Biggest Solar Storm in 20 Years Has Hit The Earth. But It's Not Over Yet

804,886 views May 16, 2024

The Sun had a busy week. The most powerful solar storm in the last two decades recently hit Earth, creating stunning displays of auroras, often known as the Northern and Southern Lights. This event was caused by a group of sunspots (AR 3664), about 16 times the size of Earth. They released several X-class solar flares and coronal mass ejections directly toward our planet. These solar emissions led to severe geomagnetic storms, ranked at the highest intensity level of G5, marking the most intense storms since the 2003 Halloween storms. So, what really happened on the surface of the Sun that caused the geomagnetic storm? How did it create such a stunning display of light 150 million km away? Finally, and most importantly, what will happen when the sunspot group faces our planet again after two weeks?

Explosion auf der Sonne

 

Explosion auf der Sonne

Auf unserer Sonne kracht und knallt es! Die US-Weltraumbehörde Nasa hat am Dienstag um 18.51 Uhr (MESZ) die stärkste Sonneneruption (Stärke X8.7) seit 2005 gemessen. Der Ausbruch war auf der erdabgewandten Seite. Dem Solar Dynamics Observatory gelang ein Foto, auf dem der helle Blitz (rechts) zu sehen ist.

Explosion on the sun

Our sun is cracking and banging! The US space agency NASA measured the strongest solar flare (magnitude X8.7) since 2005 on Tuesday at 6:51 p.m. (CEST). The eruption was on the side away from Earth. The Solar Dynamics Observatory managed to capture a photo showing the bright flash (right).

Shear line and easterlies to bring cloudy skies with rains over PH

 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration says that loudy skies with rains will prevail over the country on Sunday due to shear line and easterlies. (Photo courtesy of Pagasa)

By: Luisa Cabato - Reporter / @luisacabatoINQ

INQUIRER.net / 09:30 AM May 19, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Cloudy skies with rains will prevail over the country on Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

In an early morning forecast, Pagasa weather specialist Grace Castañeda said that overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will still be experienced in some parts of northern Luzon due to the shear line.

“Patuloy pa ring makararanas ng maulap na kalangitan at mataas na tyansa ng mga pag-ulan, pagkidlat, at pagkulog ang bahagi ng Batanes at Babuyan Islands dulot yan ng shear line,” she said.

(The regions of Batanes and Babuyan Islands will continue to experience cloudy skies and a high chance of rain, lightning, and thunder due to the shear line.)

“Dito naman sa Metro Manila, maging sa nalalabing bahagi pa ng ating bansa, ay mayroon lamang tayong mararanasan na mga isolated o ‘yung mga biglaan at mga panandaliang pag-ulan, pagkidlat, at pagkulog lalong-lalo na sa hapon at gabi dulot ‘yan ng easterlies,” Castañeda added.

(Here in Metro Manila, as well as in the rest of the country, we will only experience isolated or sudden and brief rain showers, lightning, and thunder, especially in the afternoon and evening, due to the easterlies.)

As for temperature ranges in key cities and areas of the country for May 19, Pagasa issued the following:

Metro Manila: 25 to 34 degrees Celsius

Baguio City: 18 to 24 degrees Celsius

Laoag City: 25 to 33 degrees Celsius

Tuguegarao: 23 to 32 degrees Celsius

Legazpi City: 28 to 33 degrees Celsius

Puerto Princesa City: 27 to 34 degrees Celsius

Tagaytay: 24 to 32 degrees Celsius

Kalayaan Islands: 26 to 34 degrees Celsius

Iloilo City: 27 to 33 degrees Celsius

Cebu: 28 to 33 degrees Celsius

Tacloban City: 27 to 32 degrees Celsius

Cagayan de Oro City: 26 to 33 degrees Celsius

Zamboanga City: 25 to 33 degrees Celsius

Davao City: 26 to 34 degrees Celsius

Global coral bleaching event expanding to new countries — scientists

 

In this underwater photo taken on April 5, 2024, marine biologist Anne Hoggett snorkels to inspect and record bleached and dead coral around Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, located 270 kilometres (167 miles) north of the city of Cairns. Australia's famed Great Barrier Reef is teetering on the brink, suffering one of the most severe coral bleaching events on record -- the fifth in eight years -- and leaving scientists unsure about its survival. AFP/David Gray

Lucie Aubourg - Agence France-Presse

May 17, 2024 | 9:35am

WASHINGTON, United States — The massive coral bleaching episode signaled by US authorities last month is expanding and deepening in reefs around the globe, scientists warned Thursday.

Amid record ocean temperatures, coral bleaching has been recorded in 62 countries and territories since February 2023, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said -- an increase of nine from its warning in April.

"This event is still growing in size and impacts," Derek Manzello, coordinator for NOAA's Coral Reef Watch program, told a press briefing, adding: "This is not something that would be happening without climate change."

New coral damage since NOAA's April 15 warning was reported in India, Sri Lanka and the Chagos islands in the Indian Ocean, Manzello said.

Severe or prolonged heat stress leads to corals dying off, though there is a possibility for recovery if temperatures drop and other stressors such as overfishing and pollution are reduced.

The consequences of coral bleaching are far-reaching, affecting not only the health of oceans but also the livelihoods of people, food security and local economies.

The ongoing mass coral bleaching is the world's fourth on record, with three others occurring between 1998 to 2017.

Some 60.5 percent of the world's reefs have experienced bleach-level heat in the last 12 months, a record, according to NOAA.

The previous widespread global bleaching, which occurred from 2014 to 2017, retains the record for the greatest cumulative impact -- for now.

Bleaching could further occur at reefs across Asia and off Mexico, Belize, the Caribbean and Florida as oceans continue to heat over the summer, Manzello said.

So far, the Great Barrier Reef off Australia has been hit by bleaching, which is also affecting coral in Thailand.

 - Record temperatures -

 There is a 61 percent chance 2024 will end as the Earth's hottest year on record and a 100 percent chance it will be one of the top five warmest years, said Karin Gleason, monitoring section chief at NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

Last month, meanwhile, the world's oceans saw their hottest ever April temperatures, a record broken each month for the past 13 months.

"The heat stress accumulation has been most unprecedented and extreme in the Atlantic Ocean," Manzello said.

Understanding the consequences of coral bleaching can take time: in the Caribbean, for example, coral could survive the immediate heat stress only to die later from "disease outbreaks or aggregations of coral predators," Manzello added.

Last year was the hottest year on record, attributed to a gnarly mix of climate change and the El Nino weather pattern.

This year, as the cooling La Nina pattern takes effect between now and autumn, "my hope is that...  we will start seeing that percentage of reef areas impacted start coming down," Manzello said.

THE TOXIC WORKPLACE

by Klaus Döring

I wrote innumerable columns about it during the past. I have experienced it myself - no matter where in this world. Now at the age of 70, I have survived it. 

Communication issues including poor communication, a lack of communication and miscommunication are some of the most common challenges in the workplace – indeed, in the world today.

Problems with communication and relationships: Just as in any other aspect of life, strong working relationships really matter. Not only do they help overcome stress and improve mental health in the workplace, they also contribute to a professional workplace environment and underpin positive employee behaviour.

A toxic workplace may lack clear goals or fail to communicate them effectively, leading to confusion and frustration among employees. They don't know what their job entails and what counts as success or failure in their tasks. Clear goals are essential for a healthy workplace.

A toxic work environment is one where negative behaviors—such as manipulation, bullying, yelling, and so on—are so intrinsic to the culture of the organization that a lack of productivity, a lack of trust, high stress levels, infighting, and discrimination become the norm.

Toxicity in the workplace is, sadly, a very common phenomenon. In this article, we explored the three main root causes of it: a corrupt culture, poor leadership, and harmful employees. A corrupt culture can show these two symptoms: the weaponization of cultural values, or a lack of integration within the company.

Toxic bosses often feel the need to control every aspect of an employee's work. They may constantly check in to ask for updates, question your abilities, demand that you add them to every email and discourage you from making decisions without their input or supervision.

 If you notice your boss is undermining your authority or diminishing the value of your contributions, that is a sign of jealousy. Your boss may challenge your decisions, micromanage your work, or take credit for your ideas, all of which can erode trust and create a toxic work environment.

An overwhelming workload can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a negative impact on employee health and happiness. It's common for some employees to feel burdened by the sheer volume of tasks they're given, leading to a decline in workplace satisfaction.

Silence should raise suspicion because it is a form of workplace retaliation. If your employer, supervisors, or colleagues suddenly ignore you after submitting a complaint, this should raise a red flag. Isolation or silent treatment is often a subtle sign of retaliation.

What makes your work easier? Stop Multitasking. This habit may make you feel like you're getting more done, but it's actually slowing you down and making your work harder than it needs to be. So do your best to focus on one task until it's done, and then move onto the next thing. You'll find your mind is clear and your work is better (and easier).

War at the workplace doesn't help any side: the employee or the employer.

The STANDS - An Inquirer Sports Newsletter

 

May 17, 2024

The Lady Bulldogs are once again queens of the UAAP. (AUGUST DELA CRUZ)

Hey there sports fan, Before anything else, a question: The NU Lady Bulldogs won their second UAAP volleyball title in three years and how many overall in school history? The answer is at the end of this email. Congratulations are in order for National University, which dominated UAAP Season 86 volleyball with a golden double. The men's and women's teams defeated their rivals from University of Santo Tomas via sweeps. Like men's coach Dante Alinsunurin said, they're out to dominate the UAAP. The amazing Bulldogs won their fourth straight men's crown and proved that they are still the league standard. Not even a UST team that rode into the Finals on the wings of history could stop them. The Lady Bulldogs, meanwhile, proved a tough nut to crack. Led by Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon and two-time league MVP Bella Belen, NU crushed the hopes of a young and undersized—but hard-fighting—UST Tigresses.  Granted, Santo Tomas entered the Finals with a handicap: Top gun and runaway rookie of the year award winner Angge Poyos rolled her ankle in Game 1 and started on one good leg in Game 2. But the depth and spunky character that carried UST to a surprise Finals appearance were enough to forge a 1-1 tie in Game 2, and a lead late in Set 3. Until they weren't. NU's experience and nerves came to the fore and in the end, the Lady Bulldogs reclaimed the title they lost to La Salle last season.

Like this email? Forward it to your friends and let them know that they can sign up here.

Ivy Lacsina is at the center of a talked-about swap between sister teams.  (PVL IMAGES)

Meanwhile... …The Inquirer broke a story​ about a trade between sister teams Akari and Nxled recently and it caught a lot of people by surprise. Nobody was more surprised than PVL president Ricky Palou, who thought he made it clear​ that sister teams can no longer engage in swap meets.  The trade, still unofficial, nearly took the spotlight off Creamline's amazing run​ back to the throne of the All-Filipino, after a conference where the country's winningest volleyball club looked highly vulnerabl​e​. In the PBA, San Miguel Beer survived an unexpected challenge​ from Terrafirma and the Philippine Cup's top seed needed to reach for its twice-to-beat card to send the Dyip packing​ and enter the semifinalist, where it will battle surprise entrant Rain or Shine. More on the PBA: I think this story​ is not getting the attention it deserves.  What we're up to next: NBA! PBA! Basketball will switch to higher gear as the Philippine Cup enters its semifinal round, with intriguing matchups headed your way. Aside from the battle between the Beermen and the Elastopainters, we'll also have old rivals Barangay Ginebra and Meralco squaring off in  the other side of the semifinal fence. In the NBA, the playoffs is also kicking into high gear with the conference Finals looming. Stay up-to-date by keeping it here across all our platforms. Number of the Week: 25 Number of athletes the Philippine Olympic Committee hopes it will field in this year's Paris Olympics.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We don 't have anyone to match up against them, but we will make things difficult for them.” —Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, on his team's semifinal showdown against San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Cup.

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Four. That's the answer to the trivia question above. Think you can ace the rest of the quiz? head over to our Viber community and try the test out! Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. See you next Friday! Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).

Vivamax reaches another milestone with 11 million subscribers

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

May 16, 2024 11:07 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• To celebrate this 11-million milestone, the spotlight is on 11 new artists to heat Vivamax even more!

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Vivamax has reached another milestone! In just one year, Vivamax subscribers have grown to 11 million, up from 7 million in June 2023. Launched in January 2021, Vivamax is still the fastest-growing video-on-demand service in the country.  In three years, Vivamax’s content has vastly grown. To date, it has close to 500 titles, and the original productions are already nearing 200. Every week there are brand new releases, proving that Vivamax keeps pushing its limits in giving the audience immense satisfaction. To celebrate this 11-million milestone, the spotlight is on 11 new artists to heat Vivamax even more!Dyessa Garcia was first seen in “Tuhog” and “Araro” in 2023, then started playing a major role in “Dilig” in January of this year, followed by “Kabit” in February. Most recently, she played a character who explored her sexuality in the movie “Sweet Release”, opposite Vivamax Princess Ataska.  It enjoyed the top spot in Vivamax movies upon its release this past April. 

Rica Gonzales made it easy for the viewers to go crazy over her from the time she showed off her alluring beauty in “Hibang” last year. Her follow up movies this year showed her versatility as an actress. She’s a manipulative bride in “Dilig”, a carefree girlfriend in “Mapanukso”, a sickly and weak wife in “Kapalit”, and a sexy dancer seeking a new life in “Dayo”.  

Christy Imperial was already in the company of today’s brightest actors in her first projects on Vivamax. She was part of the cast of “The Rain in España”, “La Querida”, “Dirty Ice Cream”, and “Asintado”. Even as she enters showbiz, Imperial still keeps up with her studies and other interests. She is good in swimming and volleyball, and can do ramp modelling. 

Arah Alonzo’s first two Vivamax movies were “Araro” and “Sex Games” in 2023. This year, she had lustful encounters in “Kalikot” and “Stag”. Alonzo had acting workshops as a child. Much later, she joined pageants and became part of “Sexy Babe”, a segment on It’s Showtime. She was then referred to the management of Jojo Veloso, which opened up opportunities for her.

Vern Kaye can sing and dance in real life. In reel life, she sure can play an unfaithful wife. In “Kasalo”, she hops in bed with Albie Casiño whom she met in a car sharing app. In “Salitan”, she gives in to temptation with a complete stranger even as she is married to the character of Nico Locco. Viewers should see what more Kaye has to offer in Vivamax. 

Athena Red is of Filipino, Spanish and Kuwaiti descent. She is a culinary student, and has done modeling gigs. She describes herself as funny, but serious about making it in showbiz. Vivamax is cooking up something where her acting skills will be showcased. First on the list is “Ang Pintor at ang Paraluman”. 

Alessandra Cruz is completely new to the industry, but being here has been her dream since she was little. Discovered through talent agencies, Cruz says that she is eager to learn and is very grateful for the opportunity Vivamax is giving her. “Nurse Abi”, her first movie project, is coming out in July. 

Jenn Rosa was part of the series “Araro” in 2023. This May, she is one of the three lead stars in “Kulong”, a movie about three friends who aim to write a great screenplay. To get them inspired, they go on a sexual adventure. She also stars in “TL”, now streaming on Vivamax. Rosa’s beautiful and fit figure could be attributed to her love for vegetables. 

Candy Veloso hails from Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur. She moved to Manila just last year. Veloso admits that getting into showbiz was not in her plans, but her appearance in It’s Showtime segment Expecially For You went viral, and soon after she was discovered by Jojo Veloso. Her first acting experience was in “Kapalit”, and now she’s starring in “Dirty Ice Cream.”

Mariane Saint has attended different workshops to prepare her for the challenging and titillating Vivamax movies in store for her. First on the list is “Top 1”. Keep tuned in for the release date, and find out if she’ll be a saint or a sinner. In an Instagram post, Saint has expressed her gratitude to her manager Lito De Guzman, and her excitement for her professional growth.

Skye Gonzaga is one of the metro’s hippiest DJs, and has just signed a contract as the official DJ artist under Viva Artist Talent Management. If you enjoy listening to her, you’ll also love watching her. Her voluptuous body is a sight to behold in her upcoming Vivamax movies, “Only Friends”, and “Ang Pintor at ang Paraluman.”  

Vivamax has built up the careers of many talented artists such as Angeli Khang, Azi Acosta, Yen Durano, Christine Bermas, Robb Guinto, Angela Morena, Micaella Raz and AJ Raval. Through the 2023 reality show,“Pantaxa (extreme 4play)”, Vivamax has also paved the way for beautiful, brave, and determined young women like Aiko Garcia, Apple Dy, and Angelica Hart to become the VMX Crushes that they are now. That said, the 11 new artists are definitely in good hands. 

Sandara, CL, Minzy, Park Bom reunite to mark 2NE1’s 15th anniversary

BY JONATHAN HICAP

May 17, 2024 08:00 AM

  

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The former members of K-pop girl group 2NE1 celebrated their 15th anniversary by releasing group photos and greeting their fans. 

2NE1 debuted in May 2009 under YG Entertainment with Sandara Park, CL, Minzy and Park Bom. In November 2016, the agency announced the group’s disbandment. 

(From left) 2NE1's Sandara Park, CL, Minzy and Park Bom pose for a photo to mark their 15th anniversary (Instagram)

On May 17 KST, Sandara, CL, Minzy and Park Bom uploaded photos on their Instagram accounts showing them in group photos and greeted their fans.  

It was on May 17, 2009 when 2NE1 made their debut performance on a TV music show following the release of their song “Fire.” 

Along with the photos, each member greeted fans. 

“2NE1 has always been my house that made me feel the freedom to love, to play, to express , to create , to shine , to mix, to connect and share with people. Hope today 2NE1 reminds you to feel your light ::) Thank you alwayz NOLZA,” CL wrote. 

Sandara posted, “Happy 15th Anniversary 2NE1 & Blackjacks.”

“Happy 15th anniversary. Love you, BlackJack,” Minzy posted on Instagram. 

Park Bom wrote, “#214L Happy 15th anniversary 2NE1.” 

In April 2022, 2NE1 had a reunion performance at Coachella in the US, performing “I’m The Best” at Coachella’s main stage as part of 88rising’s Head in the Clouds Forever. 

Sandara, meanwhile, visited the Philippines with Minzy and had a reunion with her teacher and adviser.