Around The Web

The best stargazing

Sarah Dubetz - Sep 19, 2020 / 12:01 am | Story: 311039

For some of the best stargazing in the world, many make the trek to Ladakh at the northern tip of India. The region is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, specifically situated for its unique geology. Located on cold, remote desert land, the area experiences very little rainfall and hardly any snow. The high altitude—2.5 miles above sea level—also allows scientists to collect more data than would be possible at a lower altitude. For visitors of the observatory, the summer months give way to a perfectly clear sky. As soon as the sun sets, visitors are treated to a blanket of extraordinary stars and light.

How does this story make you feel? (14 total votes)

Castanet MoodMeter

Biggest hedges in the UK

Sarah Dubetz - Sep 18, 2020 / 12:01 am | Story: 310818

It takes Dan Bull, a gardener at Powis Castle and Garden, eight weeks to trim all the hedges on the historic property in Welshpool, Wales. That might sound like “shear” madness, but before the advent of cutting tools powered by electricity and gas, a team of 10 gardeners spent four months hacking excess growth away by hand with scythes. One of the property’s 400 year-old hedges stands 55 feet tall, and Bull dangles from a cherry picker to groom it! This is extreme gardening at its finest.

How does this story make you feel? (54 total votes)

Castanet MoodMeter

Wild friendly stingray

Sarah Dubetz - Sep 17, 2020 / 12:01 am | Story: 310812

Wild stingray incredibly glides into swimmer's arms in Belize ( and some close-ups of some other fish).

How does this story make you feel? (36 total votes)

Castanet MoodMeter

Learning to code at 81

Sarah Dubetz - Sep 16, 2020 / 12:01 am | Story: 310701

You’re never too old to learn how to code. Three years ago, Masako Wakamiya noticed the lack of fun game apps for senior citizens and created her own at the age of 81. It’s called Hinadan, and it’s inspired by a traditional Japanese doll festival. We met Wakamiya, now 84, in Kanagawa, Japan, and learned how this IT evangelist and digital creator is empowering other senior citizens to make the most of technology.