Vienna, February 2 – The Snow Moon, the traditional full moon of February, is lighting up the skies over Austria this week. Although it is not classified as a supermoon, the celestial body appears noticeably larger between February 1 and 3, depending on local weather conditions. Weather Challenges for Stargazers On Monday evening, heavy fog made viewing difficult, while forecasts for Tuesday predict overcast skies and possible nighttime snowfall. Still, in regions with clear skies, the distinctive glow of the Snow Moon can be seen with the naked eye. Best…
Read MoreScientists Discover a “Second Earth” in Deep Space
Astronomers have identified a planet strikingly similar to Earth, raising hopes for future discoveries about life beyond our solar system. Researchers announced the detection of HD 137010 b, a planet whose characteristics resemble our home world more closely than many previously known celestial bodies. With a diameter only about six percent larger than Earth’s and an orbital period of 355 days, the planet’s year is almost identical to ours. A Cooler Star, a Habitable Zone HD 137010 b orbits a star that is roughly 1,000 degrees cooler than the Sun,…
Read MoreDoomsday: Clock Moves to 85 Seconds Before Midnight
Scientists warn humanity is closer than ever to global catastrophe The symbolic Doomsday Clock has been moved forward to 85 seconds before midnight, marking the most perilous moment in its 79‑year history. The announcement came from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, whose panel includes leading researchers and eight Nobel laureates. The clock is designed to illustrate how close humanity is to triggering a worldwide disaster. According to the scientists, the shift by four seconds reflects a growing convergence of global threats. They point to the increasingly confrontational posture of…
Read MoreAccording to a New Ranking: These Are the 12 Most Beautiful Islands in the World – and Palawan in the Philippines Makes the List
Condé Nast Traveller has unveiled its latest ranking of the world’s most beautiful islands, offering welcome guidance for anyone dreaming of an island getaway but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. After all, when it comes to pristine beaches, dramatic landscapes and true relaxation, few travellers are willing to compromise—especially if the journey requires long-haul travel. The magazine’s new list highlights destinations across the globe, including several European islands that promise wanderlust without the need for intercontinental flights. From volcanic peaks in the Pacific to Mediterranean charm and…
Read MoreUnsettled Weather Marks the Start of February
Austria is heading into a notably changeable start to February, with a mix of sunshine, fog, snowfall and a Mediterranean low-pressure system shaping the week ahead. According to the Hohe Warte and Geosphere Austria, temperatures will swing widely: while mornings may still bring frost and sub-zero readings, some afternoons could climb into the double‑digit plus range. Monday: Sunshine in the West, Fog and Clouds Elsewhere The workweek opens with contrasting conditions across the country. Western regions can expect mostly sunny skies, while low-lying areas begin the day shrouded in fog.…
Read MoreTravel to London Set to Become Significantly More Expensive
The cost of travelling to the United Kingdom is expected to rise once again, as the British government plans a further increase in fees for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The charge is set to climb by roughly 25 percent, reaching 20 British pounds—about 23 euros. Since 2 April 2025, Austrian citizens and all other travellers from EU member states have been required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK, unless they hold a British passport or have applied for a visa. The system, similar to the U.S. ESTA,…
Read MoreAirlines Race to Offer Full Economy Rows for Sleeping Comfort
Long‑haul economy travel may soon feel a little less cramped. Several international airlines are expanding or re‑promoting options that allow passengers to book an entire row of seats to themselves—turning standard economy seating into makeshift beds at a fraction of business‑class prices. Lufthansa Revives Its “Sleeper’s Row” Lufthansa is once again advertising its Sleeper’s Row, a product that gives travelers exclusive use of a full row of three or four economy seats. The offer has existed since summer 2021 on flights longer than eleven hours, but demand immediately after the…
Read MoreEarth‑Like Ice Planet Discovered 146 Light‑Years Away
An international team of astronomers has identified a planet that bears an extraordinary resemblance to Earth — at least in size and orbital rhythm. The newly reported world, designated HD 137010 b, is almost exactly as large as our home planet and circles a Sun‑like star. Yet its surface, sealed beneath a frozen shell, reaches a frigid –70 degrees Celsius. A Near Twin in a Distant System The discovery, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, highlights a planet orbiting roughly 146 light‑years from Earth. HD 137010 b is rocky, only…
Read MoreAustria’s Changing Seasons: Winter Downpours, Summer Dry‑Spells
Austria is already feeling the unmistakable effects of climate change. Melting glaciers, more frequent extreme weather events such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, and shifting precipitation patterns are reshaping the country’s water balance. A new study titled “Water in a Changing Climate” now provides a clearer picture of how these developments will intensify in the coming decades — and the findings are sobering. Precipitation Shifts: Less in Summer, More in Winter According to the preliminary results, Austria will see a marked redistribution of rainfall and snowfall. By the middle of…
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