PDF - Winter Solstice and Europa Clipper Articles

2/17/25, 7:48 PM December 21 Marks The Beginning Of Winter In The Northern Hemisphere ELA Science Social Studies DECEMBER 16, 2024 December 21 Marks The Beginning Of Winter...

2/17/25, 7:48 PM December 21 Marks The Beginning Of Winter In The Northern Hemisphere ELA Science Social Studies DECEMBER 16, 2024 December 21 Marks The Beginning Of Winter In The Northern Hemisphere BY KAVI DOLASIA - 377 WORDS The December 21 solstice will mark the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere (Credit: National Park Service/ Facebook/ Public Domain) As days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it might seem like winter has already arrived. However, the astronomical start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere will not occur until December 21, 2024. This date, known as the winter solstice, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Meanwhile, residents of the Southern Hemisphere will celebrate the summer solstice on the same day. They will enjoy the longest day and shortest night of 2024. Earth's seasons result from its orbit around the Sun and the tilt of its axis at a 23.5-degree angle. During the December solstice, the Northern Hemisphere tilts farthest from the Sun, receiving much less sunlight. On the other end, the Southern Hemisphere leans toward the Sun, basking in its warmth. https://www.dogonews.com/2024/12/16/december-21-marks-the-beginning-of-winter-in-the-northern-hemisphere 1/2 2/17/25, 7:48 PM December 21 Marks The Beginning Of Winter In The Northern Hemisphere A winter sunrise at Stonehenge (Credit: English- heritage.org.UK/ CC-BY-SA-2.0) For ancient cultures, the winter solstice held great significance. Though many cold months lay ahead, the longer days that followed signaled that the Sun had not left them. The people marked the Sun's "rebirth" with elaborate rituals. Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, is believed to have been built specifically for solstice ceremonies. Its modest circle of stones is designed to perfectly align with the Sun's movement during the solstices. Every year, hundreds of people gather here on winter solstice to commemorate Yule. It is one of the oldest known solstice celebrations. Newgrange in Boyne Valley, Ireland, is also very popular. The 5,200-year-old stone structure is designed to receive a beam of light into its central chamber at sunrise during the five days surrounding the winter solstice. The light illuminates the intricate carvings inside the structure for about 17 minutes. Due to its popularity, dawn admission to the chamber from December 19th to 23rd each year is limited to a few dozen people selected by lottery. Once they are done, visitors without tickets are allowed to enter in groups of 20. Many cities in the United States have started their own winter solstice traditions. In San Francisco, California, residents celebrate the occasion with a bonfire on Ocean Beach. Meanwhile, those in Anchorage, Alaska, enjoy the over-18-hour-long night with fun activities. These include sleigh riding, hiking along paths lit with ice lanterns, and admiring the shimmering northern lights, which often make an appearance during this time. Happy Winter Solstice! Resources: NASA.gov, Wikipedia.org, rmg.co.uk Cite Article Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2024/12/16/december-21-marks-the-beginning-of-winter-in-the-northern-hemisphere 2/2 2/16/25, 8:43 PM Can Life Exist On An Icy Moon? NASA's Latest Mission Aims To Find Out! ELA Science Social Studies NOVEMBER 8, 2024 Can Life Exist On An Icy Moon? NASA's Latest Mission Aims To Find Out! BY SHARIQUA AHMED - 515 WORDS Europa Clipper launched to Jupiter on October 14, 2024 (Credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett/ Public Domain) NASAʼs latest mission takes the search for life to new frontiers — this time to Jupiterʼs fourth largest moon, Europa. On October 14, 2024, the Europa Clipper spacecraft launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to uncover the secrets of this distant moon. About an hour and 10 minutes after launch, NASA confirmed that the spacecraft — the largest-ever built for a planetary mission — had successfully entered orbit. Shortly after, Europa Clipper deployed its massive solar arrays, which will power the spacecraft throughout its long journey. "Congratulations to our Europa Clipper team for beginning the first journey to an ocean world beyond Earth," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Why Europa? Europa is considered one of the top candidates for alien life because it may have the three key ingredients necessary for life: liquid water, energy, and the right chemical elements. Scientists believe that under Europa's icy crust lies a large saltwater ocean. It may contain twice as much water as Earthʼs oceans. https://www.dogonews.com/2024/11/8/can-life-exist-on-an-icy-moon-nasas-latest-mission-aims-to-find-out 1/3 2/16/25, 8:43 PM Can Life Exist On An Icy Moon? NASA's Latest Mission Aims To Find Out! Europa has all the key elements to sustain life (Credit: NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ SETI Institute) The icy moon's energy source likely comes from the way Jupiterʼs gravity pulls on it. It stretches and squeezes Europaʼs interior, creating heat. This heat prevents Europaʼs underground ocean from freezing. It might even support certain forms of life. Furthermore, Europaʼs surface may have essential elements for life, like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. Together, these factors could create conditions that support microbial life. Getting to Europa The Europa Clipper's path to Jupiter's moon (Credit: NASA/ JPL/ Public Domain) Jupiter is about 480 million miles (772 million km) from Earth. However, Europa Clipper will travel 1.8 billion miles (2.8 billion km) over 5.5 years to reach its destination. This long journey is because the spacecraft needs to use "gravity assist" maneuvers to gain speed. For its first boost, Europa Clipper will fly past Mars in February 2025. Then, in December 2025, it will swing by Earth for a final push, putting it on course for Europa. The Mission If all goes as planned, Europa Clipper will enter Jupiterʼs orbit in April 2030. It will spend about a year preparing for its first flyby of the moon. Over the next three years, the spacecraft will fly over Europa 49 times. Each pass will be over a different area, to map the entire moon. Although it will not land on Europa, the spacecraft will get as close as 16 miles (25 km) to its surface. The data collected by Europa Clipper's nine instruments will help scientists estimate the thickness of Europaʼs icy shell and better understand the ocean https://www.dogonews.com/2024/11/8/can-life-exist-on-an-icy-moon-nasas-latest-mission-aims-to-find-out 2/3 2/16/25, 8:43 PM Can Life Exist On An Icy Moon? NASA's Latest Mission Aims To Find Out! beneath it. They also hope to learn more about the composition of the water. Europa Clipper will examine the ocean below the moon's icy surface (Credit: NASA /JPL/ Public Domain) NASA asserts that the mission's goal is not to directly search for life on Europa. It is to determine if there are areas below the icy moon's surface that could support life. Once its mission is complete, the massive spacecraft will deliberately crash into the surface of Ganymede — Jupiter's largest moon and the biggest moon in our solar system. "By exploring the unknown, Europa Clipper will help us better understand whether there is the potential for life not just within our solar system, but among the billions of moons and planets beyond our Sun," Nelson said. Resources: LiveScience.com, CNN.com, NASA.gov Cite Article Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2024/11/8/can-life-exist-on-an-icy-moon-nasas-latest-mission-aims-to-find-out 3/3 2/16/25, 8:53 PM Metal Detectorists Unearth Ancient Silver Coins Worth Millions ELA Science Social Studies NOVEMBER 25, 2024 Metal Detectorists Unearth Ancient Silver Coins Worth Millions BY ALVARO ARAGON - 356 WORDS Metal detectorists found 2,584 silver coins dating back over 1,000 years (Credit: South West Heritage Fund) In January 2019, Adam Staples and his friends traveled to Chew Valley in Somerset, England, to test a new metal detector. While exploring a farmer's field, the device found a trove of silver coins buried in the soil. Staples, an auctioneer specializing in ancient coins, immediately knew they had found something extraordinary. He was right. The group had uncovered what is now called the Chew Valley Hoard — a collection of 2,584 silver pennies dating back to the 11th century. On October 23, 2024, the South West Heritage Trust purchased the coins for $5.5 million, making it Britainʼs most valuable treasure find. Staples and his friends will receive half the money, each taking home about $400,000. The other half, approximately $2.8 million, will go to the owner of the land where the coins were found. South West Heritage Trust curator of archaeology Amal Khreisheh with one of the coins from the hoard (Credit: South West Heritage Trust/ CC-BY-SA-2,0) The coins, which date from 1066 to 1068, are believed to have been minted at 46 different locations in England. They represent a significant turning point in England's history, following the Norman Conquest of 1066. This conquest https://www.dogonews.com/2024/11/25/metal-detectorists-unearth-ancient-silver-coins-worth-millions 1/2 2/16/25, 8:53 PM Metal Detectorists Unearth Ancient Silver Coins Worth Millions marked the defeat and death of King Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king, at the hands of William I. Roughly half the coins bear King Harold's image, while the other half feature William I , who ruled England until 1087. Experts think the coins were buried for safekeeping. "We know that the people of Exeter rebelled against William in 1068 and that Harold's sons, who were exiled in Ireland, came back and started mounting attacks along the River Avon down into Somerset," said Amal Khreisheh, curator of archeology at South West Heritage. "So it's probably against that background they were hidden." The coins featured either Harold II or William I (Credit: South West Heritage Trust/ CC-BY-SA-2.0) Some of the coins are cut in half. This practice was common in ancient times to create smaller units of money. Gareth Williams, a curator at the British Museum, estimates that the Chew Valley Hoard was probably worth about 500 sheep or the annual income of a large estate. The Chew Valley Hoard will tour museums across the UK, beginning with the British Museum in London in November 2024. The coins will then be permanently housed at the South West Museum of Somerset. Resources: BBC.com, Artnet.com, Theguardian.com Cite Article Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2024/11/25/metal-detectorists-unearth-ancient-silver-coins-worth-millions 2/2 2/16/25, 8:48 PM November's Beaver Moon Will Be This Year's Last Supermoon ELA Science Social Studies NOVEMBER 15, 2024 November's Beaver Moon Will Be This Year's Last Supermoon BY KAVI DOLASIA - 335 WORDS The November 15 supermoon is the last one for 2024 (Credit: Alok Kumar/ CC-BY-SA-3.0/ Wikimedia Commons) Full moons are always a stunning sight, but the one on November 15, 2024, promises to be even more spectacular. It will be the last of four consecutive supermoons, following August's Blue Moon, September's Harvest Moon, and October's Hunter Moon. After this, the next supermoon will not occur until October 7, 2025. Supermoons can be as much as 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the average full moon. They occur when the full moon coincides with the lunar perigee — the Moon's closest point to Earth in orbit. On November 15, 2024, the Moon will be about 224,853 miles (361,866 km) from Earth. This is a few thousand miles farther than the November 2016 supermoon which, at 221,524 miles (356,508 km), was the closest seen in recent history. However, it will still be breathtaking. The distance between the Moon and Earth varies due to the Moon's elliptical orbit. This alternately brings our satellite closer to and farther from our planet. The farthest point in this orbit is known as the apogee. It places the Moon at a distance of about 253,000 miles (407,164 km) from Earth. In contrast at perigee, the Moon's distance from Earth is on average 226,000 miles (363,711 km) of Earth. The November full moon is often called the Beaver Moon. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, this name refers to the time of year that beavers take shelter in their lodges for the long winter ahead. During North America's fur trade era, it was also the season to trap the animals for their thick, winter- ready coats. Other names for the November full moon include the Frost Moon, the Freezing Moon, and the Digging Moon. https://www.dogonews.com/2024/11/15/novembers-beaver-moon-will-be-this-years-last-supermoon 1/2 2/16/25, 8:48 PM November's Beaver Moon Will Be This Year's Last Supermoon The Old Farmer's Almanac has named every full moon (Credit: Scott Sutherland/ NASA/ Public Domain) Some people believe that a supermoonʼs proximity to Earth can cause earthquakes or tidal waves. However, scientists have found no evidence to support this claim. Instead, they encourage taking advantage of the rare opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the event — and to reflect on how fortunate we are to call this beautiful planet home. Resources: Earthsky.org, USAtoday.com, Space.com Cite Article Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2024/11/15/novembers-beaver-moon-will-be-this-years-last-supermoon 2/2 2/16/25, 8:59 PM Student-Built Rocket Breaks 20-Year-Old Amateur Space Altitude Record ELA Science Social Studies DECEMBER 9, 2024 Student-Built Rocket Breaks 20-Year-Old Amateur Space Altitude Record BY JOHN WOO - 465 WORDS Aftershock II broke the amateur rocket space altitude record (Credit: USC Rocket Propulsion Lab) A rocket built by students at the University of Southern California (USC) Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL) has shattered a 20-year record. Aftershock II, launched from Nevada's Black Rock Desert on October 20, 2024, reached an altitude of 470,000 feet (143.3 km). This was 90,000 feet (27.4 km) higher than the previous amateur rocket altitude record of 380,000 feet (115.8 km). It was set by the Civilian Space eXploration Teamʼs GoFast rocket in 2004. The 14 feet (4 m) tall Aftershock II broke the sound barrier within two seconds of launch. It reached a maximum speed of 3,600 mph (5,800 km/h) — 5.5 times the speed of sound — just 19 seconds after launch. This slightly exceeded the speed record set by GoFast in 2004. While its engine burned out shortly after launch, Aftershock II continued its ascent. It left Earth's atmosphere in about 85 seconds after launch and reached its peak altitude in 92 seconds. At this point, the rocket's nose cone detached and deployed its parachute for a safe landing in the desert. Here, it was retrieved by the eagerly waiting student scientists. The rocket's nose cone deploys its parachute and returns to Earth (Credit: USC Rocket Propulsion Lab) https://www.dogonews.com/2024/12/9/student-built-rocket-breaks-20-year-old-amateur-space-altitude-record 1/3 2/16/25, 8:59 PM Student-Built Rocket Breaks 20-Year-Old Amateur Space Altitude Record Aftershock II's success can largely be credited to technological innovations developed by the 100-person team at RPL. The rocket's titanium-coated fins and a new heat-resistant paint enabled it to endure the extreme temperatures generated at high speeds. Student-designed computer systems allowed real-time tracking of the rocket's position and sent back live data throughout the flight. “This was probably the coolest thing we had ever gotten the opportunity to do,” said Operations Lead Jayna Rybner. "Weʼre just college students who have homework and dishes and groceries to do, and we just sent a rocket to space. We broke the world record and sent a rocket higher than anyone ever has.” RPL was founded in 2005 to launch student-designed and built rockets into space. The student-led group first made history in 2019 when their Traveler IV rocket became the first student-built rocket to cross the Kármán line. This imaginary line, 328,083 feet (100 km) above Earth's surface, marks the internationally recognized edge of space. USC students retrieve the nose cone from the desert (Credit: USC Rocket Propulsion Lab) RPL's next goal is not to build rockets for higher altitudes, as such launches would require special permissions. Instead, the team plans to focus on developing "sounding" rockets — vehicles designed to carry scientific instruments into space for research purposes. “Actually, 470,000 feet is just shy of the limit for amateur rocketry, which is 490,000 feet,” said RPL Executive Engineer Ryan Kraemer. “Unless we want to get special clearances, we are going to have to stay under that height, but we are going to move forward in the sense of flying research payloads. Weʼre excited to use, essentially what is a sounding rocket at this point, to gather data for whoever wants it.” Resources: Livescience.com, uscannenbergmedia.com, CNN.com Cite Article Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2024/12/9/student-built-rocket-breaks-20-year-old-amateur-space-altitude-record 2/3 2/16/25, 8:59 PM Student-Built Rocket Breaks 20-Year-Old Amateur Space Altitude Record https://www.dogonews.com/2024/12/9/student-built-rocket-breaks-20-year-old-amateur-space-altitude-record 3/3 2/16/25, 8:56 PM World's First Wooden Satellite Launched Into Space ELA Science Social Studies DECEMBER 3, 2024 World's First Wooden Satellite Launched Into Space BY ALVARO ARAGON - 368 WORDS LignoSat is the world's first wooden satellite( Credit: Kyoto University/ CC-BY-SA-2.0) LignoSat, the worldʼs first satellite made mostly from wood, reached the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX cargo capsule on November 5, 2024. The palm-sized satellite, named after the Latin word for “wood," will be launched from the ISS into Earthʼs orbit later this month. Its mission is to determine if wood can withstand the harsh conditions of space. If successful, LignoSat could pave the way for more environmentally friendly spacecraft designs. The LignoSat Space Wood Project is a collaboration between Japan's Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. The researchers began by sending a small panel containing three different wood samples to the ISS in 2022. The panel was exposed to space for ten months before being returned to Earth in early 2023. After analyzing the results, the team picked wood from magnolia trees for the satellite. "Nobody had ever thought about using wood for rocket science before," said Professor Koji Murata of Kyoto University. "Many engineers thought wood was old technology and couldn't be applied to cutting-edge technology." https://www.dogonews.com/2024/12/3/worlds-first-wooden-satellite-launched-into-space 1/3 2/16/25, 8:56 PM World's First Wooden Satellite Launched Into Space Artist's impression of space junk in low Earth orbit (Credit: ESA/ CC-BY-SA-2.0) The main reason for testing a wooden satellite is to reduce space junk. Current satellites are primarily made of aluminum. The metal reacts with oxygen when the satellites burn up in Earth's atmosphere at the end of their life cycle. This process releases aluminum oxide particles, potentially damaging the ozone layer. Wooden satellites, which leave behind only water and carbon dioxide, could help alleviate this issue. “All the satellites which re-enter the Earthʼs atmosphere burn and create tiny alumina particles, which will float in the upper atmosphere for many years,” said Takao Doi, an aerospace engineer with Kyoto University. “Eventually, it will affect the environment of the Earth.” LignoStat will orbit Earth for six months (Credit: Kyoto University/ CC-BY-SA-2.0) Researchers also see a future where trees could be grown on the Moon and Mars. Successfully testing a wooden satellite would demonstrate that wood can withstand harsh space conditions. "With timber, a material we can produce by ourselves, we will be able to build houses, live and work in space forever," Doi said. LignoSat will orbit Earth for six months, gathering valuable data before burning up in the atmosphere. Murata and his team aim to use this information to design larger and more advanced wooden satellites and devices. Resources: Space.com, CNN.com, Sciencefocus.com https://www.dogonews.com/2024/12/3/worlds-first-wooden-satellite-launched-into-space 2/3 2/16/25, 8:56 PM World's First Wooden Satellite Launched Into Space Cite Article Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2024/12/3/worlds-first-wooden-satellite-launched-into-space 3/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM Millions Of Bats Gather In Largest Mammal Migration On Earth ELA Science Social Studies JANUARY 6, 2025 Millions Of Bats Gather In Largest Mammal Migration On Earth BY ALVARO ARAGON - 547 WORDS Millions of straw-colored fruit bats migrate to Zambia each year (Credit: Kasanka Trust Ltd/ CC-BY-SA-2.0/ Rainforesttrust.org) Kasanka National Park in Zambia, Africa, is home to an unlikely natural phenomenon — the worldʼs largest mammal migration. Each year, from October to December, millions of straw-colored fruit bats from across Africa converge on this evergreen swamp forest. These nocturnal mammals spend their nights feasting on wild fruits in the surrounding farmlands and their days resting in the forest. This cycle continues daily until January when the bats disperse and return to their respective habitats across the continent. "Every year, we witness the arrival of about 12 million fruit bats. It's a sight to behold as they emerge from the trees in a swirling mass, creating a living cloud that stretches across the horizon," said Simon Siame, a tour guide at Kasanka. Researchers are unsure why the bats choose Kasanka, the smallest of 20 national parks in Zambia, for their annual migration. It is not for breeding, as the bats are known to mate in other African countries, such as Mozambique and Tanzania. https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/6/millions-of-bats-gather-in-largest-mammal-migration-on-earth 1/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM Millions Of Bats Gather In Largest Mammal Migration On Earth The bats spend three months feasting on fruits in Zambia (Credit: Kasanka Trust Ltd/ CC-BY-SA-2.0/ Rainforesttrust.org) Dr. Teague O'Mara, the director of Bat Conservation International, thinks the bats may be drawn to the area for its abundant food sources. “Thereʼs a loquat that youʼll see people selling on the side of the road on the drive up to Kasanka,” Dr. OʼMara explains. “The bats really love them, as well as a beautiful little purple berry called a waterberry." However, if food is indeed the primary attraction, the researcher wonders why the bats only visit Kasanka for three months each year. After all, the fruit is available year-round. The bats' migration routes and habits also remain a mystery. Scientists have been tracking the bats using GPS tags. But the batteries that power them are not strong enough to last the entire year. "We don't even know if it's the same bats coming back to Kasanka over and over again," said Dr. O'Mara. "We don't have a way of knowing, when we see a particular bat, if it's going to come back again or if it has been there before." The population of straw-colored fruit bats is threatened due to habitat loss and hunting (Credit: Kasanka Trust Ltd/ CC- BY-SA-2.0/ Rainforesttrust.org) The reason the bats migrate to Kasanka may never been known. However, the ecological importance of their journey is undeniable. As they fly, these mammals disperse fruit seeds across miles of land, helping to maintain the health and diversity of many ecosystems. https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/6/millions-of-bats-gather-in-largest-mammal-migration-on-earth 2/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM Millions Of Bats Gather In Largest Mammal Migration On Earth "If you think about seed dispersal [with other animals, like] antelopes, monkeys, birds, you name it—even most other bats—they will not leave the protection of the forest canopy, so they are not as effective as seed dispersers. If you have a colony like in Kasanka with several million bats, if each disperses one seed every night — that's huge," said Dr. Dechmann, a researcher at Germany's Max Planck Institute. Found across sub-Saharan Africa, straw-colored fruit bats are larger than most bat species, with a wingspan that can reach up to 30 inches (76 cm). They are highly social animals that form colonies in the millions. Unfortunately, like many species, straw-colored fruit bats face threats from habitat loss and hunting. A decline in their population could impact both wildlife and human communities that depend on the seeds they disperse, highlighting the need for conservation efforts. "It is crucial to preserve their habitats to protect this vital migration and the ecosystem they support," said Dr. O'Mara. Resources: Rainforesttrust.org, Smithsonianmag.org, theConversation.org Cite Article Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/6/millions-of-bats-gather-in-largest-mammal-migration-on-earth 3/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM From Orphans To Soulmates — The Heartwarming Tale Of Two Amur Tigers ELA Science Social Studies JANUARY 10, 2025 From Orphans To Soulmates — The Heartwarming Tale Of Two Amur Tigers BY ALVARO ARAGON - 429 WORDS Amur tigers Boris and Svetlaya, observed by a trail camera in 2018 (Credit: ANO WCS/ CC-BY-SA-2.0) Boris and Svetlaya, a pair of rescued Amur tigers in Siberia, Russia, have reunited as mates after being separated for more than a year and over 100 miles. Their heartwarming love story began in 2014 when they were just cubs, brought together by fate. The unrelated orphans were between 3 and 5 months old when they were rescued and taken to the same conservation center in Siberia. Here, the cubs were raised with minimal human contact and in an environment that resembled the wild. To help develop their natural hunting instincts, the tigers were given live prey, like rabbits and pheasants. At 18 months old, the two were released back into their natural habitat in the Sikhote-Alin mountain area. However, the tigers were placed in separate areas over 100 miles (160 km) apart. This was to help spread the population of the endangered species over a wider area. Orphaned cub Boris being taken to the rehabilitation center (Credit: ANO WCS/ CC-BY-SA-2.0) https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/10/from-orphans-to-soulmates-the-heartwarming-tale-of-two-amur-tigers 1/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM From Orphans To Soulmates — The Heartwarming Tale Of Two Amur Tigers Wildlife Conservation Society (WCF) researchers closely monitored Boris and Svetlaya to ensure their well-being. A year after their release, they noticed Boris walking north in a nearly straight line toward where Svetlaya had settled. To their delight, the two reunited. Six months later, Svetlaya gave birth to a litter of healthy cubs. The scientists published their findings in the Journal of Wildlife Management in November 2024. They note that this strategy of using released rescue cats to restore tiger populations in the wild has never been tried. However, Boris and Svetlayaʼs success could make it a viable option. This is not the conservation center's first tiger-related love story. A few years ago, another rescued tiger named Zolushka ("Cinderella" in Russian) was released into the wild. Shortly after, an unknown male tiger appeared and swept her off her feet. They, too, produced a litter of healthy cubs. “Cinderellaʼs prince showed up, and they lived happily ever after,” said Dale Miquelle, lead tiger scientist for the WCS. Amur tigers are an endangered species (Credit: ANO WCS/ CC-BY-SA-2.0) Amur tigers, or Siberian tigers, are the largest of all tiger subspecies. They are native to the forests of eastern Russia and parts of China. Known for their thick, pale orange coats with dark stripes, these big cats blend seamlessly into snowy landscapes and can survive temperatures as low as -50°F (-46°C). The solitary hunters cover large areas searching for prey, like deer and wild boar. Amur tigers were once on the brink of extinction due to poaching and habitat loss. However, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, their numbers have increased to about 500 in the wild. While the tigers remain endangered, there is renewed hope that the species can be preserved. Resources: Smithsonianmag.com, conservewildcats.org, zmescience.com Cite Article Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/10/from-orphans-to-soulmates-the-heartwarming-tale-of-two-amur-tigers 2/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM From Orphans To Soulmates — The Heartwarming Tale Of Two Amur Tigers https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/10/from-orphans-to-soulmates-the-heartwarming-tale-of-two-amur-tigers 3/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM From The White House To Global Peace — The Lasting Legacy Of Jimmy Carter ELA Science Social Studies JANUARY 7, 2025 From The White House To Global Peace — The Lasting Legacy Of Jimmy Carter BY MARCELA BONET - 438 WORDS Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the US (Credit: Cl.USembassy.org/ Public Domain) Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, on December 29, 2024. The former American leader, who turned 100 on October 1, 2024, was the longest-living president in US history. Mr. Carter will be laid to rest at the family's residence on January 9, 2025. He will be buried alongside his wife, Rosalynn, who died in 2023 at age 96. In his honor, President Joe Biden has declared January 9 a federal holiday. Mr. Carter grew up in the small farming communities of Archery and Plains, Georgia. His father was a farmer and owned a grocery store in town, and his mother was a nurse. After graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1946, Mr. Carter served as a Navy submariner. The same year, he married the love of his life, Rosalynn Smith. Mr. Carter swiftly rose through the military ranks, aiming to become an Admiral. However, his plans changed when his father was diagnosed with cancer in 1953. He left the Navy and returned to Georgia to manage his family's peanut farm. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn (Credit: US.gov/ Public Domain) https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/7/from-the-white-house-to-global-peace-the-lasting-legacy-of-jimmy-carter 1/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM From The White House To Global Peace — The Lasting Legacy Of Jimmy Carter Mr. Carter became active in the Democratic Party, leading to his election as a Georgia state senator and later as governor. When Mr. Carter announced his Presidential candidacy on December 12, 1974, he was relatively unknown outside Georgia. However, he gained swift support from both moderates and activists, securing the Democratic nomination and, ultimately, the Presidency. Despite his initial popularity, Mr. Carter served only one term as President of the United States. His administration faced economic crises and foreign policy challenges, leading to a decline in his approval rating. However, Mr. Carter achieved notable successes during his four years in office. This included negotiating a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel and advancing human rights reforms in the US. He also played a key role in creating both the Department of Energy and the modern Department of Education. Mr. Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 (Credit: The Carter Center/ CC-BY-SA-2.0) After his Presidency, Mr. Carter devoted himself to humanitarian causes. In 2007, he helped form The Elders, a group of world leaders dedicated to promoting peace and human rights. He also established The Carter Center in 1982. The nonprofit focuses on advancing human rights and improving global health. Mr. Carter's lifelong efforts were recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. While his political career had its share of controversy, Mr. Carter is widely regarded as one of Americaʼs most honest, hardworking, and humble presidents. Unlike many prominent leaders, he never used his office to seek wealth or fame. Though Mr. Carter is gone, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. R.I.P. Jimmy Carter (1924 — 2024) Resources: Cartercenter.org, NBCnews.com, Wikipedia.org, BBC.com Cite Article https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/7/from-the-white-house-to-global-peace-the-lasting-legacy-of-jimmy-carter 2/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM From The White House To Global Peace — The Lasting Legacy Of Jimmy Carter Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/7/from-the-white-house-to-global-peace-the-lasting-legacy-of-jimmy-carter 3/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM Israel And Hamas Reach Ceasefire Agreement ELA Science Social Studies JANUARY 29, 2025 Israel And Hamas Reach Ceasefire Agreement BY MARCELA BONET - 455 WORDS The Israel-Hamas conflict has caused significant damage in Gaza (Credit: Palestinian News & Information Agency / CC- BY-SA-3.0/ /wikimedia.org) Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement on January 15, 2025. It marks the first step in ending the 15-month conflict, which has killed thousands and caused widespread devastation in Gaza. The United Nations estimates that 1.9 million of Gazaʼs 2.4 million residents have been displaced by the war. Background The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip. They killed about 1,200 civilians and took 251 hostages. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and launched military operations in Gaza. Hamas fighters breached the strong fence between Gaza and Israel (Credit: Israel Ministry of Defence Spokesperson's Office/ CC-BY-SA-2.0) https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/29/israel-and-hamas-reach-ceasefire-agreement 1/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM Israel And Hamas Reach Ceasefire Agreement On October 17, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they had killed Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader behind the October 7 attack. Shortly after, international mediators began ceasefire talks to end the conflict. What is a ceasefire? A ceasefire is an agreement between countries at war to temporarily stop fighting. This gives leaders from both sides time to negotiate a permanent peace deal without worrying about an ongoing conflict. What are the terms of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire? The Israel-Hamas ceasefire will be carried out in three stages. Stage one will last for 42 days, during which fighting will completely halt. During this time, Hamas is expected to release 33 of the 55 living hostages at regular intervals. Israel, in turn, will release 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The IDF will also withdraw from populated areas in Gaza, allowing residents to return. Additionally, hundreds of aid trucks carrying essentials like food and medical supplies will be allowed into Gaza daily. Trucks carrying food and supplies into Gaza after the ceasefire was signed (Credit: Israel Defense Forces/ CC- BY-SA-2.0/ X.com) Stage two begins sixteen days after the start of stage one. This stage aims to establish a path toward permanently ending the war. It will also allow the exchange of remaining living Israeli hostages for more Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, the IDF will fully withdraw from Gaza. The third and final stage of the ceasefire will officially end the war. Hamas will return the bodies of 35 deceased hostages. Both sides will then begin post-war reconstruction efforts. What has happened since January 15? Since January 15, Hamas has freed seven female hostages. They include three civilians and four soldiers. Israel has lived up to its promise by releasing 290 Palestinian prisoners. https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/29/israel-and-hamas-reach-ceasefire-agreement 2/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM Israel And Hamas Reach Ceasefire Agreement As of January 22, 2025, more than 2,400 aid trucks have entered Gaza. Over half of these went to northern Gaza, where aid has been hardest to deliver. Will this ceasefire end the war? Israel and Hamas still need to reach a final agreement that will end the war. However, the release of hostages and prisoners, the return of displaced residents, and the increased aid deliveries are positive steps forward. If both sides stay committed, the ceasefire could lead to a peaceful resolution. This will bring much-needed relief to millions affected by the conflict. Resources: BBC.com, theguardian.com, CNN.com ,USIP.org Cite Article Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/29/israel-and-hamas-reach-ceasefire-agreement 3/3 2/17/25, 7:50 PM Wildfires Cause Widespread Destruction In Los Angeles ELA Science Social Studies JANUARY 16, 2025 Wildfires Cause Widespread Destruction In Los Angeles BY MARCELA BONET - 576 WORDS Multiple fires are burning across Los Angeles (Credit: CAL FIRE/ Public Domain/ Wikimedia Commons) Since early January 2025, multiple large wildfires have erupted in and around Los Angeles (LA), California, tearing through dry vegetation and destroying entire neighborhoods. As of January 15, 2025, more than 12,000 homes, businesses, schools, and other structures have been destroyed. At least 25 people have died, and more than 100,000 have been forced to flee their homes. Many of these fires are still uncontained. Here is what we know so far. What caused the wildfires? The wildfires are largely driven by the severe drought affecting Los Angeles. The city usually receives several inches of rain by January, the midpoint of the rainy season. However, since July 2024, downtown LA has recorded just a fifth of an inch (5mm). This is the second-driest period in nearly 150 years of record-keeping. Conditions are even worse across the rest of Southern California. Some areas have seen no rain at all this season. The fires have destroyed thousands of structures (Credit: P. Rivas/ CC-BY-4.0/ Wikimedia Commons) https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/16/wildfires-cause-widespread-destruction-in-los-angeles 1/4 2/17/25, 7:50 PM Wildfires Cause Widespread Destruction In Los Angeles The dry conditions worsened with powerful Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of 50 to 100 miles per hour (80 to 160 km/h) in some areas. These hot, dry winds reduce humidity and dehydrate parched vegetation, making it highly flammable. Under these conditions, even a small spark can ignite a blaze. The winds rapidly spread embers, fueling the fires and making them difficult to control. The fires The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire have caused the most damage (Credit: Penitentes/ Public Domain/ Wikimedia Commons) Firefighters are currently battling several fires in the Los Angeles area. The two most concerning are the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. Palisades Fire The Palisades Fire, which began on January 7, 2025, is the largest and most destructive fire in California's history. As of January 14, 2025, it has burned over 23,000 acres (9,300 hectares) and destroyed at least 10,000 structures across some of LAʼs wealthiest neighborhoods. They include Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Santa Monica. The fire has also claimed nine lives. As of January 15, 2025, the blaze was only 21 percent contained. It continues to threaten neighborhoods in West LA. Eaton Fire The Eaton Fire, which also broke out on January 7, 2025, has devastated communities in northern LA. As of January 14, 2025, the blaze had destroyed more than 1,400 homes, businesses, schools, and other structures. At least https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/16/wildfires-cause-widespread-destruction-in-los-angeles 2/4 2/17/25, 7:50 PM Wildfires Cause Widespread Destruction In Los Angeles 16 people have died, making it one of the deadliest fires in California history. As of January 15, 2025, it was 45 percent contained. Financial impact The Palisades and Eaton Fires rank among the most destructive in California's history, with damages estimated at $250 to $275 billion. These costs could climb further if the winds pick up again. Challenges ahead Rebuilding Los Angeles will be both costly and time-consuming. To expedite reconstruction, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed easing some of the stateʼs strict building laws. However, this may not benefit many of the residents in fire-ravaged areas. They had already lost their insurance coverage due to high risk. As a result, they lack adequate fire policies to help them recover from the loss. The fire damage estimate is between $250 and $275 billion (Credit: Parks.ca.gov/ Public Domain) Federal support President Joe Biden has pledged federal funds to cover firefighting costs for the next 180 days. He also approved a one-time payment of $770 to affected residents for essentials, like food and water. However, the US leader emphasized that lawmakers must approve additional financial aid to rebuild the affected areas. “Itʼs going to cost tens of billions of dollars to get Los Angeles to what it was,” Mr. Biden said. “We are going to need Congress to step up with the funding.” Stay Strong, Los Angeles! Resources: Aljazeera.com, fire.ca.gov, USAtoday.com, Wikipedia.org, newsnation.com Cite Article https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/16/wildfires-cause-widespread-destruction-in-los-angeles 3/4 2/17/25, 7:50 PM Wildfires Cause Widespread Destruction In Los Angeles Learn Keywords in this Article https://www.dogonews.com/2025/1/16/wildfires-cause-widespread-destruction-in-los-angeles 4/4