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A 'UFO' was sighted in the sky just weeks following the appearance of a 'spaceship' shaped cloud.

2025-04-15 12:17:18 By Linda Martinez

Australians have looked at the skies around southeast Queensland with awe after a giant UFO appeared in the sky.

In reality, it was a storm cell, yet the visuals reveal its strange form that strikingly resembles a UFO.

'We received several pics of this really cool UFO looking storm this morning. This is a lenticular storm cloud and its not that common to see,' Higgins Storm Chasing wrote to their Facebook page on Thursday morning.

The weather page explained the cloud formation was a hailstorm that was moving across the Darling Downs towards Oakey and north of Toowoomba around sunrise with the light from the early morning sun 'helping ignite the eastern side of the storm, turning it pink and orange'.

Viewers who commented on the post expressed that the event was an extraordinary showcase of nature's beauty, noting that "the sky always manages to astonish us."

"Look, you can see the 'Beam me up, Scotty' beams," one of them remarked.

"Wow! I really appreciate you sharing this storm cell; it's absolutely breathtaking," exclaimed another.

'Who needs drones and aliens when you can have this in the sky,' added a third.

At sunrise on Thursday, a hailstorm in southeast Queensland produced a stunning cloud formation that led some observers to mistakenly identify it as a 'UFO.'

What you're seeing is a lenticular cloud, known for its ability to form smooth, circular shapes.

The spectacular display follows a similar 'spaceship' cloud appearing in Sydney.

The bizarre natural phenomenon formed over the ocean in Cronulla, in Sydney's southern suburbs, with many sharing snaps and videos of the cloud to social media.

However, Weatherzone meteorologist Felix Levesque reassured Daily Mail Australia that the unusual cloud posed no cause for concern.

Some speculated that the 'spaceship' was actually a lenticular cloud, a phenomenon described by the forecaster as occurring when humid winds are pushed over an obstacle like a mountain.

Mr. Levesque explained, "As the air moves upward over the barrier, it cools and condenses, forming a stationary cloud."

'This stationary cloud will have a smooth oval appearance, hence why it's often mistaken as a UFO.'

Mr. Levesque explained that the cloud observed over Cronulla was actually a roll cloud, distinguishing it from the lenticular cloud, which is formed through a similar mechanism.

"Roll clouds develop when a cooler, heavier airmass moves underneath a different airmass, which results in an upward and 'rolling' motion at the forefront of the airmass – thus the term," he elaborated.

Some claimed they could observe the 'beam me up Scotty' lights, alluding to Star Trek.

In December, the residents of Cronulla, located in Sydney's southern region, were taken aback by a peculiar cloud formation that bore a striking resemblance to a spaceship.

'Southerly busters, similar to what we experienced on Tuesday, can lead to the formation of roll clouds, which typically happen in Sydney around three to five times annually.'

'A common location for roll clouds is over the Gulf of Carpentaria – so common it's been given the name 'Morning Glory Cloud'', Mr Levesque said.

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View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On July 11, 2015, the dwarf planet Pluto and its moon Charon are depicted in this image. (NASA) Around 4.5 billion years ago, Pluto, the dwarf planet, encountered a companion in a sudden and remarkable event. For a fleeting moment – likely just a few hours – they twirled together in a cosmic embrace, performing a graceful do-si-do before drifting apart. This celestial dance ultimately led to the formation of Pluto and its five moons, which now orbit the sun in harmony. For many years, astronomers have been curious about the origin of Charon, the largest moon of Pluto, and its orbit around the dwarf planet. A recent study released on Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience proposed a potential series of events that could explain this intriguing phenomenon. "Adeene Denton, a planetary scientist from the University of Arizona who spearheaded the research, remarked, 'What makes Pluto and Charon particularly fascinating is that Charon is half the size of Pluto. The only similar example we have is the Earth and its moon.'" Charon measures approximately 750 miles in width, whereas Pluto has a diameter of nearly 1,500 miles. This size ratio indicates that several traditional theories regarding moon formation may not apply, such as the ideas that Charon originated from debris surrounding Pluto or was gravitationally captured by it. Might Charon's presence be better accounted for by a collision scenario similar to the one thought to have created Earth's moon? According to Erik Asphaug, a planetary scientist from the University of Arizona and a co-author of the study, the dimensions of Pluto and Charon posed challenges in understanding why they "didn't simply combine like two droplets of liquid," which would be the expected result in such a cataclysmic situation. Pluto and Charon reside in the Kuiper belt, an area in the outer solar system located past Neptune, characterized by its rocky and icy composition. By incorporating these features into their model, the research team formulated a scenario where the two celestial bodies collided and became trapped together without actually merging. If Charon collided with Pluto at a leisurely pace of approximately 2,000 mph—ten times slower than the impact that created Earth's moon—the two celestial bodies would have stayed in contact for around 10 hours before slowly drifting apart, yet still maintaining a gravitational bond. The scientists referred to this event as a “kiss and capture.” Denton explained that the resilience of the two bodies kept them intact. At that time, Pluto would have completed a rotation every three hours (in contrast, a day on Pluto now lasts about 150 hours), meaning the two bodies would have orbited each other three times while still connected. The angular momentum generated by Pluto's rotation would have gradually pushed Charon further away, while still keeping it securely within Pluto's orbital path. Bill McKinnon, a planetary scientist from Washington University in St. Louis, remarked that this scenario is quite plausible, considering the vast number of objects that are thought to be floating in the Kuiper belt during the early stages of the solar system. He noted, "Collisional capture is likely a frequent occurrence," adding that many other significant binary objects are also believed to be present in the Kuiper belt. According to Denton, the consequences would have resulted in "essentially a complete resurfacing of Pluto." She noted that Charon would lose a significant portion of its surface ice to its neighboring body. "This impact serves as a geological reset for the entire system," she explained. This could have also led to the creation of Pluto's four other recognized moons – Nix, Styx, Kerberos, and Hydra – which are significantly smaller than Charon and were observed during NASA's New Horizons spacecraft's flyby of Pluto in 2015. The model developed by the team may provide a fresh perspective on the phenomenon of certain moons orbiting different celestial bodies. “This introduces an intriguing new angle to the physics involved,” noted Asphaug. “We’ve long believed that the strength of materials is irrelevant during collisions. It’s time to reassess that belief, particularly in the context of our moon’s formation.” A more in-depth examination of Pluto could reveal whether its celestial movements actually occurred, but it may be quite some time before another spacecraft arrives at the dwarf planet. Denton stated, “If Charon were to have transferred some of its rock material to Pluto, we could detect that through gravity measurements. Sadly, we would need to return to Pluto to verify this.” This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

This undated image provided by Firefly Aerospace showcases the complete assembly of the Blue Ghost Mission 1 lunar lander.

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NASA astronauts who have been stuck in space for several months have provided an update on their current situation.

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Breton, a massive great white shark weighing 1,400 pounds, has made his way back to the shores of Florida.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. A 13-foot great white shark made a return appearance to the Florida waters Wednesday. The over 1,400-pound male shark, named Breton, has been tracked by researchers since 2020 and last resurfaced near Florida on New Year’s Day in 2024. Breton left the Newfoundland coast in early December and made his way south down the East Coast, according to the OCEARCH tracker.  The marine science organization OCEARCH monitors a shark named Breton, who was initially tagged by scientists in September 2020 close to Scatarie Island in Nova Scotia. He became the first shark to be tagged during OCEARCH's expedition in 2020. Since then, Breton has journeyed an impressive 40,913 miles.  Breton has taken trips to Florida during this season in the past, and in 2022, he gained significant attention when his tag pings suggested he had crafted a self-portrait. The great white shark has traveled up and down the East Coast for the past five years and in 2023, he was “pinged” near the Pamlico Sound on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Great white sharks range from Maine down to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Breton isn’t the only great white shark making his way south. Bob, another 13-foot male white shark, was pinged off the Florida coast on Jan. 5, according to the tracker.

Researchers express alarm over elements causing extraordinary shifts along the Arctic coastline: 'This research serves as a crucial alert'

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image Courtesy: iStock A recent study conducted in Alaska reveals that the state's coastal erosion is speeding up due to "compound climate impacts." This phenomenon could potentially affect six to eight times more land compared to the effects of erosion by itself. What’s going on? The rising temperatures of our planet are causing swift transformations in the coastal areas of the Arctic. Following a thorough examination of 75 years of aerial and satellite data, researchers have identified a growing threat of coastal erosion in the Arctic region. Other less-understood processes are threatening Arctic coastlines that haven't received the same amount of attention. These "compound climate impacts" include rising sea levels, permafrost thaws, intensifying storms, and sea ice thinning. Inhabitants of northern Alaska have observed the effects of permafrost thaw subsidence, which refers to the sinking of the land surface caused by the melting of permanently frozen ground, commonly referred to as permafrost. Certain scientists express worry that organizations like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency may not be seeing the full scope of the situation. "These sorts of bodies with a lot of resources may have not been paying enough attention to permafrost thaw subsidence as an agent of coastal change," according to Roger Creel, the study's lead author and postdoctoral scholar in Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Department of Physical Oceanography, per Phys.org. "This study is a wake-up call to expand the conversation.  "Creel noted, 'The combined effects of climate change are speeding up alterations along the coast. We should anticipate a nonlinear increase in coastal impacts, particularly in areas such as Northern Alaska.'" The acceleration of coastal erosion in Alaska is concerning for several reasons. Firstly, it threatens local communities and infrastructure, as many towns and villages are situated along the coast and are at risk of being washed away. Secondly, the erosion can lead to the loss of habitat for wildlife, disrupting local ecosystems and biodiversity. Additionally, the erosion can contribute to the release of greenhouse gases trapped in permafrost, exacerbating climate change. Lastly, the cultural significance of these coastal areas for Indigenous populations is at stake, as they rely on the land for their way of life and cultural practices. Overall, the rapid erosion poses significant environmental, social, and economic challenges that require urgent attention. "By 2100, unless coasts respond differently to future change, these compound effects may transform 6-8x more land than erosion alone may impact," according to the study. "Without mitigating measures, by 2100, coastal change could damage 40 to 65% of infrastructure in present-day ACP coastal villages and 10 to 20% of oilfield infrastructure." Scientists have concentrated their efforts on the Arctic Coastal Plain in Alaska, an extensive area exceeding 23,000 square miles characterized by low-lying, ice-laden permafrost. This region is currently facing some of the most rapid sea-level rise and coastal erosion observed in the Arctic. 🗣️ In your opinion, does the United States face an issue with plastic waste? 🗳️ Select your option to view the results and share your thoughts! The researchers behind the study emphasize the critical necessity for Arctic communities to engage in adaptive planning, given the challenges presented by escalating climate-related risks. The researchers caution that by the year 2100, the synergistic effects of coastal erosion along with various climate-related factors could drive the North Slope shoreline further inland than it has been since the last interglacial phase, which occurred over 100,000 years ago. Our overheating planet is hitting Alaska hard. A recent report highlights how our 49th state is being impacted by melting glaciers and extreme weather. One of the alarming findings from the study points out that flooding in Juneau last year was caused by glacial melt due to our planet overheating with minimal influence from weather conditions. What measures are being taken to address the effects of compounded climate challenges? The study's authors call for more research on Arctic shoreline evolution in the future, which should be driven by communities affected by the "paradigm shift in 21st-century Arctic coastal change that we project here." Soaring fuel costs are forcing utilities in Alaska to shift to renewable energy sources. Renewable options such as solar and wind will help reduce the amount of heat-trapping gases in our atmosphere that contribute to the problems in our country's biggest state. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Awesome Selections

Recent Studies Show Ants Can Harbor Grudges

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Ants are remarkable creatures that exhibit behaviors often regarded as pre-programmed and instinctual. However, recent research published in Current Biology challenges this long-held notion, unveiling evidence that these tiny insects possess the capacity for experiential learning and memory retention. The study, led by evolutionary biologists from the University of Freiburg, sheds light on ant behavior, particularly their interactions with competitors from neighboring nests. The findings indicate that ants can adjust their responses based on past encounters, demonstrating not only aggression but also a form of memory that influences their social strategies. The study's experimental framework included exposing ants to competing species from distinct nests, facilitating regulated interactions that examined their behavioral reactions. Throughout these encounters, the ants experienced different levels of aggression from their adversaries. 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The true significance of this research extends beyond its specific results; it opens up a dialogue regarding the essence of intelligence, memory, and learning throughout the animal kingdom. By centering their studies on ants, researchers can delve into broader themes such as the development of social interactions and the mental capabilities of various species, providing scholars with the means to further analyze the complexities of animal behavior. Research Focus: Aggression and Learning Patterns in Ants. Article Title: Enhancing Enemy Recognition in Ants Through Associative Learning of Non-Nestmate Signals. Date of News Release: 2024. Web References: DOI link. Citations: M. Bey, R. Endermann, C. Raudies, J. Steinle, V. Nehring: The enhancement of enemy recognition in ants through associative learning of cues from non-nestmates. Current Biology, 2024. Photo Courtesy: University of Freiburg. Keywords: Ant behavior, associative learning, memory processes, evolutionary biology, insect intelligence, ant aggression. Explore additional insights from the world of Science. Sign up to receive the newest posts directly in your inbox.

Unleashing the Power of Language: The Impact of Words on Feelings, Decisions, and Behaviors

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. In a pioneering study featured in the renowned journal Cell Reports, scientists have achieved remarkable advancements in comprehending the interplay between neurotransmitters in the human brain and the emotional facets of language processing. The findings illuminate the intricate relationship between linguistic elements and emotional perception, indicating a deep link between neurotransmitter release and the emotional significance of the words we encounter in daily interactions. This global collaboration, spearheaded by the distinguished computational neuroscientist Read Montague at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, brought together more than 20 researchers and medical professionals, highlighting the collective effort behind this innovative research. The study concentrated on neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are commonly linked to mood regulation and emotional reactions. Historically, it was believed that these neurochemicals indicated the positive or negative aspects of experiences. Nonetheless, recent discoveries suggest that these neurotransmitters are also vital in shaping how individuals understand the subtleties of language. This connection between brain chemistry and linguistic interpretation is fascinating and could indicate a more profound evolutionary advancement in human cognitive abilities. Montague and his team embarked on this research to examine the theory that brain systems, which initially developed for the purpose of survival and responding to environmental dangers or rewards, could also play a vital role in understanding the meanings of words. This idea holds particular importance for complex social creatures such as humans, who depend heavily on nuanced verbal communication for their everyday interactions and survival tactics. Effectively grasping the emotional nuances of language may not only facilitate human connections but also influence mental well-being. This research marks a groundbreaking effort to assess the simultaneous release of various neurotransmitters triggered by emotional language content. It was carried out on patients who were receiving deep brain stimulation surgery, enabling real-time monitoring of neurochemical activity in targeted areas of the brain. By presenting emotionally significant words on a screen throughout the procedure, the scientists successfully collected data on neurotransmitter fluctuations through sophisticated measurement methods. Recent discoveries have shed light on unexpected roles of the thalamus, a brain region generally recognized for its role in sensory processing. Historically, the thalamus has not been connected to language or emotion. However, new research has revealed that neurotransmitter levels fluctuate in reaction to different emotional words, indicating a complex interaction between various brain areas during language interpretation. This finding suggests that regions not typically associated with emotional and linguistic functions might still play a crucial role in processing important information, aiding in immediate decision-making. Participants in the study underwent deep brain stimulation, during which electrodes monitored neurotransmitter release in response to positive, negative, and neutral words. The findings revealed a complex interaction of neurotransmitters that correlated closely with the emotional weight of the words presented. This detailed insight marks a significant advancement in our comprehension of language processing, illuminating the distinct patterns emerging across different brain areas and their processing dynamics. As a crucial component of the validation process, the team carried out relevant studies employing rodent models. They leveraged advanced techniques such as optogenetics to selectively stimulate certain neurons and monitor their reactions, reflecting the processing patterns of the human brain. This research across different species supports the findings and enhances our comprehension of the neurochemical networks that shape our emotional interpretations of language. The research highlights that language transcends its role as a communication tool, acting instead as a powerful driver of behavior and choices. By uncovering the unique neuromodulator patterns associated with various emotional tones, the study enhances our comprehension of how people may respond in diverse ways to identical verbal messages based on the emotional nuances present. This insight could prove significant for fields like mental health, underlining the critical need to acknowledge the impact of emotional language. Earlier studies in neuroscience predominantly examined neurotransmission in relation to decision-making. In contrast, the present research takes a novel approach by focusing on the emotional impact of language, shedding light on cognitive dimensions that have often been neglected. The researchers argue that, in contrast to numerous other species, humans have a sophisticated ability to understand language that incorporates both context and emotional nuances. Consequently, our processing of emotionally charged words could reveal fundamental cognitive processes linked to survival, creating a connection between linguistic expression and biological needs. Additionally, the vocabulary utilized in the study was carefully curated from the Affective Norms for English Words (ANEW) database, which classifies words according to their emotional value. This thorough methodology enabled the research team to develop a framework that can examine how specific words provoke different emotional reactions, thereby enhancing the comprehension of human thought processes and language. As the scientific community enthusiastically examines these discoveries, the repercussions extend beyond neuroscience to impact psychology, linguistics, and therapeutic methodologies. Such research lays the groundwork for future investigations into the complex connections among emotional cognition, language understanding, and neurobiology. It paves the way for new explorations into how language molds human experiences and affects mental health results. As research progresses and gains further validation, it is essential to recognize the significant impact it could have across multiple disciplines, including cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence. Gaining insights into how individuals emotionally connect with language might pave the way for innovative approaches in creating technologies that can more effectively understand and react to human emotions via language processing mechanisms. This convergence of neuroscience, linguistics, and emotional intelligence presents a thrilling avenue for scientific inquiry. Subject of Research: People Article Title: Emotional words evoke region and valence-specific patterns of concurrent neuromodulator release in human thalamus and cortex News Publication Date: 28-Jan-2025 Web References: References: Image Credits: Clayton Metz/Virginia Tech Keywords: Health and medicine, Neuroscience, Neurotransmitters, Emotion, Dopamine, Serotonin, Cognitive neuroscience. Explore additional insights from the world of Science. Sign up to receive the newest updates directly in your inbox.

Consensus Guidelines for Histological and Clinical Reporting in HS

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The following is a summary of “Standardized Protocols for Clinical and Histopathological Characterization of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Tissue Specimens,” published in the January 2025 issue of Dermatology by Sampath et al.  The absence of standardized protocols for the description and reporting of clinical and histological features of skin tissue samples from patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) impedes consistent data collection, documentation, and communication. This is essential for advancing translational research, even in light of a recent agreement on the morphology of HS lesions.   A team of researchers carried out a retrospective analysis aimed at developing a standardized protocol for documenting the histopathological and clinical features of HS tissue samples.   A study was conducted between May 2023 and August 2023, involving specialists in clinical care, dermatopathology, and translational research. In total, 27 experts took part, comprising 14 dermatologists, 3 fellowship-trained dermatopathologists, 3 plastic surgeons, 3 general surgeons, and 4 research scientists. The researchers employed a modified Delphi technique to create a protocol aimed at histologic reporting and clinical characterization of tissue samples from patients diagnosed with HS.    The findings indicated that a total of 27 specialists were involved in the creation and assessment of protocols for the clinical and histopathological analysis of HS tissue samples. This cohort comprised 14 dermatologists (51.9%), 3 dermatopathologists with fellowship training (11.1%), 3 plastic surgeons (11.1%), 3 general surgeons (11.1%), and 4 research scientists (14.8%).   Researchers determined that the structured protocols, delivered in the form of a summary report, would promote uniform classification of HS specimens in biobanks according to their histological characteristics. This would lead to improved accuracy in reporting and the selection of samples for translational research initiatives.  You have been educated on information available until October 2023.

A Discovery of Hundreds of Dinosaur Footprints Dating Back 166 Million Years Has Been Made in England

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Pawel Pajor - stock.adobe.com - for illustrative use only During the previous summer, an employee at a limestone quarry located in southeast England was excavating clay when he observed some unusual protrusions in the vicinity. Recently, a collaborative effort involving more than 100 researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and Oxford has confirmed that the bumps discovered are indeed dinosaur tracks, dating back approximately 166 million years to the Middle Jurassic era. Approximately 200 footprints have been uncovered across five distinct trails at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire. This recent discovery sheds light on the behaviors of dinosaurs, offering valuable information regarding their speed, size, locomotion, and social interactions. “According to our speed estimates, it is likely that all dinosaurs were more inclined to walk than to run,” stated Kirsty Edgar, a micropaleontology professor at the University of Birmingham. Edgar suggests that the habitat of the dinosaurs may have been similar to the modern-day Florida Keys. Scientists uncovered five trackways preserved in the mud, with the longest measuring nearly 500 feet. Four of the trackways were created by long-necked herbivorous sauropods, probably belonging to the 60-foot, two-ton species known as Cetiosaurus. The fifth set was created by a meat-eating Megalosaurus, a predator that stretched 30 feet in length and had clawed feet with three toes. In 1824, it was William Buckland, a geologist from Oxford, who became the first to scientifically name the Megalosaurus, marking a significant moment in paleontology. In one section of the site, the tracks of carnivores and herbivores intersected, prompting inquiries into the nature of their interactions and whether they coexisted in the same environment. “Researchers have had knowledge of and have been investigating Megalosaurus longer than any other dinosaur species on the planet. However, recent findings demonstrate that there remains untapped evidence regarding these creatures, just waiting to be uncovered,” stated Emma Nicholls, a vertebrate paleontologist at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Pawel Pajor – stock.adobe.com – for illustrative purposes only. The tracks left by the Megalosaurus measured approximately 25 inches in length, with a stride spanning about 8.8 feet. Researchers believe that this dinosaur moved at a speed of approximately three miles per hour, which is comparable to the typical walking speed of an adult human. It is also suggested that the sauropods may have traveled at a similar rate. Dinosaur footprints were initially found in the region in 1997 when workers at a limestone quarry stumbled upon over 40 sets of tracks. Some of these trackways extended nearly 600 feet long. The UK government has identified the Oxfordshire location as one of the globe's key dinosaur track sites, granting it the status of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. In general, the recent findings have shed light on the types of dinosaurs that roamed the U.K. during the Middle Jurassic era. Thanks to advancements in modern technology, prints can now be captured with unprecedented detail, enhancing the importance of the region. In the most recent excavation, over 20,000 images of 200 dinosaur footprints were taken. These images will be valuable resources for ongoing research and educational purposes related to dinosaurs. More About:News

Traffic Notice: Vale Street (January 9 & 13)

Weather permitting, on Thursday, January 9th, work crews from the Hagerstown Light Department will be replacing a utility pole on Vale Street.  In order to give the crews space to perform the work, a temporary street closure will be required.   Therefore, beginning at 9:00 AM, Vale Street will be closed to traffic between Security Road and Jefferson Street.  Motorists approaching the closure will be required to detour via other City streets, and will encounter cones, barricades, and other traffic control devices.  It is anticipated that the work will be completed, and the street reopened to traffic, by 1:30 Thursday afternoon.  This same closure will be repeated on January 13th, weather permitting.   Emergency vehicles will not be able to pass through Vale Street while the closure is in effect. For any inquiries related to this advisory, please reach out to the Hagerstown Light Department at 301-739-8577, extension 578.    View pictures in App save up to 80% data.