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The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope has produced the highest resolution image of the sun's surface. The cell-like structures, which contain boiling plasma and are each about the size of Texas, are the signature of violent motions that transport heat from the inside of the sun to the surface.  Hot solar material rises in the bright centers, cools off, and then sinks below the surface in dark lanes in a process known as convection. In the dark lanes, we can also see the tiny bright markers of magnetic fields.  These spots might be why the corona (outer layers of the solar atmosphere) is more than a million degrees. The motions of the plasma twist and tangle the magnetic fields which leads to solar storms.  The more we can learn about this space weather, the more prepared we can be for potentially harmful solar activity. On the summit of Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii. The National Science Foundation here will be studying the sun and space weather over the n

Today's music is for my Pa, who would be 64 today. Among his favorites: On his Fandalism account he answered this: "You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you.  What do you pick?" Beatles White Album.

Thomas Paine was born on this day in 1737, and so he is honored with Freethinkers Day. His Common Sense  was released anonymously in the beginning of the American Revolution and was an immediate sensation, as it advocated independence while people were just protesting taxation. He served as a volunteer aide to General Nathaniel Greene during the war, and wrote his Crisis  papers.  Number 1 begins with the famous line, "These are the times that try men's souls." This helped to encourage soldiers to reenlist. In 1777, Paine was appointed secretary to the Committee for Foreign Affairs.  He accused a member of the Continental Congress of profiting from French aid and quoted secret documents in his argument.  However, in doing so, he violated his position and had to resign. He was then appointed clerk of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania where he used $500 from his own salary to start a relief fund for soldiers. Although his writings were popula

January 28, 1986 73 seconds after takeoff the space shuttle broke apart, with hundreds of people watching on the ground and millions watching from home.  The televised event was on delay, and all major networks cut away, so many viewing from home did not see the explosion - but NASA had arranged a satellite broadcast into many schools... Challenger continued moving upwards after the fuel tank collapsed, but without the boosters, aerodynamic forces began to pull the orbiter apart.  The crew cabin reached 65,000 feet before falling, and it is believed the crew died from oxygen deficiency with the loss of cabin pressure. Pieces hit the water 2 minutes and 40 seconds after the initial break. (left to right, front row first) Michael Smith, Francis Scobee, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onikuza, Sharon (Christa) McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnick. McAuliffe was a high school social studies teacher from New Hampshire who won a competition to join the crew. Pre

Lizzo Ariana Grande Dua Lipa Billy Porter H.E.R. Shania Twain Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton John Legend and Chrissy Teigen FKA Twigs Lil Nas X Billie Eilish Rosalia Gary Clark Jr. Cyndi Lauper Cardi B. Beck Bebe Rexha Iggy Pop I feel bad for this look on Priyanka Chopra.... And Nick Jonas

Siphonophores are marine animals that appear to be a single organism, but are actually a colonial organism composed of individual zooids that have specific functions for survival. Probably the most known siphonosphore is the Portuguese man o' war. The praya dubia  is one of the longest animals in the world, from 130-160 feet.  The images available do not do it justice though. Many of these creatures are so fragile that they're rarely seen out of the pelagic zone - they can be torn apart by coastal waves.  You can see here how delicate they are. Because of this, scientists can get pretty excited when they come across one. Wikipedia Weird Wonders of the World

The designer announced last week that yesterday's runway in Paris would be his last, and it was a star studded celebration. Naomi Campbell closed the show. Dita Von Teese Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Paris Jackson Boy George performed. More from the runway. There is a lot more. Cheers, Monsieur.

On this day in 1788, George Gordon, Lord Byron, is born. I share this history today because he is the author of my favorite poem, "She Walks in Beauty." (1814) She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and light Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o'er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling place. And on that cheek and o'er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days of goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent. Lord Byron's first daughter, August Ada, was a mathematical genius and is considered by some to be the first c

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Florida Save the Manatee! Officially protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, it is illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any manatee.  However, they're mostly injured unintentionally by boats.  Loss of habitat is a threat to their populations as well, so Florida has created sanctuaries for them and 13 counties have agreed to a Recovery Plan, initiated in 1989. *I'm only seeing fish on the live cam right now, but we're bound to see some manatees!!

Jennifer Aniston Scarlett Johansson Zoe Kravitz Millie Bobby Brown Elisabeth Moss Nathalie Emmanuel Catherine O'Hara Lupita Nyong'o Nicole Kidman Winona Ryder Helena Bonham Carter Cynthia Erivo Christina Applegate Alright, let's get some guys too. Dan Levy Sam Rockwell (with Leslie Bibb) Andrew Scott Sterling K. Brown