An eclectic bundle of concise positive news stories to perk up the day.
Sunset on The Moon
“Sunsets hit differently on the moon!” Firefly Aerospace posted on Instagram. After completing the first successful commercial moon landing - carrying ten NASA science and delivery payloads - the Blue Ghost Mission 1 lander captured this stunning shot as a “final goodbye” as it concluded its two-week mission.
Power of Nostalgia
Researchers from the University of Buffalo and Kyoto University have found that nostalgic people may be more motivated to strengthen and maintain long-term relationships than those who aren’t. Why? When we reminisce about the good times we’ve spent with loved ones, we appreciate them more - and are more driven to maintain those connections, the team suggests. “People who feel nostalgic more often and value those memories are more aware of their important relationships and the need to nurture them,” says co-author Kuan-Ju Huang. “This means these friendships may be more likely to last, even as we get older and our lives, interests, and responsibilities change.”
Foundation For Creativity
An etching by the Dutch artist Rembrandt has sold for £225,000 ($290,000) at an auction of the personal collection of internet entrepreneur and philanthropist Hugo Burge. The Three Trees, an etching from 1643, is widely considered to be one of the artist's finest landscapes. Mr Burge - who died two years ago aged 51 - collected a wide range of art, ceramics and furniture, which all together achieved nearly £1m. The funds raised from the auction will go to the foundation named in Mr Burge's honour which aims to "support and inspire creativity" across the UK.
'Blue Gold'
On the shores of Lake Geneva, swimmers young and old dive into crystal-clear waters - a luxury few cities can offer. Thanks to Switzerland’s commitment to clean water, this scene is routine occurrence, and very different from the days when its rivers were among Europe’s most polluted. In the 1960s the country introduced rigorous wastewater treatment laws and, today, Switzerland’s success clearly demonstrates that change is possible. Beyond health benefits, these clean waters foster community - friends and families sharing laughter, lunches, and a love for nature. Speaking of which...
Remarkable Turnaround
Minks, beavers, otters and turtles return to the Chicago River. Before the Clean Water Act of 1972, the Chicago River was known as ‘bubbly creek’ due to the dumping of dumping of industrial waste and sewage. Today, reports WBEZ Chicago, the decades-long effort to clean up the river has resulted in dramatic improvements in water quality that support over 60 species of fish compared with just 10 species a few decades ago.
"Truly The Worst"
Donald Trump critics aimed ridicule at the president after he publicly demanded the removal of his portrait at Colorado’s state capitol building, calling it “truly the worst”. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump shared an image of the portrait and complained about the painting, saying it was bad and blaming it on Colorado’s governor, Jared Polis – whom the president insulted as being “radically left”. A Republican admirer of Trump actually commissioned the portrait. In two follow-up posts, Trump shared separate images of himself in an apparent attempt to distribute photos that he considered more flattering. A social media account named Republicans Against Trump shared the president’s post while calling him “a petty, insecure baby”.
FireSat in Orbit
With the potential to change how we respond to wildfires, the first satellite in a constellation of satellites that is specifically designed to locate wildfires early and precisely anywhere in the world is now in orbit around the Earth. Launched by the nonprofit Earth Fire Alliance, the FireSat constellation will be made up of 50 satellites and is the first of its kind to be built specifically to detect and track fires. Current satellite systems use low-resolution imagery, cover a smaller area once every 12 hours, and can only detect large wildfires that span a couple of acres. FireSat will be able to detect fires as small as 270 square feet - about the size of a classroom - and provide high-resolution images every 20 minutes.
“You can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed.” Misty Copeland
On This Day
25 March 451: According to tradition, Venice was founded.
Today's Articles
Clean Hydrogen Jackpot: Scientists make groundbreaking discovery that could transform the global race for clean power.
World Without Caesars: Taking a swipe at Mark Zuckerberg, a T-shirt worn by Bluesky’s CEO has become an accidental best seller.
Mood Boosting Video
A Surprise For All: Hilarious unexpected marriage proposal.