheated on a cruise (I've seen it happen), whether out on the deck or ashore on an excursion. If you know you're sensitive to the heat, then pack and prepare for the weather with items like this cooling towel. It claims to cool up to 30 degrees below average body temperature in under one minute and can stay cool for up to two hours. One shopper bought several of these cooling towels for a group trip to Mexico, saying, 'They really work!' Cruise ship cabins are small and have limited storage space. That storage can quickly run out if you're sharing your cabin with several people. To keep a tidy cabin and create extra storage for yourself, pack magnetic hooks in your luggage (away from your electronics). Cruise ship walls are typically made of metal and are magnetic, which means you can put these by your door and hang your purse, shopping bags, or jacket so they don't clutter up valuable counter space. Don't get sunburnt on your first day on the ship and then have to hide from the sun for the remainder of your vacation. Always start your day with a generous spray or lathering of sunscreen, even when you're just staying on the ship. You're not just exposed to direct sunlight, but also the sunlight bouncing off the water. Cruise ship decks can be slippery, especially if you're doing an equator crossing (if you know you know—there's often soap and whipped cream involved with this ship ritual). Deck stewards should mark when a deck has just been cleaned and may be wet, but that doesn't mean that weather and other environmental factors won't create slick surfaces. Look for footwear with white or neutral rubber soles and plenty of grip and traction points, like these breathable boat shoes. These shoes can also double as water shoes, so you can take them on a shore excursion where you'll need quick-dry footwear. Many cruise buffets and dining rooms will have dress codes where you can't walk in wearing a bikini and flip-flops. To avoid making trips back to your room to change, keep this versatile shirt dress in your bag. It works as a bathing suit cover-up and as a nice dress that can be elevated with heels and some jewelry. Never leave the ship without a refillable water bottle. You don't want to get dehydrated, and you don't want to buy overpriced single-use water bottles. A refillable bottle is essential if you're cruising through Europe and the Mediterranean, where you'll find restaurants sometimes charge you for water, unless you explicitly ask for tap water. It's common for European squares to have public water fountains, too, which are perfectly safe to drink from and are great for refilling your bottle for free. I prefer water bottles with a protected mouthpiece so I don't have to worry about it staying sanitized. If you're an avid cruiser, chances are you love that immaculate vista of open water. However, the oceans are in trouble and are constantly polluted with plastic, particularly single-use plastic bags, which is a huge problem. I recommend packing your own reusable bags on your trip so you don't add more plastic to the waste bin. Tuck these packable, eco-friendly bags into your shore backpack so you have them for shopping, as many European stores have banned single-use bags. Just like sunscreen, a wide-brim sun hat should always be in your bag. This sun hat allows your head to breathe while still providing ample coverage of your face and shoulders. Plus, it's rollable and packable, so you don't have to worry about crushing it in transit. Yes, you can bring the ship's towels ashore, but they're usually made of terry cloth and collect beach sand like a magnet, bringing it all back to your room to dump on the floor and make a mess. This quick-dry, sand-free beach towel is a nice alternative to the ship's thick towels and rolls up into a tiny, easy-to-pack pouch. Your room steward will thank you, too. If cruise ship captains could have it their way, they'd schedule perfect weather every day for all of their passengers—but that's not how Mother Nature works. There's bound to be at least one day on your cruise with less than ideal weather. Don't let it spoil your adventures, though. Pack a rain poncho so you can still go out and explore if you want to. Umbrellas are great, but high winds can wreck an umbrella in a hurry. Phone. Wallet. Keys. The same refrain we repeat when leaving our house applies to your stateroom on a cruise ship, too. A phone case with a built-in crossbody strap and wallet to hold your room key is your answer to never misplacing your essentials on the ship. Plus, this makes it easier to join in on a dance party without asking someone to watch your purse. And you'll never have to worry about your phone slipping from your hands, off the promenade deck, and into the sea when it's strapped to your body. I'm eyeing the stylish, Oprah-loved Bandolier Hailey Crossbody Phone Case, on sale this week for Amazon Prime Day. Visits to the ship's medical center can be pricey and lengthy (there's often just one doctor available at a time for thousands of passengers, and the wait can get long). What's more, some travel insurance companies don't cover visits to ship infirmaries. If you or a family member gets a minor cut or scrape while onboard or ashore, it's easier to remedy it yourself if you have the basics at hand, such as this 120-piece mini first aid kit. I'd also recommend adding an electrolyte drink mix to this kit. In the event you catch a stomach bug, you'll be quarantined to your room, and dehydration is something you'll want to stay on top of to recover faster. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
