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What to expect from June’s planetary parade

Astronomy enthusiasts are in for a treat this June as a rare planetary parade graces the pre-dawn sky. However, the spectacle may not be as visually stunning as anticipated.

June 24, 2022 – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn created a dazzling display as they aligned in a rare planetary formation. This marked the first time in 18 years that the planets have lined up in their natural order from the Sun, a phenomenon last seen in December 2004 and not expected to recur until August 2040, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

“The last such event took place in 2004, and if you miss this one, you will have to wait until August 2040 for another planetary parade to take place,” Pagasa noted on their official Facebook account, sharing a photograph of the alignment.

What Is a Parade of Planets?

A planetary parade occurs when several planets in our solar system align on the same side of the Sun, making them visible across a narrow band of the Earth’s sky. The frequency of this phenomenon depends on the number of planets that align and their visibility without the aid of binoculars or telescopes.

What Will Be Visible During the Planetary Parade?

On June 3, six planets—Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will line up before dawn. However, only two of these planets will be visible to the naked eye.

“The sun’s going to be photobombing the parade,” explained Ronald Gamble, a theoretical astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Mercury and Jupiter will be too close to the horizon, obscured by the rising sun. Uranus and Neptune will require a telescope for viewing, with Uranus potentially too near the sun to be seen.

Early risers can still look to the east to spot a waning crescent moon to the lower left, accompanied by the faint red hue of Mars and the pale yellow dot of Saturn. Both planets are currently visible in the early morning sky and will remain so for much of the summer.

What Else Can I See in the Sky This Summer?

Despite the limited visibility of the planetary parade, the night sky offers plenty of other celestial wonders. Michelle Nichols from Chicago’s Adler Planetarium recommends using a star or planet-viewing app to explore the summer sky.

Additionally, the annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak in mid-August, offering quick streaks of light for observers. Nichols advises finding a location away from city lights and allowing your eyes to adjust to the dark for the best viewing experience.

Simula ng tag-ulan pormal nang idineklara ng PAGASA

MAYNILA. Nagpapakita ng pagsisimula ng rainy season ang sunud-sunod na pag-ulan, mga thunderstorms, at ang pagpasok ng bagyong Aghon pati na rin ng Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) sa nakaraang mga araw ang nagdulot ng mga pag-ulan sa mga western sections ng Luzon at Visayas, ayon sa pahayag ng weather bureau.

Binanggit din ng PAGASA ang mataas na posibilidad ng pagpasok ng La Niña sa Hulyo, Agosto, at Setyembre, na inaasahang magdudulot ng mas madalas na pag-ulan kumpara sa karaniwang tag-ulan hanggang sa katapusan ng 2024.

Sa kabila nito, inaasahan ding magkakaroon ng mga panandaliang pagtigil ng ulan sa panahong ito.

Bilang paalala, nanawagan ang PAGASA na laging maging handa at magtakda ng mga hakbang upang maibsan ang epekto ng tag-ulan, habagat, at ang posibleng pagpasok ng La Niña na maaaring magresulta sa pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa dulot ng malakas ulan.

Museum mishandling detaches 19th-century mummy’s arm, says Mexican government

MEXICO CITY. Mexico’s federal archaeology agency, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), has accused the city of Guanajuato of mishandling one of the country’s famous 19th-century mummies, resulting in the detachment of the mummy’s arm. This incident occurred during recent renovations at the museum where the mummified bodies are permanently displayed.

The mummies, exhumed from burial sites starting in the 1860s due to unpaid burial fees, have been a significant, albeit macabre, tourist attraction in Guanajuato. They have been displayed in glass cases in the local museum and have even been exhibited internationally, including in the United States in 2009.

At the heart of the latest controversy is a jurisdictional dispute between INAH, which claims the mummies as “national patrimony,” and the conservative-governed city of Guanajuato, which treats them as a key tourist attraction. The city and state of Guanajuato are governed by the National Action Party, while the federal government is controlled by the Morena party, leading to political friction.

INAH announced on Monday that it would investigate the museum’s renovation procedures and demanded accountability. “These events confirm that the way the museum’s collection was moved is not the correct one, and that far from applying proper corrective and conservation strategies, the actions carried out resulted in damages, not only to this body,” the institute stated.

The institute criticized the lack of proper protocols and training among the personnel responsible for the renovations, attributing the mishandling to a deficiency in knowledge. The Guanajuato city government has yet to respond to these allegations.

The mummies of Guanajuato were naturally preserved due to the dry, mineral-rich soil where they were buried. Some mummies still have hair, leathery skin, and their original clothing. In 2023, INAH experts warned that a traveling display of the mummies might pose health risks due to potential fungal growths on one of the bodies.

This is not the first time that a part of a long-dead figure has caused national controversy. In 1989, the Mexican government faced criticism after it removed and incinerated the arm of revolutionary General Álvaro Obregón, which had been displayed in formaldehyde for decades. Similarly, in 1838, an angry crowd destroyed the leg of President Antonio López de Santa Anna, accusing him of treason.

The mishandling of the Guanajuato mummy highlights the ongoing conflict over the preservation and control of Mexico’s historical artifacts. As INAH seeks to ensure proper conservation practices, the jurisdictional dispute over these mummies remains unresolved.

Israel claims control over key Gaza-Egypt border area, citing smuggling tunnels

JERUSALEM. Israel’s military announced Wednesday it has seized control of the strategic Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt. This area, known for its smuggling tunnels, is a significant target in Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the militant Hamas group, now in its eighth month of conflict.

The capture of the Philadelphi Corridor aims to cut off the supply of weapons and goods to Hamas. This move could strain Israel’s relationship with Egypt, which has expressed concerns over Israel’s advance towards its border. Despite a longstanding blockade by both countries, the corridor has remained a critical smuggling route for Hamas.

As part of the operation, Israel has also intensified its incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This city, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge, has seen escalating violence, resulting in dozens of Palestinian deaths. The Israeli military reported that a fifth brigade has joined the troops operating in Rafah, further escalating the conflict.

Egypt has raised alarms about Israel’s increasing military presence near its border, arguing that it violates the 1979 peace accord between the two nations. This peace treaty limits the number of troops each side can deploy in the demilitarized zone along the border. Israel’s recent activities, including taking control of the Rafah border crossing, have exacerbated tensions.

“The Philadelphi Corridor served as the oxygen line of Hamas through which Hamas carried out weapons smuggling into Gaza on a regular basis,” stated Israel’s military chief spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.

An Israeli military official confirmed that Israel had informed Egypt about the takeover. The official reported the discovery of 20 tunnels and 82 access points, some previously unknown to Israeli forces. However, it remains unclear if these tunnels are currently active.

Egyptian state-run media, Al-Qahera News TV, reported no communications with Israel regarding the tunnel allegations. Egypt remains concerned about a potential influx of Palestinians across its border, a scenario it deems unacceptable.

The Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip about 100 meters wide, runs the length of Gaza’s border with Egypt and includes the Rafah crossing. Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, the group has maintained free rein over the border area, using smuggling tunnels to bypass the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt.

Over the past decade, Egypt has intensified its crackdown on these tunnels due to its battle against Islamic militants in Sinai. The recent Israeli military actions aim to further disrupt these smuggling routes.

The White House has indicated that Israel’s seizure of the corridor aligns with its briefed strategy for Rafah, aimed at putting pressure on Hamas. However, the continued violence has raised international concerns.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported an apparent Israeli strike that killed two ambulance crew members in Tel al-Sultan. Earlier on Wednesday, Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, predicted that the war would continue through the end of the year, emphasizing Israel’s intent to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities.

The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, displaced much of its population, and triggered a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations reports that the fighting in Rafah has displaced 1 million people, most already displaced from other parts of Gaza.

Despite international pressure, including an order from the International Court of Justice to halt its Rafah offensive, Israel continues its operations, citing the need to eliminate Hamas as a threat. The war, initiated by a militant attack on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides and escalated regional tensions.

As the conflict persists, the future of Gaza remains uncertain, with Israel asserting the need for indefinite security control over the territory post-war. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging restraint and humanitarian considerations amidst the ongoing hostilities.

NDRRMC: 51,700 katao nasalanta ng bagyong Aghon

MAYNILA. Libu-libong pamilya ang apektado ng bagyong “Aghon,” na nagdulot ng isang pagkamatay at walong sugatan sa Northern Mindanao.

Batay sa ulat ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) ngayong Martes, umabot na sa 51,659 katao ang naapektuhan ng bagyo, kabilang ang sumusunod:

  • Patay: 1
  • Sugatan: 8
  • Lumikas: 21,225
  • Nasa loob ng evacuation centers: 14,816
  • Nasa labas ng evacuation centers: 6,409

Sa Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, isang tao ang namatay at isa ang sugatan. Dalawang estudyante ang nadisgrasya nang mabagsakan ng puno ng balete sa kanilang tricycle sa Barangay Baliwagan. Ang isa sa mga biktima, isang 15-anyos na babae, ay kasalukuyang nagpapagaling sa ospital.

“Noong ika-24 ng Mayo 2024, mga bandang 8:35 ng umaga, dahil sa malakas na hangin, isang puno ng balete ang bumagsak sa isang tricycle na nakaparada sa tabi ng kalsada na may dalawang estudyanteng sakay,” pahayag ng NDRRMC.

May naitalang pag-aapaw ng ilog, pagbaha, buhawi, pagtumba ng puno, at pagguho ng lupa sa mga lugar tulad ng Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, at Eastern Visayas. Kasama rin sa naapektuhan ang Central Visayas at National Capital Region.

Bagaman wala pang opisyal na datos hinggil sa pinsala sa agrikultura at imprastruktura, nasa 22 na bahay ang nasira sa Region 8. Sa mga ito, 18 ay bahagyang nasira habang apat naman ay lubos na nawasak.

Kahit na lumabas na sa Philippine area of responsibility ang bagyo kahapon ng tanghali, patuloy pa rin itong magdudulot ng katamtaman hanggang malalakas na pag-ulan sa kanlurang bahagi ng Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, at MIMAROPA hanggang sa Biyernes.

Trump hush money trial: Jurors conclude first day of deliberations without reaching verdict

NEW YORK. Jurors in the high-profile trial of former President Donald Trump concluded their first day of deliberations on Wednesday without arriving at a verdict. This trial marks the first time a U.S. president has faced criminal charges.

The jury, consisting of 12 primary members and six alternates, will reconvene at the New York courthouse on Thursday at 9:30 AM ET (1330 GMT) to continue evaluating the evidence and testimonies presented over the five-week trial.

Trump, 77, faces charges of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. The payment was allegedly made to prevent Daniels from disclosing an affair she claims to have had with Trump. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies any involvement with Daniels. Leaving the courtroom, Trump ignored reporters’ questions and displayed a defiant gesture by pumping his fist in the air.

Later in the day, the jurors requested transcripts of testimonies from two key witnesses: Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, and David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer. Cohen testified that Trump was aware of and involved in the payment to Daniels, while Pecker detailed efforts to suppress stories that could harm Trump’s presidential campaign. Additionally, jurors asked Justice Juan Merchan to repeat the detailed instructions he had given them earlier to guide their deliberations.

The jury must reach a unanimous decision for a verdict. If they fail to do so, a mistrial will be declared. Trump has portrayed the trial as a politically motivated attempt to undermine his 2024 presidential bid against incumbent President Joe Biden.

“Mother Teresa could not beat these charges,” Trump remarked to reporters outside the courtroom, calling the proceedings “rigged.”

Judge Merchan advised jurors to scrutinize Cohen’s testimony carefully, given his role in the payments at the center of the case. Cohen admitted to paying Daniels out of his own funds to prevent her story from affecting the election, claiming Trump approved the payment and later reimbursed him through monthly installments disguised as legal fees.

Trump’s defense team has cast doubt on Cohen’s credibility, labeling him “the greatest liar of all time.” Todd Blanche, Trump’s lawyer, emphasized Cohen’s history of dishonesty to the jury. However, prosecutors argue that voice messages, emails, and other evidence corroborate Cohen’s testimony.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office must prove Trump’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” They contend that the payment to Daniels may have contributed to Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton by keeping damaging information out of the public eye.

A conviction would not bar Trump from seeking or assuming office if he wins the 2024 election. Polls show a tight race between Trump and Biden, though a guilty verdict could affect Trump’s support among independent and some Republican voters. If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison but might instead receive a fine or probation.

If acquitted, Trump would be relieved of a significant legal hurdle, allowing him to focus on his campaign without the burden of court appearances. Regardless of the verdict, Trump is likely to appeal any conviction. He also faces three other criminal prosecutions, none of which are expected to reach trial before the November election.

Biden campaign officials believe the trial’s outcome will not significantly alter the election’s dynamics.

Hinihinalang tulak patay sa engkwentro sa Batangas buy-bust

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SAN JUAN, Batangas. Patay ang isang hinihinalang tulak ng ilegal na droga matapos ang engkwentro sa pulisya sa bayang ito nitong Martes, Mayo 28.

Ayon sa ulat ng Police Regional Office 4A noong Miyerkules, ang suspek na kilalang si “Balot” ay napatay sa isang buy-bust operation sa Barangay Lipahan, bandang 7:00 ng gabi. Nasabat umano ng mga pulis ang transaksyon ng suspek.

Sa pahayag ng mga awtoridad, agad na bumunot ng caliber .38 revolver si Balot at pinaputukan ang mga anti-illegal drug operatives. Subalit hindi tinamaan ang mga pulis, kaya’t sila ay nakapagpaputok din at nasugatan ang suspek, na nauwi sa kanyang pagkamatay.

Natagpuan din ng mga pulis sa suspek ang baril na may dalawang empty shells at apat na bala. Bukod dito, nakuha rin mula kay Balot ang dalawang plastik ng shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P34,000.

Sa ibang operasyon naman sa Bacoor City, Cavite, naaresto ang tatlong indibidwal na kinilalang sina “Boss,” “Joel,” at “Ritchie.” Itinuturing na mga “high value” targets, nasamsam mula sa kanila ang limang sachet ng shabu na may bigat na 39 gramo at nagkakahalaga ng P275,000.

Dagdag pa rito, nasamsam mula kay Joel ang isang kalibre .38 revolver na may tatlong bala.

Nakakulong na sa kustodiya ng pulisya ang mga suspek at nahaharap sa mga kasong paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Israel predicts Gaza conflict to extend another seven months as tanks enter Rafah

CAIRO. Israel intensified its operations in Gaza by sending tanks into Rafah and predicted that the ongoing conflict with Hamas would persist throughout the year. This development comes after the United States indicated that the Rafah incursion did not constitute a major ground offensive, which would have altered U.S. policy.

Israeli tanks penetrated central Rafah on Tuesday for the first time, despite an International Court of Justice order demanding an end to attacks on the city. The World Court highlighted Israel’s failure to ensure the safety and provision of essential supplies to the evacuees from Rafah, while also calling on Hamas to release hostages taken during the October 7 assault immediately and unconditionally.

Local residents reported that Israeli tanks advanced into areas including Tel Al-Sultan in the west and Yibna and Shaboura in the center, before retreating to a buffer zone along the Egyptian border. Haitham al Hams, the deputy director of ambulance and emergency services in Rafah, noted distress calls from residents targeted by drones while moving towards designated safe areas.

In the midst of the conflict, Palestinian health officials reported 19 civilian deaths from Israeli airstrikes and shelling across Gaza. Israel maintains that Hamas militants are using civilians as shields, a claim that Hamas denies.

Majed Abu Raman, Gaza’s Health Minister, urged the U.S. to pressure Israel to open the Rafah crossing for aid, citing an urgent need for medical supplies as patients face life-threatening conditions due to lack of treatment.

An Israeli military official confirmed on Wednesday that forces had secured tactical control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a critical buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi emphasized that this control would prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza and suggested that the conflict would continue into 2024. “The fighting in Rafah is not a pointless war,” Hanegbi stated, underscoring the objective to end Hamas rule in Gaza.

Despite these assertions, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the necessity for Israel to develop a post-war plan for Gaza to prevent future chaos and the resurgence of Hamas. The U.S., while opposing a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah, acknowledged that such an operation was not currently in progress.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the Israeli offensive. The conflict began after a deadly attack by Hamas-led militants on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 250 hostages.

Ceasefire Negotiations Stalled

Efforts for a ceasefire continue to face challenges. Qatar, acting as a mediator, was expected to present Israel’s latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal to Hamas on Tuesday. However, Hamas has maintained that negotiations are futile unless Israel ceases its offensive on Rafah.

In Rafah, the armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad reported engaging Israeli forces with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, causing significant damage. The Israeli military confirmed the death of three soldiers and injuries to three others due to an explosive device in Rafah.

Palestinian health officials also reported several injuries from Israeli fire, and the destruction of aid supplies in eastern Rafah due to ongoing bombardments. Ashraf Al-Qidra, a spokesperson for Gaza’s health ministry, called for the immediate establishment of safe corridors for fuel, medical aid, and medical teams in both Rafah and northern Gaza.

Approximately one million Palestinians have fled Rafah following Israeli evacuation orders, according to the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The Palestine Red Crescent Society also reported evacuating its medical teams from a designated civilian evacuation zone in Al-Mawasi due to continued bombardments.

In nearby Khan Younis, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including Salama Baraka, a former senior Hamas police officer. Another strike killed four people, including two children. Meanwhile, in northern Gaza, Israeli forces continued shelling Gaza City neighborhoods and moved deeper into Jabalia, causing extensive destruction in residential areas.

Melinda Gates pledges $1 billion to women’s rights initiatives

Philanthropist Melinda French Gates has announced a bold commitment to donate $1 billion over the next two years to support women’s rights and family initiatives globally, with a special focus on reproductive rights in the United States.

French Gates recently declared her decision to step down from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, shifting her focus to advocating for women and families through her organization, Pivotal Ventures. In a guest essay for The New York Times, she expressed frustration with delays in addressing gender equality.

“Decades of research on economics, well-being, and governance make it clear that investing in women and girls benefits everyone,” she wrote.

Highlighting the urgent issues, French Gates pointed out the high maternal mortality rates in the U.S., particularly among Black and Native American mothers. She also noted the loss of abortion rights in 14 states, the absence of national paid family leave, and the alarming increase in suicidal thoughts among teenage girls.

Over the past few weeks, French Gates has begun channeling new grants through Pivotal Ventures to U.S. organizations such as the National Women’s Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and the Center for Reproductive Rights. These grants aim to protect women’s rights and bolster their influence and power.

Pivotal Ventures, a limited liability company managing both philanthropic grants and profit ventures, has been instrumental in promoting women’s economic and political participation. Its initiatives include closing the wage gap, compensating care work, and encouraging women to pursue political office.

Looking ahead, French Gates plans to launch a $250 million initiative this fall, aimed at enhancing the mental and physical health of women and girls worldwide.

French Gates will officially leave the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation next week, an organization she co-founded nearly 25 years ago. The Foundation, set to be renamed the Gates Foundation, remains one of the world’s largest philanthropic entities with an endowment of $75.2 billion as of December 2023, bolstered by contributions from Gates and billionaire investor Warren Buffett. While the Foundation addresses a broad range of issues, its primary focus remains on global health, with most funding directed internationally.

Toyota unveils innovative green fuel engine amid global shift to electric cars

TOKYO. Japanese automaker Toyota has introduced a futuristic twist on the traditional internal combustion engine, branding it as “an engine reborn.” During a three-hour presentation in Tokyo on Tuesday, Toyota announced plans to develop compact engines powered by green fuels such as hydrogen and bioethanol, which can also be paired with zero-emissions electric motors in hybrid vehicles.

This move comes as many of Toyota’s competitors, particularly in China, are accelerating their shift towards fully electric vehicles (EVs). Chinese automaker BYD is gaining significant traction in the battery electric vehicle (BEV) market, challenging industry leader Tesla.

Toyota’s Chief Executive Koji Sato emphasized that the new engine is “optimized for the electrification era,” aiming to contribute to global carbon neutrality. The company’s well-known hybrid model, the Prius, already utilizes a combination of a gas engine and an electric motor to provide a cleaner driving experience. In future hybrids, the electric motor will take the primary role, with the new engine playing a supportive function.

The presentation, dubbed a “multi-pathway workshop,” featured Toyota’s domestic allies Subaru Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp., both of which are developing ecological engines to meet stringent future emissions standards. “Each company wants to win, but we can be faster if we work together,” said Sato.

Although the exact market release dates for these new engines were not disclosed, the companies showcased their ongoing efforts to adapt traditional engines for a greener future. Mazda highlighted the adaptation of its renowned rotary engine, while Subaru presented its smaller horizontally opposed engine. Subaru’s Chief Technology Officer, Tetsuro Fujinuki, stated that while the company is developing a distinctive electric vehicle, it will not abandon the traditional engine entirely.

Toyota, meanwhile, is also working on stylish BEVs. Executives noted the varying global energy supply conditions and the significant investments required for mass-producing BEVs. They stressed that a sudden shift to electric cars is neither economically feasible nor socially responsible, given that 5.5 million jobs in Japan’s vehicle production supply chain are at stake.

Takahiro Fujimoto, a business professor at Waseda University, acknowledged the importance of EVs in reducing emissions but pointed out their weaknesses, such as the high emissions produced during lithium-ion battery manufacturing. He suggested that in Japan, where commuters primarily use trains, rail transportation might be a more ecological choice.

“At the very least, I believe the proliferation of and innovations in BEVs are definitely needed. But that argument is logically not the same as saying that all we need are BEVs,” Fujimoto said. He added that achieving global carbon neutrality will be a lengthy process involving numerous challenges in research, development, and adaptation to social, political, and market conditions. “The carbon neutrality the world is aspiring toward isn’t likely attainable for decades to come. It’s going to be a long marathon race,” he concluded.