The Game Boy Camera is a 128×112 pixel sensor from 1998 that was probably the first digital camera in many, many homes. There’s not much you can do with it now, besides replicate old Neil Young album covers and attempting and failing to impress anyone born after the year 1995. Nevertheless, screwing around with old digital cameras is cool, so [Alex] strapped one fo these Game Boy Cameras to an old telescope.
For any astrophotography endeavor, the choice of telescope is important. For this little experiment, [Alex] used a 6” Fraunhofer telescope built in 1838 at the Old Observatory of Leiden. The Game Boy with Camera was attached to the scope using a universal cell phone adapter. Apparently the ‘universal’ in this universal cell phone adapter is accurate – the setup was easy and [Alex] quickly got an image of a clocktower on his Game Boy.
Turning to the heavens, [Alex] took a look at the most interesting objects you can see with a 6-inch telescope. Images of the moon turned out rather well, with beautiful 2-bit dithering along the terminator. Jupiter was a bright white spot in a sea of noise, but [Alex] could see four slightly brighter pixels orbiting where Stellarium predicted the Galilean moons would be.
Was this experiment a success? Between cloudy nights and a relatively small telescope, we’re saying yes. These are pretty impressive results for such a terrible digital camera.
Human beings are highly visual creatures, so it should come as no major revelation that we usually make assumptions and decisions about businesses, places and individuals based on their visual appearance first.In fact, a recent study found that it takes just one hundred milliseconds of seeing someone to form an opinion on them.
Talk about the importance of creating an excellent first impression.So, what if you could get that first impression over withbefore meeting your customers?
The great news is you can, with a headshot. If you’re a business owner wanting to make a great first impression, here are some of our top tips for taking great headshots that your customers will love:
#1. Hire a Professional for Great Quality Prints
As mentioned above, your executive headshots define others’ perceptions of you. Because of this, you want your headshots to look amazing. However, taking headshots is much more complicated than it sounds.
If you’ve never taken a headshot before and are unsure what you’re doing, hiring a professional headshot photographer might be an idea. Professional photographers will be able to produce better quality photographs.
Follow these tips to find a good headshot photographer near you:
Search online – the first thing you need to do is search for professional headshot photographers near you. For example, if you live in London, you should search for professional headshot services in London. This will help you to find a headshot photographer London that is located near you.
Look at their previous work – the next step is to look at examples of their professional headshots London. This will give you an idea of the type of work they do and how good they are.
Read reviews – before booking your headshots London, it’s important to read past customer reviews to see what they thought of the company’s services.
Arrange a meeting – the final thing you must do is arrange a meeting with the photographer. During this meeting, you not only need to discuss your requirements, but also things like costs.
# 2. Choose the Correct Camera Lens
If you’ve decided to go it alone, one of the best tips we can give you to get a good headshot is to choose the correct camera lens. The lens you choose can have an enormous impact on the quality of your photograph. These are some of the best lenses for headshot photography:
70-200mm zoom
24-79mm zoom
135mm fixed
80mm fixed
50mm fixed
#3. Set Your Camera Up in Advance
Another great tip is to set your camera up in advance. This tip can save a great deal of time. Some of the things you need to do include:
Check to make sure the batteries are fully charged.
Make sure you’ve installed the memory card.
Make sure there is enough space on the memory card.
Check the camera settings, including exposure, white balance and shooting mode.
Ensure you have the right equipment,e.g., a tripod.
# 4. Carefully Choose the Location
How many times have you seen headshots like this:the person is looking straight ahead into the camera. Directly behind them is a blank grey background. While these types of photographs are acceptable, they’re pretty boring. This makes itessential to consider your location before taking a headshot. And remember, a headshot doesn’t have to be taken in front of a blank background.
#5. Take Multiple Shots
It’s almost impossible to get a perfect picture on your first take. This means you must take multiple shots to find one with which you are happy.
As you can see, taking headshots isn’t as easy as it sounds. There’s so much to consider, from the location to the lighting, that it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, there are people out there who can help. If you’ve tried the tips above but you’re still struggling to get a great photo, contact a professional headshot photographer. Although this will cost money, it will be worth it in the long run.
A Redditor recently posted a picture of an out-of-this-world-looking mushroom that appeared after the rain, prompting a search to identify the unique species of fungus.
“This “alien mushroom” arrived this morning after the rain during the last days. Does someone know what it is? Looks like a mushroom. But which type?” wrote the poster above a photo of the fungus.
Like something from a sci-fi movie, the striking red fungus grows in a round or oval shape with spongy, cage-like interlacing branches.
“That’s wild, I’ve never seen anything like that one before,” one Redditor remarked. “Kind of cool.”
While many commenters naturally reacted with plenty of hot Cheetos and “Last of Us” jokes, they also quickly identified the otherworldly mushroom as a basket stinkhorn, scientifically known as clathrus ruber.
“If it looks alien, smells rotten, and pops up after a rain it’s most likely a stinkhorn,” one commenter identified.
Photo Credit: u/I-Am-Vicky / Reddit
“They produce a foul-smelling slime that attracts flies that would be attracted to feces. The flies get the spores all over them and disperse them,” another Redditor explained. “I’d advise digging it up if it’s near your house or it’s really going to bother you,” this user suggested.
In addition to its showstopping appearance and foul smell, the mushroom plays a unique role in the circle of life. The smell of the vibrant mushroom attracts flies to spread its spores and also supports the food chain.
“Sometimes you’ll see lizards hanging nearby waiting for the flies to come and they’ll eat the flies,” one Redditor noted, “Kinda cool how the lizards know that if nature builds it stinky, the flies will come!”
Mushrooms are critical to ecosystems, sharing nutrients and warning signs through an interconnected underground network of mycelium. Long used in food and medicine, mushrooms also play an important role for humans. Growing and foraging for mushrooms is a well-established hobby for many seeking edible species for their culinary delights.
However, you shouldn’t just pluck any mushroom that pops up in the yard, as many can be quite poisonous. Thankfully, there are numerous organizations to help identify mushrooms that may appear around your home.
While Redditors quelled fears of an alien invasion from this strange, cosmic-looking fungus, this commenter couldn’t help but appreciate the wonder of nature. “Stinky or not, this is super awesome! I love cool mushrooms.”
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STUNNING underwater snaps go further than the eye can sea – as they go up for gongs at a prestigious photo award.
Judges have been gushing over the aquatic art, which has been shortlisted for Oceanographic Magazine’s 2023 Ocean Photographer of the Year award.
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The shortlist for Oceanographic Magazine’s 2023 Ocean Photographer of the Year award has been released – pictured here a deep sea diverCredit: Capture Media Agency
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An inqusitive manatee perfectly positioned in front of the sun’s raysCredit: Capture Media Agency
The shots show the full spectrum of ocean life – from whales and manatees to a deep sea diver.
Finalist Sylvie Ayer, who captured a jaw-dropping close-up of a manatee, said: “It came close to look at me and was suddenly perfectly positioned in front of the sun’s rays.
“I hope this photo helps raise awareness of the need to protect these mammals.”
Divided across categories such as ‘Wildlife’, ‘Adventure’ and ‘Human Connection’, the overall winners of the contest are set to be announced in September.
In 2020, more than 5,500 photos from dozens of countries were entered into the competition, capturing ravenous sharks, swimming dragons and even an octopus playing football.
Judge Alex Mustard said the entries featured “a real diversity of photos taken in waters from the polar oceans to the swimming pool.”
Frenchman Greg Lecouer bagged the “best of show” award with his snap of four crabeater seals dancing around a drifting iceberg.
Greg said of the image: “Massive and mysterious habitats, icebergs are dynamic kingdoms that support marine life.
“During an expedition in Antarctica Peninsula, we explored and documented the hidden face of this iceberg where crab-eater seals have taken up residence.”
Other shots commended by judges included a snap of Lemon shark pups lurking in mangroves and a tragic shot of a tuna fish tangled in a fishing net.
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A snap snowing one fish eating another has been nominated for Oceanographic Magazine’s 2023 Ocean photographer of the yearCredit: Capture Media Agency
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A picture of divers surrounding a whale shark has also been nominatedCredit: Capture Media Agency
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A photo of a mother and baby turtle walking along a sandy beach is also in the runningCredit: Capture Media Agency
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This picture of a lemon shark is among the nominees, tooCredit: Capture Media Agency
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Could this picture of swirling sharks be the winner?Credit: Capture Media Agency
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This picture of a pair of penguins has been nominated for Oceanographic Magazine’s 2023 Ocean photographer of the yearCredit: Capture Media Agency
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A majestic turtle framed against the sun’s rays from aboveCredit: Capture Media Agency
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Fishermen bring a shark they have snared ashoreCredit: Capture Media Agency
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This eerie snap shows a diver discovering human remainsCredit: Capture Media Agency
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This perfect capture of an undersea hunt has been nominated for Oceanographic Magazine’s 2023 Ocean photographer of the yearCredit: Capture Media Agency
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A dancing whaleCredit: Capture Media Agency
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A polar bear marches across an Arctic glacierCredit: Capture Media Agency
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A sea bird bags a fish in an incredible underwater snapCredit: Capture Media Agency
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A walrus enjoys a pier in the NetherlandsCredit: Capture Media Agency
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A rare picture of a penguin ‘in flight’Credit: Capture Media Agency
Vail Health presents “Eagle Valley Wild —Images and Insights into our Land, Water and Wildlife” which contains photography from Todd Winslow Pierce. Brent Bingham/Courtersy photo
Can nature make you happier? Make you feel less stressed? Heal you? That’s the idea behind the nature photography by Todd Winslow Pierce at Vail Health.
“Research studies have shown that incorporating art, specifically nature scenes, in health care settings can have a positive impact on patients’ restoration,” said Amy Keller, vice president of the Vail Health Foundation. “At Vail Health, our Art Council collaborates with local photographers to showcase nature photos from our area in public spaces throughout our facilities.”
Pierce grew up in the valley and knows the landscape and wildlife patterns well enough to get the perfect shot to showcase it in an almost larger-than-life setting at Vail Health. The timing to be involved in this project worked out for Pierce as well as he had just finished reading up on the topic of nature’s restorative benefits.
“I had just read the book called “The Nature Fix,” by Florence Williams, that examines the benefits of nature on health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally,” Pierce said. “I already believed in the healing powers of the natural world from my own experience growing up here in the mountains, but the scientific and medical references throughout the book were really inspiring and sparked the idea about collaborating with Vail Health.”
In 2019, Vail Health started looking for permanent exhibit artwork for the new east wing, so it worked with Pierce to place a number of images in public areas as well as hospital and imaging rooms. During that time, Pierce was also developing a concept called Eagle Valley Wild, which is a nonprofit enterprise that provides professional photographic services to conservation organizations and initiatives in Eagle County. The project educates and inspires locals and visitors with compelling content to increase awareness, appreciation and protection of Eagle County’s land, water and wildlife.
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“Although I couldn’t bring actual forests, waterfalls and wildlife into the hospital, I thought I could offer compelling imagery of all that in ways that could resonate with patients, staff and visitors,” Pierce said.
Photographer Todd Winslow Pierce and Amy Keller, vice president of Vail Health Foundation, pose in front of “Autumn Along the Eagle River” at Vail Health in Vail. Brent Bingham/Courtersy photo
“We currently have 12 images on display at three different locations within Vail Health Hospital and the Shaw Cancer Center building,” Keller said. “These images will be periodically rotated to maintain visual variety in these spaces. The exhibit has received great interest from patients and staff, with many expressing their appreciation for the photography.”
Alongside the photos are extended captions that go into more detail about each photograph, whether it’s an elk herd in the Brush Creek Valley, the bighorn sheep in East Vail, or a black bear bathing in a small watering hole in Cordillera.
“The photo of the black bear in the water is a staff favorite,” Keller said.
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There are also scenery shots that are very soothing, such as the pond lilies in the Homestake Valley, the fall colors along the Eagle River, or the change of seasons in November on Homestake Creek after a storm has passed through. The large photographs make it almost seem like you are right there in nature.
Along with informative and inspirational exhibits, Pierce is continuing to develop relaxing video segments and creative outings for staff and patients as well.
“My goal with sponsors is to design true win-win relationships that of course help fund the project, but also provide unique benefits and opportunities for them that ultimately promote the importance of our land, water and wildlife in a way that’s informative, inspirational and honest, not preachy or depressing, but rather reveal and educate in a balanced way that evokes reflection, appreciation, affection and a subsequent desire for protection,” Pierce said.
Eagle Valley Wild photographer Todd Winslow Pierce shows Vail Daily reporter Tricia Swenson the photograph titled “Elk Herd, Brush Creek Valley” showing the elk gathering during the spring on ranch pastures at Vail Health Hospital in Vail. Brent Bingham/Courtersy photo
Pierce said the positive feedback so far has been really encouraging and certainly helps drive him through a lot of the difficult and tedious work that’s involved.
“I really enjoy catching someone pausing to look carefully at the images, and I really enjoy it when they actually take a moment to read the extended captions,” Pierce said.
Durante este año la FAAE ha puesto en funcionamiento un programa de certificación de divulgadores astronómicos cuya primera promoción ha finalizado recientemente y en la que he tenido la posibilidad de participar y completar, por lo que ya puedo decir que ¡Soy divulgador astronómico FAAE!
El programa ha consistido en una serie de charlas que conformaban el apartado teórico y una parte práctica que ha consistido en la elaboración de un proyecto de una actividad divulgativa. Yo lo hice sobre una actividad en un campamento de verano basándome en mi experiencia previa de años atrás como monitor astronómico. Una vez completadas las tareas y evaluado el proyecto he recibido el diploma que me certifica como divulgador astronómico de la FAAE.
Este proyecto de divulgadores astronómicos certifica un nivel de cualificación propio para acciones de divulgación y desarrollo de actividades grupales de observación astronómica, como por ejemplo las observaciones públicas. Se pretende no solo cualificar los conocimientos teóricos del divulgador sino también su capacidad comunicativa y de organización de actividades, así como la prevención de posibles riesgos para los asistentes asociados a ellas.
Una actividad de observación pública en Maranchón donde participamos varias agrupaciones astronómicas.
Un importante apoyo a las agrupaciones astronómicas
A nivel de las agrupaciones astronómicas esto nos viene muy bien para mejorar nuestras explicaciones a pie de telescopio cuando hacemos actividades para colegios, asociaciones o ayuntamientos como las que realizamos habitualmente en la Agrupación Astronómica Madrid Sur. Por supuesto para recibir esta certificación tienes que ser miembro de alguna de las asociaciones astronómicas federadas y participar activamente en ellas.
A mi juicio, creo que es una decisión por parte de la FAAE muy acertada, que da cobertura a los miles de aficionados en España que se dedican a la divulgación y a los que recientemente algunos organismos reclamaban algún tipo de acreditación. Hasta el momento la única acreditación oficiosa (que no oficial) era la de la Fundación Starlight, que requería realizar un curso no muy económico precisamente y que en algunos casos no podía aportar mayores conocimientos a personas muy experimentadas en la práctica de la astronomía observacional.
¿Y si no quiero ser divulgador astronómico FAAE?
En cualquier caso, este certificado de divulgador astronómico de la FAAE no te hace ni mejor ni peor divulgador, y si no te dedicas a realizar actividades astronómicas que lo requieran no lo vas a necesitar para seguir divulgando astronomía si es lo que te gusta. Responde a una necesidad entre los miembros federados y creo que la federación ha sabido responder a esa necesidad de una forma muy eficaz. Del mismo modo es una certificación que complementa otro tipo de ventajas que tenemos al estar federados como es la cobertura de un seguro de responsabilidad civil para las actividades divulgativas que realizamos dentro del marco de la FAAE.
Si te dedicas a hacer divulgación en colegios, empresas, a nivel particular o público y tu «contratante» no te pide ningún certificado nadie te obliga a que te lo saques, no lo necesitas.
Observación pública en Malpica de Tajo por socios de la AAMS.
Por otro lado si ya tienes el curso de monitor Starlight (bravo por tí) esta nueva certificación es complementaria y en ningún caso pretende sustituir a la otra. Lo que no tenía mucho sentido es que una persona sin apenas experiencia y que hubiera hecho el curso de Starlight pudiera realizar una actividad para un ayuntamiento y otra persona con años de experiencia en astronomía visual y en actividades divulgativas no pudiera por carecer de certificado. Creo que ahora las personas que han demostrado su valía compiten en igualdad de condiciones y es más justo.
De cara a futuro supongo que el proceso de certificación irá mejorando y creciendo ya que lo de este año ha sido una puesta en marcha y ha tenido una buena acogida en cuanto a número de asistentes. En definitiva, una opción a tener en cuenta si te quieres dedicar a la divulgación astronómica y que supone un punto más a favor para apuntarte a una agrupación astronómica federada si es que todavía no lo has hecho.
Sony has long stood as a titan of technology. From televisions and game consoles to cameras and audio devices, Sony’s innovations have consistently shaped industry trends. But for all its groundbreaking inventions, there is a side of Sony that has often attracted frustration and confusion — its penchant for backing proprietary formats, many of which, despite their technical superiority, have failed to gain widespread adoption.
The Chronicles of ‘Unique’ Formats
Let’s journey back to 1975, when Sony released Betamax, a home video cassette tape that was technically superior to its rival, VHS. Despite its advantages, Betamax lost the ‘Videotape Format War.’ Then came MiniDisc in the 1990s, a marvel of engineering that arrived as CDs dominated the audio landscape. Sony’s Memory Stick, launched in 1998, struggled to compete with CompactFlash and SD cards. More recently, Sony’s initial backing of XQD cards without a CFExpress Type B upgrade has irked many professionals, and now they are pushing CFExpress Type-A, a format that remains divisive.
Why Does Sony Walk This Path?
So why does Sony, time and again, place its bets on what seem like the ‘wrong’ formats?
The Pioneer’s Vision First and foremost, Sony is an innovator. It aims not just to improve existing technology but to redefine it. Each proprietary format was born out of a vision for what the future might look like. Betamax was designed for quality, and MiniDisc for portability and re-recordability long before that was the norm.
Control and Profits Proprietary formats mean control. By owning the format, Sony avoids licensing fees and has the ability to set its standards, enabling higher profit margins. It also means that consumers buying into Sony’s ecosystem are, to some extent, locked in, which is an attractive proposition from a business perspective.
Risk Tolerance Sony has a remarkable tolerance for risk. In the competitive tech landscape, the company consistently shows that it’s willing to gamble on its vision of the future, even if that means potentially isolating some of its customer base.
The Price of Pioneering
But this pioneering approach comes with significant drawbacks. Proprietary formats often mean that consumers have to invest in new, often more expensive, accessories and media. For photographers and videographers, this could mean new memory cards (like CFExpress Type-A) that their existing card readers won’t support, creating an inconvenience that professionals, with their tight workflows, might be unwilling to tolerate.
What Can We Expect in the Future?
As we look to the future, it’s a safe bet that Sony will continue to innovate — that’s in its DNA. But if history is any indicator, these innovations might come in the form of yet another proprietary format. Sony seems willing to accept that not every format will be a universal hit. The company is playing the long game, waiting for one of its formats to become the next industry standard, much like what Blu-ray became for HD video.
However, in an increasingly interconnected world, where consumers value compatibility and seamless integration, Sony’s approach may need to evolve. The future might involve Sony working more collaboratively with other industry players, engaging in partnerships that align its pioneering spirit with the practical needs of a global consumer base that is wary of being locked into one company’s vision of the future.
Sony’s history of backing proprietary formats is a tale as old as the company itself — a blend of vision, control, and a dash of audacity. It’s the double-edged sword of being a pioneer; while you may create something revolutionary, you risk walking a path that few are willing to follow.
One thing is certain: Sony will continue to push boundaries. Whether those boundaries align with what the broader market is willing to embrace, however, remains to be seen. But as technology continues its relentless drive forward, flexibility and collaboration may be the keys that unlock a future where Sony’s innovations are not just admired but widely adopted.
Breathing in the sweet scent of coyote bush and listening to the gentle drone of bees, a feeling of well-being washes over me. I’m outside a special cabin in the Santa Cruz Mountains trying the latest trend in healthcare in the heart of Silicon Valley.
This isn’t some costly high-tech treatment — it’s a dose of nature, which some Bay Area doctors have begun prescribing alongside traditional remedies.
Research shows spending time in nature can lower blood pressure, anxiety and stress levels. In recent years, Bay Area doctors and organizations such as the Institute at the Golden Gate, which is part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and the nationwide Parks RX, have begun taking a more proactive approach to connect people with nature.
Dr. Laurie Bostick Cammon participates in Santa Clara County’s Juntos Initiative at the Pediatric Healthy Lifestyle Center in Santa Clara, writing prescriptions for her patients to spend time outside.
“Even if you can’t do a lot of adventuring or hiking, going for a walk or even just sitting in nature is good for your health,” she says.
But you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to immerse yourself in nature. The Bay Area has 4.4 million acres of open space available to everyone, whatever their ability. If you need a little inspiration, here are just a few of the physician-approved places where you can hike, play, sleep or just sit outdoors.
East Bay parks
Alameda and Contra Costa counties run several Park RX programs, including a successful collaboration with Oakland’s UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, which has helped more than 3,300 children and their families visit local parks for outdoor activities. And the East Bay Regional Park District, which oversees 100,000 acres of parkland in both counties, makes it easy for everyone to get out into nature with free guided walks and activities.
Easy day trips: Join one of the free Multicultural Wellness Walks hosted on eight Saturdays a year that draw 50 to 60 people — from kindergartners to octogenarians — each time. Join the walk at Berkeley’s Tilden Nature Area from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Castro Valley’s Lake Chabot and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 at Martinez’s Briones Regional Park. The Park District also runs regular bird-watching walks, which are free and available to everyone. Find details at www.ebparks.org/recreation/hiking.
Overnight jaunts: Skip the Tahoe crowds and head to Del Valle Park Regional Park, ten miles south of Livermore. This East Bay gem is a warm-weather oasis, with a five-mile-long lake, sandy swimming beach and boat rentals — and five cabins you can book for an overnight stay. (The campground is still closed due to winter storm damage.)
The star of Del Valle Regional Park is a 5-mile long lake. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group File)
From the marina car park, take the East Shore Trail south for a flat, paved trail to the swimming beach. For a more challenging hike, head north and cut inland along the Ridgeline Loop for spectacular views over the lake.
Find details on other East Bay Regional Parks, including several with campgrounds for families, groups or backpackers, at https://www.ebparks.org.
South Bay sunshine
Santa Clara County regularly offers hikes and activities to families through its parks and Santa Clara Medical Center. And if you’re looking for themed outdoor experiences, families can learn about gardening through the Veggielution program at San Jose’s Emma Prusch Farm and local wildlife via guided hikes at San Jose’s Santa Teresa Park.
Easy day trips: Veggielution Community Farm is open on Friday and Saturday mornings to anyone who wants to learn gardening skills and volunteer at the six-acre farm — and you can buy produce from the Veggielution farm stand on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 647 S. King Road. Learn more and register to volunteer at https://veggielution.org/.
SMaya Talpai-Vasinthascha from the Climate Action Corps and Rosa Maria Gordillo, the environmental education coordinator at the Veggielution community farm chat in one of the farm’s greenhouse, in San Jose, Calif., on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. . (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group File)
And local parks offer easy guided hikes of every variety, from a forest bathing experience — Showers of Bliss at Saratoga’s Sanborn from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 10 — to a ranger-led redwood exploration at Watsonville’s Mt. Madonna County Park from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 19.
Overnight jaunts: Mt. Madonna has yurts available to rent at its camping area, offering an easy way for families to try out camping without investing in a ton of equipment. Tent campers and RVers are also welcome.
The views from Mt. Madonna Park in Santa Clara County are spectacular. (Photo: Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department)
This beautiful park features a diverse terrain of oak woodland and pristine redwood forest. In summer and early fall, the shady forest is a welcome escape from the heat. For an easy walk, take the one-mile Miller trail to explore the crumbling remains of timber baron Henry Miller’s former summer home. Find Santa Clara County Parks details at https://parks.sccgov.org
If you prefer your outdoor experiences with less rustic sleeping arrangements, Land of Medicine Buddha is a peaceful Buddhist retreat hidden in Soquel. The simple rooms are free from electronic distractions, and guests can hike, swim in the spring-fed pool and enjoy a massage. Find details at https://landofmedicinebuddha.org/.
Peninsula pursuits
in San Mateo County, the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) collaboration with the San Mateo Medical Center’s Park Rx program extends beyond trails and parks. It includes a beautifully renovated cabin, conceived as a place for healing and nature immersion high in the Santa Cruz Mountains near LaHonda and Loma Mar.
Easy day trips: Hiking trails and nature activities abound in these county parks, and special events add to the outdoor fun. Woodside’s Wunderlich County Park, for example, will host a family fun day from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 27, complete with petting zoo and pony rides. Woodside’s Huddart Park will hold a wheelchair- and stroller-friendly Community Nature Day from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 30 that includes nature games, meditation and “Walks With Your Doctor.”
Find more details about the county’s parks and trails at www.smcgov.org/parks and its Park Rx programs at www.gethealthysmc.org/events-activities.
Overnight jaunts: The Audrey Edna Cabin, where I recently stayed in the hills above Sam McDonald Park, offers a hike-in overnight nature immersion experience on weekdays — as long as you’re willing to hike the 1.7 miles to get there. On weekends, the space is reserved for San Mateo County patients. Learn more about the cabin and POST at https://openspacetrust.org/. Make reservations through Hipcamp.com
This special cabin in the Santa Cruz Mountains is part of the latest trend in healthcare in the heart of Silicon Valley, where a collaboration between the Peninsula Open Space Trust and San Mateo Medical Center’s Park Rx program offers up the Audrey Edna Cabin as a healing place for immersion in nature. (Courtesy Sarah McDonald)
The Sierra Club maintains the beautiful Ollie Mayer Hiker’s Hut at San McDonald Park, about half a mile from Audrey Edna. Make reservations through the Sierra Club to arrange an overnight stay by emailing [email protected].
Towering redwoods and winding trails draw hikers to Sam McDonald County Park. (Courtesy Alice Bourget)
For a glamping getaway, head to Costanoa in Pescadero. The focus of this peaceful eco-resort is on nature, but the luxurious lodge suites are anything but rustic. Outdoor activities are offered as part of the experience, and the resort’s garden-to-fork restaurant serves up an organic, seasonal menu. Learn more at https://costanoa.com/.
The Blue Moon of August 2023 rises in just one week, offering skywatchers an extra treat this month with another supermoon.
The Blue Moon will rise on the night of Aug. 30. Look to the east just after sunset to find it; it won’t be difficult to spot given it will be the brightest and largest moon of the year. This moon is notable for a few reasons: For one, not only is it a full moon, but it’s also a Blue Moon, which means it’s the third full moon in a season that has four full moons, according to NASA.
The Blue Moon is the second full moon this month after the Full Sturgeon Moon, which rose on Aug. 1 and led to some gorgeous astrophotography from around the world.
Plus, this Blue Moon is also a supermoon, meaning it coincides with perigee, the point in the moon’s orbit when it’s closest to Earth. For observers on the ground, that means it will appear slightly larger than normal, though only about 7% bigger. With the unaided eye, this size difference probably won’t be noticeable.
Related: August Super Blue Moon guide 2023: The biggest and brightest moon of the year snuggles up to Saturn Read more: Full moon calendar 2023: When to see the next full moon
A Blue Moon is a rare occurrence that depends on the timings of full moons during the year. (Image credit: Herken Herken / 500px via Getty Images)
The Blue Moon of August 2023 will also be joined by a special guest in the sky: Saturn.
The ringed gas giant will be just a few days past opposition, the point at which it lies directly opposite the sun as seen from Earth, making it especially bright in the night sky.
As viewed from New York City, Saturn will be in the constellation Aquarius, above and to the right of the moon. From the Southern Hemisphere, however, Saturn will appear below the moon.
An illustration of the night sky on Aug. 30, 2023 showing the Blue Moon near Saturn. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night)
Blue Moons occur relatively frequently, astronomically speaking, happening once every two to three years. The last Blue Moon rose in August 2021, and the next is expected to rise in August 2024.
If you’re hoping to catch an up-close look at this forthcoming Blue Moon, our guide to the best binoculars are a great place to start. And if you want to take an even closer look at features of the lunar surface, our guide to the best telescopes can help you find the optical gear you need.
But if you’re looking to snap photos of the moon or the night sky in general, check out our guides on how to photograph the moon, as well as our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography.
Editor’s Note: If you take an awesome photo of the Blue Moon of August 2023 and would like to share it with Space.com’s readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
Here are the winners and finalists of LensCulture 2023 Street Photography Awards. The world’s urban canvases possess distinct pulses and cadences, each imbued with its own essence wherever one ventures. Street photographers, those driven souls compelled to roam the thoroughfares with vigilant eyes and cameras in hand, revel in their knack for discerning and immortalizing the ceaseless ebb and flow of humanity — its comings and goings, its playful interludes, its livelihood, and its shared endeavors within communal spaces.
Thus, with utmost delight, we introduce the victors, selections of the panel, and contenders of the LensCulture Street Photography Awards 2023. Hailing from 15 diverse nations, these 37 photographers have seized fleeting instants that might otherwise dissolve in the blink of an eye. Each frozen frame narrates a tale; each camera click encapsulates an unparalleled perspective.
This year’s laureates traverse the spectrum, from sleek and polished to gritty and tarnished, and from gentle, subdued reflections to contemplative, hushed moments. Some lens wielders delve into the sociological tapestry, while others amass typologies. Many chase the dance of color, light, shadows, and abstraction. Nearly all raise their glasses to the opulence of human existence.
Scroll down and inspire yourself, Check Full Gallery link for complete list of photos.
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#1 Series: 1st Place – Populace By Forrest Walker
#2 Series: 2nd Place – Solstitium By Jose Carpin
#3 Series: 3rd Place – Women in Kyrgyzstan By Anna Biret
#4 Single: 1st Place – Eyepatch & The Great Egg Pyramids of Giza By Jonathan Jasberg
#5 Single: 2nd Place – Tribute to Odesa By Laetitia Vancon
#6 Single: 3rd Place – Celestial Ladies By France Leclerc
#7 Jurors’ Pick – The Faceless Migrant Worker By Aniruddha Sarkar
#8 Jurors’ Pick – Holy Week in the Streets By Álvaro Vegazo
#9 Finalist – Subway Blues By Adam Docker
#10 Finalist – Chaos Karma By Andrea Bettancini
#11 Finalist – City Light By Andrea Pozzoni
#12 Finalist – La Grande Bellezza By Bert De Busschere
#13 Finalist – Balloon Dancing By David Keith Brown
#14 Finalist – Berlin Coffee By Darren Finch
#15 Finalist – Oaxaca By Ed Peters
#16 Finalist – Untitled By Gareth Bragdon
#17 Finalist – Tulip Fever By Giedo van der Zwan
#18 Finalist – Untitled By Maude Bardet
#19 Finalist – Street School, Berlin By Sophie Cool
