A gigantic plume of plasma recently exploded from the sun’s south pole, where solar eruptions almost never occur. The explosion, which a photographer captured in stunning detail, is another telltale sign that the sun is about to enter its most active phase — the solar maximum. 

The rare phenomenon occurred on Feb. 17, when a solar flare exploded from a sunspot near the sun’s south pole, releasing a gigantic column of ionized gas, or plasma, that towered around 124,300 miles (200,000 kilometers) above the solar surface — around 15 times taller than Earth, Spaceweather.com reported. The plasma eventually snapped away from the sun and hurtled into space as a gigantic cloud, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME).  

Astrophotographer Eduardo Schaberger Poupeau captured a highly detailed composite image of the plume before it broke away from the solar surface. “The plasma column was so large, I had to rotate the camera to fit it into the frame,” Poupeau told Spaceweather.com. “It was truly a wonderful spectacle.” 

Related: Sun erupts with most powerful solar flare since 2017 amid explosive week (video)

This stellar blast was extremely unusual because it erupted from the sun’s south pole: Most solar flares erupt from sunspots on or around the sun’s equator and almost never from near the magnetic poles, because the poles are where the sun’s magnetic field is strongest, which normally suppresses sunspot formation. 

Due to the orientation of the flare, the CME was directed away from Earth and the rest of the planets, which all orbit the sun on the same plane.

The unusual eruption was likely triggered by what scientists call a polar crown filament (PCF) — a loop of magnetism that circles the sun’s magnetic poles, according to Spaceweather.com. The plasma plume that was spat out by the flare is known as a polar crown prominence (PCP).

PCPs become more common during the solar maximum — the most active phase of the sun’s roughly 11-year solar cycle. During this phase, PCFs shrink in size, “like a tightening noose around their respective poles,” Spaceweather.com reported. As these magnetic crowns constrict, they “strangle” the nearby magnetic fields, making them more likely to explode.

Experts believe the solar maximum will arrive at some point in the next few months — earlier than originally predicted. 

As we approach solar maximum, more and more weird phenomena are occurring at the sun’s poles: In February 2023, a PCP broke off from the sun and got caught in a PCF, creating a swirling plasma vortex that raged around the sun’s north pole for eight hours. And in March last year, a PCP collapsed in on itself, creating a gigantic plasma waterfall near the sun’s south pole, which was shortly followed by an enormous plume of rotating plasma, known as a “solar tornado,” near the solar north pole that lasted for three days.

The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary has long been a special place for local photographer Tamara Wolski and her family.

“We come here often for tranquil walks, bird watching, otter sightings and magnificent sunsets,” said Wolski, who first became passionate about taking pictures during a photography class at Arcata High School over 20 years ago.

Today, she uses her iPhone 13 mini to take all of her images.

“I love capturing the beauty of Humboldt County and the world beyond. The walls of my house are full of local scenic shots and travel photos that I have taken over the years, and each one brings me back to a special moment in time,” said Wolski, who has visited 33 different countries over the years, including New Zealand, China, Peru and Iceland.

“For me, photography is a fun way to share my love of travel with others, and I also hope it inspires friends and family to visit our region as well,” she said. “I am in constant awe of the natural beauty of our county and I never tire of capturing it with my camera.”

Throughout March and April, Wolski’s landscape photos will be on display at the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center, 569 South G St., Arcata. (Exhibits featuring local art and photography are sponsored by Friends of the Arcata Marsh.)

“My show incorporates marsh shots taken over the years and throughout the seasons, along with other landscape photographs from our region,” Wolski said.

“Sunsets are one of my favorite things to photograph at the marsh,” she added. “I love the way clouds reflect off of Klopp Lake and the sloughs.”

Wolski — who works locally as a librarian — says this show is dedicated to her father, Al Wolski, a longtime FOAM volunteer who loved the marsh and its inhabitants. He died unexpectedly on Jan. 9, 2024, at age 76.

“You would often find him staffing the desk at the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center where the exhibit is being held,” she said. “He was very much looking forward to seeing the show and he was a big supporter of my photography.”

Wolski added, “For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed the tranquility of the marsh and its opportunities to spot wildlife. I especially love to see the shorebird murmurations and river otters. Recently, the marsh is a place I go to connect with my father’s memory because we used to take walks there together and it was his happy place.”

The Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center is open to the public Monday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 707-826-2359.

Inside The Black Yearbook | Atmos

 

02.25.2024

In his latest book, photographer Adraint Bereal offers an intimate look at the lives of Black students matriculating at The University of Texas and other majority white spaces.

When photographer Adraint Bereal graduated from the University of Texas, he self-published an extensive volume of portraits, personal statements, and interviews that explored UT’s campus culture and offered an intimate look at the lives of Black students matriculating within a majority white space.

Now, in The Black Yearbook, published by 4ColorBooks and Penguin Random House, Bereal expands the scope of his original project and visits colleges nationwide, from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to predominantly white institutions to trade schools and more. Rather than dwelling on the monolith of trauma often associated with Black narratives, Bereal is dedicated to using honest dialogue to share stories of the nuanced Black college experience.

60 Seconds on Earth,Anthropocene,Art & Culture,Climate Migration,Black Liberation,Changemakers,Democracy,Environmental Justice,Photography,Earth Sounds,Deep Ecology,Indigeneity,Queer Ecology,Ethical Fashion,Ocean Life,Climate Solutions,The Frontline,The Overview,Biodiversity,Common Origins,Fabricating Change,Future of Food,Identity & Community,Movement Building,Science & Nature,Well Being,

In the serene landscapes of Cardigan, a group of local photography enthusiasts, known as the Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club, has been quietly capturing the beauty of Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire. Their recent showcase of photographs, featuring the untamed wildlife at Teifi Marshes and the ethereal effects of light on the countryside, has not only celebrated the natural splendor of the region but also invited others to join their ranks and share in the joy of photography.

A Lens on Local Beauty

The Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club, with its finger always on the pulse of the local environment, has recently turned its focus towards the captivating scenes of wildlife and changing light within the Teifi Marshes and surrounding areas. These photographs, a collection of moments frozen in time, serve as a testament to the club’s passion for the natural world and their skill in highlighting its beauty. The images, ranging from the dramatic play of sunrise and sunset over the landscape to the intimate moments of wildlife in their natural habitat, offer a glimpse into the hidden wonders of Cardigan and its neighboring regions.

Building a Community Through Photography

What sets the Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club apart is not just their ability to capture breathtaking images, but also their commitment to fostering a community of photographers. By encouraging individuals of all skill levels to join and share their work, the club aims to create a platform for learning, inspiration, and camaraderie among photography enthusiasts. This welcoming approach has not only helped in amplifying the voices of local photographers but has also provided them with a space to showcase their passion for the region’s landscapes and wildlife.

Joining the Ranks

For those inspired by the stunning visuals and the sense of community the Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club offers, joining is just a Facebook search away. The club continues to welcome new members with open arms, providing a unique opportunity to have their work featured and appreciated by a wider audience. As the club grows, so too does its collection of captivating images, each telling a story of the natural beauty that lies within Cardigan and its surrounding areas.

Through their lens, the Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club not only captures the essence of the region’s landscapes and wildlife but also highlights the importance of community and shared passion in the art of photography. As they continue to showcase the beauty of Cardigan and beyond, their work serves as an open invitation for others to explore, capture, and celebrate the natural world around them.

Recently featured in the New York Post and other publications, this recent listing in East Hampton Village is generating considerable buzz. 

Nestled in the heart of East Hampton, a residence once belonging to the iconic Elliott Erwitt, a maestro behind the lens whose photographic tales spanned the latter half of the 20th century, has been listed for a striking $3.75 million. The legendary photographer, who passed away last year at the age of 95, has left behind a legacy as vivid and impactful as the images he captured, ranging from the whimsically quirky to the politically profound.

Situated at 17 N. Main St., this exceptional property boasts a 900 +/- sq. ft. studio, a sanctuary for both photographers and artists alike, mirroring Erwitt’s multifaceted spirit. Acquired by Erwitt in 1981, this single-story, mid-century gem underwent a significant transformation in 1989, under the architectural vision of East Hampton’s own Robert McKinny Barnes.

Erwitt’s illustrious career saw his works in the most important publications of the time, including Life Magazine, and adorned the walls of prestigious museums globally. A pivotal figure in the photographic world, Erwitt served as a past president of Magnum Photos, the revered photographic cooperative founded by luminaries such as Robert Capa and Henri Cartier-Bresson. His portfolio, an eclectic mix capturing everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Che Guevara, is a testament to his unparalleled eye for storytelling.

On nearly .5 acres of serene landscaping, the 3,500 +/- sq. ft. is illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows, hosting 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 fireplaces. A great room with cathedral ceilings invites gatherings, while a formal living room with French doors opens to a south-facing bluestone patio, complemented by a pool. The kitchen and dining area, with their poolside views, lie adjacent to the artist’s studio, where many of Erwitt’s celebrated photographs, including “California Kiss” and “Sammy at the Beach,” continue to reside.

Despite its central location, the property remains a hidden oasis, thanks in part to Erwitt’s artistic touch, which reflects the unique character Erwitt infused into his home.

Jennifer Wilson of The Jennifer Wilson Team at Saunders & Associates, who proudly represents this unique East Hampton property, says, “Elliott’s legacy, not only as a legendary photographer but as a beloved father and host to many memorable gatherings, imbues this home with a rich tapestry of memories.”

On the home’s current charm and its potential for growth, Jennifer adds, “This property, as it stands, is a remarkable testament to the creative spirit and a haven of peace and inspiration in the bustling heart of East Hampton. It’s perfect as-is for those who appreciate the legacy and artistic ambiance woven into its very fabric. “

“However, it also presents an extraordinary canvas for expansion. With the opportunity to build a new 3,866 +/- sq. ft. home above ground, plus additional square footage in the lower level, the potential for transformation and customization is boundless. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for both those looking to cherish and preserve its history and those eager to infuse it with their own vision and create something truly spectacular for the future.”

As this architectural and historical gem opens its doors to potential new owners, it offers not just a residence but a piece of history, a canvas where life’s moments, both grand and intimate, were celebrated under the watchful eye of one of photography’s greatest.

For three years from October 2019, the Slovakian photographer Petra Bašnáková lived with and documented the lives of Palestinian Bedouins, who for thousands of years have led a semi-nomadic life in the Judean desert between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. After 1948 and the creation of Israel, much of that territory was incorporated into the West Bank, and the Bedouin were increasingly threatened and marginalised. Today, as Bašnáková writes in the introduction to Born of Sand and Sun, her book of the photographs she took in the desert, despite “military raids, the demolition of dwellings, bans on grazing goats and much more…” the Bedouins have not broken “the strong bond with the heart of their culture in the vast desert”. Reports suggest that raids on Bedouin settlements and dwellings have sharply increased since the 7 October attacks by Hamas launched the war with Israel.

Many of Bašnáková’s photographs, such as this one, reveal the ways in which the Bedouin live in close connection with the precarious landscape around them. The print of the girl’s clothes, like the plumage of the bird, borrows the colours of the desert landscape. Bašnáková describes how her journey into the Bedouins’ world began when she was resting during a walk in the desert and was “awoken from a dream by a boy with a deep look, sitting on a white donkey, followed by two black goats”. The boy led her into the life of his family and his community. One of the subjects of her pictures, Saqer Alkawazba, offers a personal hymn to a life without borders and walls: “From the Bedouin perspective the desert is considered an open space… don’t let my house be burnt down or restrict my animals to narrow ranges… the desert embraces everyone who cannot accept boundaries in their life… I see sand dunes changing their form with the wind, yet the desert remains unchanged.”