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Hubble Telescope celebrates 33rd anniversary with gorgeous photo of nearby stellar nursery

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© NASA, ESA, STScI
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The Hubble Space Telescope snapped a stunning new photo of a nearby star-forming region to celebrate its 33rd launch anniversary.

Located only 960 light-years away in the Perseus molecular cloud, a reflection nebula known as NGC 1333 harbors hundreds of newly forming stars. Hubble peered through thick clouds of dust and gas, including cold molecular hydrogen, which is an essential element for the formation of stars and planets, according to a statement from the European Space Agency (ESA).

“Hubble’s colorful view, showcasing its unique capability to obtain images in light from ultraviolet to near-infrared, unveils an effervescent cauldron of glowing gases and pitch-black dust stirred up and blown around by several hundred newly forming stars embedded within the dark cloud,” ESA officials wrote in the statement.

“Even then, Hubble just scratches the surface; most of the star-birthing firestorm is hidden behind clouds of fine dust — essentially soot — that are thicker toward the bottom of the image,” they added. “The black areas of the image are not empty space, but are filled with obscuring dust.”

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Hubble launched into orbit around Earth on April 25, 1990, aboard the space shuttle Discovery. Since then, the iconic scope has collected roughly 1.6 million observations of nearly 52,000 celestial targets, according to the statement.

The new image of NGC 1333 showcases ferocious stellar winds sweeping through the nebula’s clouds of dust. These stellar winds are likely caused by the bright blue star at the top of the image, highlighting the messy and chaotic nature of star formation in the universe.

Another bright super-hot star can be seen near the bottom of the image, shining through the nebula’s dust like Earth’s sun masked by cloudy skies. The reddish glow represents hydrogen ionized by young stars, which propel bursts, or jets, of material into space as they grow and accrete infalling dust and gas from the surrounding area. The fine dust of the nebula filters the starlight, allowing more of the red light to shine through, but scattering the light at blue wavelengths, according to the statement.

“This view offers an example of the time when our own sun and planets formed inside such a dusty molecular cloud, 4.6 billion years ago,” ESA officials wrote in the statement. “Our sun didn’t form in isolation but was instead embedded inside a mosh pit of frantic stellar birth, perhaps even more energetic and massive than NGC 1333.”

Follow Samantha Mathewson @Sam_Ashley13. Follow us @Spacedotcom, or on Facebook and Instagram.

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Widespread Auroras That Lit Skies This Week Are Getting More Common | Smart News

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green, white and purple glowing lights stretch vertically into the sky above silhouettes of trees — Aurora borealis captured in northern Minnesota on April 23.
Christopher Ingraham via Twitter

Skywatchers across the world were treated to rare dancing light displays on Sunday and early Monday as the northern lights stretched much farther south than usual. With the colors dazzling viewers as far as Texas, this may have been the most widespread aurora borealis since 2003, report Matthew Cappucci and Kasha Patel for the Washington Post.

“The show lasted about 20 minutes all together, and [then] burst in intensity for about five minutes, with these beams of white light coming down from the sky,” Eric Eisner, a high school teacher from Santa Monica who viewed the aurora while camping in the Owens Peak Wilderness in California, tells Amy Graff of SFGATE. “It’s the kind of thing where you wake up in the morning and you’re like, ‘Oh that must have been a dream,’ but you realize it was real.”

Auroras occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in our atmosphere. The aurora borealis (also called the northern lights) and the aurora australis (southern lights) commonly occur close to the poles, because the Earth’s magnetic field steers the charged particles there.

But every so often, the sun spews out large amounts of plasma, charged particles and magnetic energy called coronal mass ejections (CME) that hurtle toward Earth as fast as 6.7 million miles per hour. This material can spark a geomagnetic storm, or a disruption in the magnetic field surrounding Earth—and experts say strong ones are growing more common. The storm that hit on Sunday was rated “severe,” a 4 out of 5 on NOAA’s scale, causing the auroras to be larger than usual.

“The way this storm—this CME—connected was just perfectly connected to Earth’s magnetic field,” Bill Murtagh, program coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, tells the Post. “Consequently, the storming was up at the severe level versus just the moderate, maybe strong, level that we might have expected.”

The Northern Lights and a Meteor over Stonehenge this morning Photo credit Stonehenge Dronescapes on FB #Aurora #auroraborealis #northernlights #stonehenge #stars #astro #meteor #beautiful #april #astrophotography pic.twitter.com/RYIirr7X7J

— Stonehenge U.K (@ST0NEHENGE) April 24, 2023

During this week’s storm, the northern lights stretched as far south as Colorado, New Mexico, France and Germany, while the southern lights appeared as far north as the Central West region of Australia’s New South Wales, reports Daisy Dobrijevic for Space.com. Viewers reported spectacular colors ranging from reds to greens and yellows—a variation caused by atoms of different elements reacting with the solar energy at different altitudes.

Storms like this one are expected to get more common in the near future. The sun’s activity level fluctuates over an 11-year cycle, and during that period, severe geomagnetic storms typically occur about 100 times. The surges in energy from these storms can cause disturbances in the power grid, GPS and radio communications, in addition to creating fantastic displays in the sky. Our current solar cycle is expected to peak in July 2025, which means we can expect increased activity of this kind over the next few years.

“We’re in a ramped-up, elevated stage from now for the next four, five, six years,” Murtagh tells Grace Toohey of the Los Angeles Times. “We’ll certainly see more [auroras]. … If you missed this one, stay tuned, there’s more to come.”

Korean Artist JoJo’s Hilarious Illustrations Transform Cute Cat Photos into Comic Masterpieces

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Cats have always been a popular subject in the world of entertainment, with their mischievous behavior and adorable looks captivating audiences worldwide.

One artist, named JoJo, originally from Korea and now residing in Toronto, has taken this fascination with felines to the next level by transforming humorous pictures of cats into even more amusing and witty illustrations. Their creative and unique approach has resulted in some truly amazing works of art, which you can explore below. Get ready to laugh and be amazed by the world of JoJo’s comical cat illustrations!

Scroll down and inspire yourself. Check JoJo’s Instagram for more information.

You can find JoJo on the web:

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Vote For Your Favorite Dublin Photos From The “Nature In Our Backyard” Photography Contest

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April 22, 2023

The City of Dublin recently held its annual “Nature in Our Backyard” Photography Contest. Photographs could include any wildlife or nature setting, but had to be taken in Dublin in the past 12 months. A survey of the top 10 photographs, selected by a judging panel, is now available for public voting.

Mike’s Camera will provide gift certificates, as well as metal prints of their photographs, to the top four vote-getters. They will also be recognized at a Dublin City Council meeting. Framed photographs will be displayed in the lobby at Dublin Civic Center and on the City’s website. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, April 30.

Vote here.

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AI imagery goes against everything I believe photography is about

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© Andrea Izzotti / Alamy
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I recently came across a succinct description of what us photographers do… “lens-based practice”. Although, “camera-based practice” is arguably just as accurate.

With the rise of AI, it’s going to be even more necessary to distinguish photography – i.e. image making using a camera and lens – from the frightening prospect that is AI-based image generation. This is machine learning software that simply uses a short text description to make up a picture from elements that it has absorbed from millions of tagged sample images.

There several AI image generators available – such as Dall-E 2, Stable Diffusion, Picsart, Craiyon and Midjourney – which have varying capabilities and applications. Dall-E, for example, even allows users to specify the lens focal length and aperture in their AI-generated images… and the results have been described as “shockingly realistic”.

The results look very convincing, convincing enough that an AI-generated image – meant to look like it was taken by a camera drone – actually won a photo competition in Australia. Submitting the image was a stunt by its creator – Sydney- based company Absolutely Ai – and it came clean after the results were announced… but a point was emphatically made. As it happens, a close examination of the image would have revealed some visual anomalies which means, just for starters, competition judges will have to be a lot more alert.

More alarmingly, a spokesperson for Absolutely Ai, quoted elsewhere, said, “We didn’t need to wake up at sunrise, drive to the beach and send the drone up to capture the image. We created this image from our couch in Sydney by entering text into a computer program”.

I don’t know about you, but frankly that appals me as it is the antithesis of everything that photography is about… namely the physical, technical and creative efforts that go into realising an idea or vision. It’s cheating on a breath- taking scale, and the potential for AI art to be deceptive or downright dishonest is immense.

We have, of course, sown the seeds for this with our embrace of image manipulation in programs like Photoshop, but because artificial intelligence is now involved, it’s going to be a lot harder to spot the fakes. Additionally, a lot of Photoshop work is pretty obvious – and mostly always acknowledged by its authors – but an image created by AI looks more like a genuine photograph, such as you might take at sunrise on a beach after making the effort to be in the right place at the right time.

Then there’s the little issue of copyright, which will be impossible to police because components of the image have come from everywhere and there could be hundreds of different inputs. It’s very likely most of the source images would have been plundered without their authors’ knowledge or permission.

I remember the furore a few years ago when the now- defunct Australian Institute Of Professional Photography (AIPP) stripped a photographer of her awards and membership for, among other things, using some unattributed elements in images submitted for competition. These elements were tiny, but traceable, which is something that’s going to be much harder to do – if not impossible – with an AI-generated image. What we’re facing now is child’s play compared to those misdemeanours.

Not surprisingly, major stock libraries are using AI-generated images to gain additional revenue from their existing libraries or making licenses available to AI art companies. However, stock libraries are potentially also victims and, for example, Getty Images is currently taking legal action in the UK against Stability AI (the owner of Stable Diffusion), citing that it unlawfully copied and processed millions of images protected by its copyright.

AI art is not going to affect photography specific to a particular event or subject matter – such as a wedding, portraits, product or sports – but for ‘generic’ imagery that’s more conceptual or thematic, it can deliver results that would otherwise take a lot of time and effort to produce. Incidentally, Midjourney – currently one of the most popular AI image generators – can create pictures that include celebrities or public figures, but others prevent it, along with inappropriate content.

AI art is problematic for professional photographers because – at least as far as public perceptions are concerned – it undermines and devalues every aspect of what we do, most specifically the creative input. One thing is certain: it’s not going to go away any time soon.

Read more

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‘Art in Bloom’ and artsy photo show bring spring to FAM and Concord – Lowell Sun

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Despite this week’s gloomy weather, spring is here in all its glory. And several area art shows reflect the green season.

Art in Bloom celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Fitchburg Art Museum this weekend. Opening today and running through Sunday, April 30, it features floral arrangements crafted by local florists and garden club members inspired by works of art in the museum.

Several special programs and events are planned throughout the weekend. Highlights include 1 p.m. performance by Fitchburg State University Chamber Choir and the 6-8 p.m. Art in Bloom Champagne Reception, both on Friday, April 28. Other events include an Ikebana floral arrangement demo, 1-3 p.m., Saturday, April 29, and an artist talk with May Babcock, 1-2 p.m., Sunday, April 30. Call 978-424-4506 or email [email protected] for reservation assistance or questions.

Starting next Wednesday, May 3-Tuesday, May 30, Lowell-based photographer and artist Sally Chapman will exhibit 25 framed pieces from her “Mythic Nature” series, along with her sculpted art books in the gallery at the Concord Public Library, 129 Main St., Concord.

Chapman makes photo-based art that gravitates toward tactile methods of printing and shaping her photographic work.

Her “Mythic Nature” series features imaginary worlds created by removing statuary from their pedestals and placing them in landscapes created from formal gardens, farmlands, and watery hideaways. She then prints the imagery with cyanotype, a 19thcentury process, and adds her hand by drawing and hand-coloring them with pastels.

Her artist books are sculptural and transform as the piece is unfolded or opened. Some are inspired by her imagery, and the shape evolves from that idea. Others start with a given shape — a wooden block or a cigar box — and the imagery is sculpted, cut, and folded around that shape.

Chapman has a BFA in ceramics and photography from Michigan State University. She worked and exhibited as a ceramic artist for over 20 years but returned to photography in 2010.

Her solo shows include the Soho Photo Gallery, New York City; The Halide Project, Philadelphia; Three Stones Gallery, Concord; and the Arts League of Lowell.

A reception is 2-4 p.m., Saturday, May 6, and a hands-on experience with the artist books is 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20. For more info on Chapman and her art, visit http://www.sallychapmanphoto.com/.

Also opening next Wednesday, May 3 is “May Showcase: 43.7623°N, 69.3203°W” at Loading Dock Gallery at Western Avenue Studios, 133 Western Ave., Lowell. The colorful show runs through Sunday, May 28. Look for more details in “Eye on Art” next Thursday, May 3.

GALLERY NOTES

FUNDRAISER FUN: ‘Tis the season for fundraisers. Lowell’s Brush Art Gallery and Studios holds its annual spring fundraiser tomorrow, Friday, April 28 at Lenzi’s in Dracut. It starts at 6 p.m. and includes cocktails, a buffet dinner, raffle, and cabaret-style performance headlined by Michael Lally, with Matt Descoteaux at the piano, Erin Noonan-Descoteaux, Greg Descoteaux, Jerry Bisantz, Camille Bedard, and special guest Lura Smith. For tickets, visit www.thebrush.org…Concord Museum holds its annual gala 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 at the American Heritage Museum, 568 Main St., Hudson, Mass. Proceeds benefit the Paul Revere’s Ride Fund, which provides free visits to students in underserved communities in the area. Visit concordmuseum.org/events/2023-concord-museum-annual-gala/ for tickets and info.

Nancye Tuttle’s email is [email protected]

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GoPro’s 5th Million Dollar Challenge Breaks Records with HERO11 Black and Mini Cameras

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GoPro has announced the winners of its fifth Million Dollar Challenge, which celebrates the creative and inspiring videos captured by its customers using the HERO11 Black and HERO11 Black Mini cameras. The challenge invited users to submit raw video clips via the GoPro Quik app or GoPro.com/Awards, ultimately awarded $1 million to selected creators worldwide.

This year’s Million Dollar Challenge saw a record-breaking 42,446 video clip submissions from 126 countries, marking a 66% increase from the previous year. Out of these submissions, 55 creators representing 21 countries were selected to feature in the three-minute highlight reel, each receiving $18,181.81 for their contribution.

“The HERO11 Black and Mini Million Dollar Challenge video celebrates the creativity of our inspired customers,” said GoPro Founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman. “Congratulations to this year’s creators—your videos inspire millions of people around the world to pursue their own interests and passions.”

The global premiere of the Million Dollar Challenge video was held on April 26th, showcasing the inspiring and diverse range of footage captured by GoPro users. The selected creators have earned their place in GoPro history and contributed to a celebration of the unique experiences and adventures that can be captured with the HERO11 Black and Mini cameras.

The GoPro Million Dollar Challenge has been running for five years and has awarded $5 million to recipients during this time. By encouraging users to submit raw and unedited footage of their inspiring experiences, GoPro has created a platform for celebrating creativity and adventure.

Check out the video on GoPro’s YouTube channel to view the inspiring and awe-inspiring highlight reel. To learn more about the HERO11 Black and Mini cameras, visit GoPro.com

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Darrtown engineer photographs the universe from home

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“One night I set up a field scope on the grill. I was amazed by the detail I saw on the moon. I said to myself that I’m buying a telescope tomorrow.”

Now, approaching five years later, Titus has built his own observatory, runs his Facebook page, and has become vice president of the Cincinnati Astronomical Society.

The mostly-wooden observatory consists of two floors: a lower level containing a computer workstation where Titus refines his images, and an upper level where a human-sized telescope lives. Titus has installed metal retractable panels that open when he wants to view the sky, and can rotate the second floor to face any direction he pleases. Titus did not give an exact figure for how much he spent building the observatory, but implied it was well into the thousands.

The Cincinnati Astronomical Society (CAS) has a history stretching back over a century and is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the nation, according to president Bryan Simpson.

Founder DeLisle Stewart created CAS in 1911 as an astrophotography-focused group after the Cincinnati Observatory refused to provide him necessary photography equipment. Now, the volunteer-only organization serves as a gathering place for local astronomers and an educational body that frequently does outreach events.

The society has headquarters in Miamitown, where it holds its members-only meetings, and also has two other properties in rural Adams County, Ohio and Bracken County, Kentucky that are set up for camping and stargazing.

“To do astrophotography, you have to have a dark sky,” Simpson said.

Simpson also recognized the contributions of Titus as a newer yet extremely devoted member.

“He’s already in the top three or four astrophotographers in the area,” Simpson said. “He has a real passion for it, and I hope that spreads to others.”

Ryan Martin, another CAS member and astrophotographer, is one person who Titus has already spread his influence to.

“Mike has inspired me to do an observatory,” Martin said. “I have the two telescopes I want and am really excited about this coming summer.”

Martin has been a member of the astronomical society since December 2019, after he “fell into a YouTube rabbit hole of astrophotography” while dealing with a foot injury and decided to take up the hobby using a telescope he had been given as a child.

Neither Martin nor Titus have an academic background in astronomy. Titus said he largely educated himself on the subject through Wikipedia articles, library books, and instruction from fellow CAS members.

“You can’t discount the contributions of amateur astronomers to the field,” Simpson said.

It’s possible that Titus has already made major contributions to the field, as he has sent images of multiple asteroids to the Minor Planet Center for review as potential new discoveries.

While he waits for word back, Titus will continue to operate his observatory each night, searching for the next big photo op and hoping no clouds or rogue satellites will get in the way.

This article originally published by the Oxford Observer, a digital publication of Miami University journalism student content. See it at oxfordobserver.org.

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20 Quirky And Playful Illustrations By Steve Nelson

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Looking for a quick and easy way to brighten up your day? Look no further than the charming and witty illustrations of British comic artist Steve Nelson. With his playful one-liners and whimsical characters, Steve’s comics are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Whether you’re in need of a little pick-me-up or just looking for a fun distraction, take a moment to browse through his gallery of light-hearted and hilarious comic strips. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite!

Scroll down and enjoy yourself. Check his Website and Instagram for more amazing work.