Birds
September 17, 2024

Scientists Take Flight to Help Nearly Extinct Birds Migrate

Flying in an ultralight aircraft, scientists in Austria are taking to the skies to help nearly-extinct birds learn to migrate. In August 2024, the conservationists of the Waldrappteam began to guide 36 human-raised northern bald ibises (or Waldrapp) through the clouds from Austria to Spain. It’s the 17th time they have helped ibis migrate, and this journey of 1,740 miles will likely take up to 50 days.

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Astronomy
September 16, 2024

Watch Two SpaceX Polaris Dawn Astronauts Take the First Ever Private Spacewalk

The future of commercial space travel seems to be here. The first-ever private spacewalk took place early morning on Thursday, September 12. Two of SpaceX‘s private Polaris Dawn astronauts, American billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, took turns and spent about 10 minutes standing up out of their Dragon capsule's hatch. The pair have become the first non-professional crew to carry out what is considered one of the riskiest maneuvers in space.

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Renaissance Art
September 16, 2024

Painting Seemingly by Rembrandt Discovered in Maine Attic Sells for $1.4 Million

Rembrandt van Rijn is the peak of Dutch Golden Age art. From his incredible drawings to his evocative portraits, the Old Master captures light and shadow like no other. His works hang in all the major museums, but they also turn up around the world in private collections and mysterious hidden spots. When these resurrected treasures do reach auction they sell for incredible prices.

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History
September 14, 2024

Postcard Arrives 121 Years Late and Reunites Families in Wales

In August 1903, Ewart on the Eastern Coast of Wales sent a postcard to Lydia on the Southern Coast. While the distance between them would only take about an hour and a half to drive today, Ewart’s message took 121 years to arrive. A manager at the Swansea Building Society, a Welsh financial institution, was surprised to receive the much-overdue postcard in August 2024.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.