OGN Monday
- Editor OGN Daily
- Sep 18, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 1, 2023
Kick-starting the week with an uplifting bundle of good news nuggets.
Cosmic Ribbon
International astronomers using a telescope owned and operated by CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, have revealed a galaxy wrapped in a cosmic 'ribbon'. It's a stunning image of a galaxy called NGC 4632 that is 56 million light years from Earth. It's been identified as a potential polar ring galaxy, which are some of the most spectacular types of galaxies in the Universe, and among the most mysterious.
First Ever Dog-Fox
The world’s first confirmed dog-fox hybrid has been found in the Brazilian wilderness. It was hit by a car and taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment but staff were unable to conclude whether it was a fox or dog they were taking care of. Unusual physical characteristics, including some dog-like and some fox-like traits, piqued the interest of scientists from local universities who subsequently analysed her genes. Their study revealed the animal’s mother was a pampas fox and her father a domestic dog of an unknown breed. It is the first recorded instance of a fox and dog breeding, experts believe.
The Faroe Islands Way
The Faroe Islands, north of Scotland and southeast of Iceland, has a unique way to manage tourism sustainably so the local community benefits: the ‘Closed for Maintenance' program. During weekends when the islands are closed, 100 places are available on a volunteer scheme where, in exchange for bed, board and a locally-made woolly hat, volunteers come to repair paths, build cairns, and make signs, gates and ladders. It is popular - only around 3 percent of those who apply are accepted. Part of the vision for sustainable tourism is to balance the wellbeing of the 53,000 people who live on the islands and providing a good experience for visitors. One example is how locals host visitors for traditional Faroese meals: Heimabliðni enriches both sides, sharing local culture and locally-grown food and enjoying the company of visitors.
Conservation Success
Wild Atlantic salmon in New England have had their most productive year in over a decade with more than 1,500 salmon counted in the Penobscot River in Maine, which is home to America’s largest run. Conservation groups have worked hard to remove dams and restore salmon in the area, and it looks like their efforts are paying off, says Associated Press.
Engineering With Nature
Since the late 1700s, engineers have worked to tame the Mississippi River to flow in a fixed course to reduce flooding and create shipping channels, reports Yale360. However, in the face of accelerated land loss, they have changed to an 'engineering with nature' approach, with efforts to reconnect the river to the vast areas of its delta, and to reintroduce fresh water and sediment to restore the coastal system.
War on Pollution
CNN reports that China's aggressive 'war against pollution' over the past decade has led to a 42 percent drop in pollution levels since 2013. This remarkable progress has added 26 months to the average Chinese citizen's lifespan. Measures include restrictions on car usage, bans on new coal plants in polluted areas, and mandated cuts in emissions.
"Everything has to be earned, through work, persistence, and honesty." Princess Grace Kelly
On this Day
18 September 1793: US President George Washington lays the cornerstone of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
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Mood Booster
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