Impossible Discovery

Scientists from the University of Central Lancashire in the UK have reported the discovery of a massive cosmic structure that challenges current understanding of the universe. The Great Ring, as it is called, is a nearly perfect circle of galaxies and galaxy clusters that spans approximately 1.3 billion light-years in diameter, making it larger than any known structure.

The Great Ring covers about 3% of the observable universe and may be part of an even larger structure. When visible to the naked eye, it would appear to be the size of 15 full moons in the night sky.

Traditionally, superclusters of galaxies were believed to be the largest structures in the universe, with sizes exceeding hundreds of millions of light-years. They can form threads that stretch over billions of light-years and contribute to the web-like structure of the universe.

However, the Great Ring is not only larger than these structures, but larger than any other structure discovered to date. This challenges the cosmological principle, which states that the universe should appear uniform in all directions to all observers within it. While there may be random variations in the distribution of stars and galaxies, at the largest scale they should merge into a homogeneous system.

The cosmological principle sets an upper limit on the size of any structure at 1.2 billion light-years, but the Great Ring clearly exceeds this value. If it were an isolated discovery, it might be dismissed as an anomaly or a mistake, but the Great Ring is not the only “impossible” giant structure discovered.

Two years ago, fellow astronomer Alexia Lopez from the University of Central Lancashire discovered a crescent-shaped structure called the Giant Ark, which is 3.3 billion light-years long. In 2015, a gigantic ring of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) with a diameter of 5.6 billion light-years was discovered. And although the status of the Great Wall of Hercules and the Northern Crown, a galactic thread stretching over 10 billion light-years, as a single structure remains debatable, their size is still remarkable.

Even more intriguingly, the Great Ring and the Giant Ark are in the same part of the sky and about the same distance from Earth, 9.2 billion light-years away. They may be part of a single, even larger structure.

The discovery of these giant structures challenges the cosmological principle and may require scientists to consider alternative models, such as the appearance of gigantic structures due to one-dimensional defects in space and time, known as cosmic strings.

Another possibility is the model of conformal periodic cosmology, which suggests that our universe is just one link in an infinite chain of universes, with the collapse of one causing a big bang in another.

The discovery of the Great Ring and other giant cosmic structures has significant implications for our understanding of the universe and its fundamental principles. Fascinating!!

Superbowl 58 Was 100% Solar Powered

The biggest sports event this year adopted a sustainable approach, taking advantage of its desert location. 621,000 solar panels powered the Allegiant Stadium, the venue for Superbowl VXIII and the Las Vegas Raiders.

The stadium secured a 25-year deal with NV Energy to source power from a solar farm, capable of supplying electricity for 60,000 homes beyond game days, according to CBS News.

Given Las Vegas’s 300 sunny days annually, the solar initiative makes practical sense. Apart from solar power, the Allegiant Stadium implements sustainability measures like recycling turf rubber pellets, collecting restaurant food scraps for livestock, and composting grass clippings.

The stadium features an efficient roof reducing the need for air conditioning, along with various systems for energy efficiency like low-energy lighting, lighting control systems, and air handling units.

The standout aspect is the stadium’s reliance on 100% renewable electricity from solar energy. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, after inspecting the electrical room, emphasized the reliability of renewable power in a facility of this scale, highlighting its potential for other communities.

Flying Cars… Sort Of

Movies from the late 20th century like to show a future full of flying cars. Sadly, we don’t have any flying cars yet… but we might have the next best thing.

The Ryse Recon, built by Ryse Aerotech, has emerged as a pioneering vehicle in personal air mobility. This personal helicopter, or more accurately, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is designed to democratize the skies, offering an unparalleled blend of convenience, efficiency, and sustainability.

Design and Features

The Ryse Recon distinguishes itself with its intuitive design, prioritizing ease of use, safety, and practicality. Unlike conventional helicopters, the Recon is built around the principles of electric propulsion, enabling it to offer a cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective solution for individual air travel. Its compact size and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities allow it to operate in areas with limited space, making it an ideal choice for short to medium-distance commutes.

One of the most striking features of the Ryse Recon is its user-friendly interface. Designed with the non-professional pilot in mind, it employs advanced automation technologies to simplify navigation and flight controls. This approach not only lowers the barrier to entry for personal air travel but also enhances safety by reducing the potential for human error.

Related: Flying Hydrogen Taxi

The Vision for the Future

The introduction of the Ryse Recon into the market is more than just the launch of a new product; it represents a forward-thinking vision for the future of transportation. Ryse aims to not only provide a novel mode of travel but also to inspire a shift towards more sustainable and efficient urban mobility solutions. By pioneering in the personal eVTOL space, the Ryse Recon sets the stage for a future where flying vehicles are a common and accessible means of transportation for the masses.

Challenges and Opportunities

As with any groundbreaking technology, the Ryse Recon faces its share of challenges, including regulatory hurdles, public acceptance, and the ongoing development of supporting infrastructure, such as vertiports (landing pads). However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and policy development to ensure the safe and integrated operation of personal eVTOLs within urban environments.

Who is it For?

For now, the target demographic are not your average suburban family.

Private Landowners, farmers and those with expansive properties could make the best use of it. The Ryse Recon offers a quick and convenient way to oversee land, crops, and livestock, significantly reducing the time and effort required for property management and surveillance.

Another potential use is for Emergency Responders and Law Enforcement. Its agility and ability to quickly cover difficult terrain could make it suitable for rapid response scenarios, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement surveillance, providing an aerial advantage in critical situations.

Of course, there is always the recreational users. Adventure enthusiasts and recreational users looking for a unique flying experience. Being easy to use and not requiring a flying license is a very attractive proposition for many I am sure.

Check out this awesome video showing the Ryse Recon in action!

Old Tjikko, the World’s Oldest Tree.

Nestled in the remote wilderness of Fulufjället National Park in Sweden stands the world’s oldest known living tree – Old Tjikko. Its estimated root system, over 9,550 years old, has weathered the ebb and flow of civilizations, endured severe Scandinavian winters, and even witnessed an erupting volcano.

Old Tjikko took root shortly after the last ice age, around 11,500 years ago, as glaciers retreated from Scandinavia. The exposed ground allowed seedlings like Old Tjikko’s ancestor to grow, although initial growth in the harsh environment was slow. Despite fires, droughts, insect attacks, or extreme winters, the extensive root network persisted underground. The current trunk and canopy started growing about 600-800 years ago, likely due to a more favorable climate.

Old Tjikko has survived numerous challenges, including the migration of Sami reindeer herders, the Black Death in the 1300s, and the climate impacts of the 1783 Laki volcano eruption in Iceland. Discovered by geologist Dr. Leif Kullman in 2008, Old Tjikko’s impressive longevity was confirmed through carbon dating its 75-foot-long root system.

Dr. Kullman named the tree “Old Tjikko” after his deceased dog and has chosen to protect its exact location. While a few small tours allow visitors to witness this ancient tree each summer, its humble presence serves as a reminder of the enduring cycles of nature.

Jeff Bezos Sells Billions

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com Inc., recently sold approximately 12 million shares of the online retail and cloud services giant for roughly $2 billion, according to a company filing. This significant transaction marks the first major sale of Amazon stock by Bezos since 2021.

The sale comes at a time when Bezos has been diversifying his investments and focusing on other ventures, including his space exploration company, Blue Origin, and various philanthropic efforts. While the specific reasons behind this particular sale have not been detailed by Bezos, it aligns with his past actions of liquidating portions of his Amazon stock to fund these other initiatives.

As of the latest reports, Bezos remains one of the largest individual shareholders of Amazon, owning just under 10% of the company according to Forbs. He founded the company in 1994 and led to become one of the most valuable and influential tech companies in the world. Despite stepping down as CEO in 2021 to assume the role of executive chairman, Bezos continues to play a significant role in the company’s strategic direction.

This stock sale is part of a broader trend observed among tech billionaires, who periodically sell shares of their companies to reallocate assets or fund their other business and philanthropic ventures.

Let’s hope he uses the money for a good cause and not yet another mega yacht…