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NASA satellite images show scale of flooding in outback Queensland

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NASA's Earth Observatory has released satellite pictures showing the scale of flooding in Western Queensland after heavy rainfall in March.

Nearly double the yearly average of rain fell in some parts of the region, causing rivers to swell across the outback and consuming a land mass twice the size of Victoria.

The images paint a picture of the immensity of the flooding at Cooper Creek, near Windorah.

They were captured by the Landsat 9 Operational Land Imager (OLI) on March 5 before intense rainfall and by the Landsat 8 satellite on March 29.

In these false-colour images water appears as dark and light blue, bare ground is brown and vegetation is bright green.

The flooding has has left a trail of destructionlevee banks burst in south-west communities, inundating Eulo and Thargomindah and forcing more than 200 people out of their homes and businesses.

More than 140,000 head of livestock are feared either dead or missing.

The protracted wet season is coming to an end, but floodwater is expected to linger for weeks before making its way south to Australia's largest lake, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, about 600 kilometres from Windorah.

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bluebec
12 minutes ago
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Scientists collect unique sea creatures during voyage to East Antarctica

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Researchers on Australia's Antarctic icebreaker say some of the sea creatures they have been collecting could be new to science.

The RSV Nuyina is partway through a 60-day voyage to the edge of the icy continent — it's first mission dedicated solely to marine science.

The expedition is primarily focused on understanding the impact that warmer waters are having on the Denman Glacier, the fastest melting glacier in East Antarctica.

But the research teams are also collecting and analysing some of the unique biodiversity found in the Southern Ocean.

These include sea spiders "as big as your hand", sea stars "that grow to the size of a dinner plate" and octopus species endemic to the region, according to Professor Jan Strugnell, from James Cook University.

The specimens also include numerous "sea pigs", which are a type of sea cucumber already known to science, as well as small crustaceans that live on the sea floor, known as isopods.

"[We've collected] a really large diversity of a broad suite of marine life, and likely some new species to science," said Professor Strugnell, who is also part of the Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future research program.

A specially designed wet well on the vessel has also allowed researchers to capture tiny fragile creatures without damaging or destroying them.

One of them is a "sea butterfly", a type of sea snail that appears to flutter as it swims through the water.

The creature subsequently laid eggs in one of the ship's aquariums, providing researchers the chance to document pteropod egg development for the first time.

"The team is super excited about having the little creature and observing it and looking after it, so that it tells all the secrets that have been hidden until now," Dr Laura Herraiz Borreguero, from the CSIRO and Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP), said.

Close encounter with jade iceberg

The Nuyina left Hobart at the start of March, carrying 60 scientists from four Australian research organisations.

During its almost 4,000-kilometre journey, the research vessel has endured huge swells and gale force winds.

But on a calm day near the Shackleton ice shelf, scientists were able to observe the unusual sight of a jade-coloured iceberg.

Professor Delphine Lannuzel said while the snow and pure ice in most icebergs gave them a white and blue colour, it's hypothesised that jade icebergs get their green tone from high iron content.

"So those iron oxides are absorbing those blue lights, and that sort of makes that jade iceberg look [like] the colour that it is," Professor Lannuzel, from UTAS and the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, said.

"[The theory] hasn't been really tested yet, so we are hoping to do that one day."

'The system is changing'

Being close to the edge of the ice shelf has enabled seawater samples to be collected near the "tongue" of the Denman Glacier, which scientists say has retreated 5 kilometres over two decades.

The samples allow teams to analyse water temperature, salinity, oxygen levels and trace metals at different depths.

"For us to really understand how much heat enters the ice shelf, we need to be as close as possible to understand these processes and properties of the ocean," Dr Laura Herraiz Borreguero said.

The early results of the research had been surprising on two levels, she said.

"One is there's a really strong current right against the ice shelf, and we still don't know what that means for how much ocean heat gets into the ice shelf,"

she said.

"And at the same time, we've seen cooler waters that we were expecting at depth, and warmer waters within the midst of the water column, which could explain why we're seeing so little sea ice this season."

She said the voyage highlighted how critical it was for scientists to get access to the Antarctic region.

"The system is changing," she said.

"And it is really important that we observe the change so that we keep on challenging those climate models we rely on for our mitigation and adaptation strategies."

The ship will remain off the coast of Antarctica for about three more weeks, before returning to Hobart in early May.

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bluebec
20 hours ago
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Melbourne
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Patrick dreams of being world's first non-speaking, autistic hiking guide

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My name is Patrick. I am 15 years old. I love to bush walk, swim and spell.

Sometimes, asking questions is fun.

I use a letter board to communicate because I am non-speaking. Non-speaking means I can't talk. I am autistic and have apraxia and Developmental Coordination Disorder.

I spell words by pointing to a letter board, held by a communication and regulation partner.

They hold the letter board because I have motor planning differences and struggle to regulate my body and use purposeful motor movements.

My body has a mind of its own, and I am not always in control of my arms. I sometimes point to the wrong letter because my arms don't work together with my brain.

They call this proprioception, where a person doesn't understand where their body is in time and space.

I need a communication and regulation partner to help me by training my arm and finger and ocular eye movements.

I appreciate them, because everyone thinks spelling is easy, but it involves a complex approach that requires age-based curriculum and a series of activities to teach my motor planning.

I spell non-speaking and not non-verbal, because non-verbal means without words, and I am not without words.

I have plenty to spell, and I am intelligent. I use the word spell instead of write because I can't hold a pencil and write to communicate.

'It doesn't define me'

Terminology is important to me because I am autistic and don't have autism.

It's my identity, but it doesn't define me. When people use the correct terminology, I feel awesome and valued.

The medical model of disability sees people as broken and need fixing.

I prefer the social model of disability because people don't need fixing, they need to be accommodated and included.

Everyone is different and needs to be involved. In decisions in their own life.

Society needs to cater for our needs and adjust what they do and accommodate our individual needs, wants and dreams.

When I went to school, I was treated poorly.

Teachers treated me like a baby and like I don't understand anything. They asked me if I was intellectually challenged and if I could do anything.

I want autistic, non-speakers to have opportunities. We have human rights like neurotypical people and deserve to be treated fairly.

You can change the world by presuming competence and believing in someone and providing them with opportunities.

I wish people saw me as a person who was intelligent and able to achieve anything.

I am going to change my life, but you could change many by asking us to be your friend.

My dream is to become famous and to ask autism organisations to include autistic non-speakers in decision-making about policies and procedures in their organisation.

I plan on going to university to study disability advocacy and also becoming the world's first autistic non-speaking hiking guide.

You can change the world once you give people who are non-speaking an opportunity to be included.

Patrick shared his experience with BTN High for World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, which promotes understanding of people on the autism spectrum.

He recently took part in Teen Parliament, in which South Australian high school students shared a big idea they have for the state's future.

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bluebec
1 day ago
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Utrecht’s fish doorbell is up and running again to help spawning fish...

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Utrecht’s fish doorbell is up and running again to help spawning fish navigate the city’s canals. “If you see a fish, press the doorbell. This alerts the lock operator to open the lock.”

💬 Join the discussion on kottke.org

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bluebec
8 days ago
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Melbourne
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14 Powerful Art Pieces Overflowing With Emotion

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Art has the power to capture emotions in a way words often cannot. These 14 street art pieces and sculptures express love, grief, hope, and longing in striking and unforgettable ways.

More: 14 Street Art 3D Masterpieces You Won’t Believe Are Real


The Weight of Grief by Celeste Roberge

A sculpture of a crouched figure made from steel and filled with stones, visually embodying the crushing weight of sorrow. The texture and posture evoke a sense of deep mourning and resilience.


On Burning Man by Alexander Milov

This luminous installation at Burning Man depicts two adults sitting back-to-back inside wire cages, with their inner child figures reaching out to each other—symbolizing the barriers we build and the innocence that remains within.


Tribute to Grandparents by SMUG in Melbourne, Australia

A hyper-realistic mural of an elderly couple, their expressions rich with history and emotion. The details in their wrinkles and eyes speak of love, loss, and a lifetime of shared experiences.

More!: 24 Murals By SMUG!


The Day Will Come by Sasha Korban in Tbilisi, Georgia

A mural of a soldier embracing his loved one, symbolizing the pain of war and the hope of reunion. The sheer scale of the piece amplifies its emotional weight.

More!: 16 Beautiful Street Art Pieces by Sasha Korban


Love & Loss – A Tribute in Baltimore, USA

A minimalist yet striking mural spelling out “LOVE” using hands and shadows, part of the Baltimore Love Project. It speaks of unity, connection, and the power of simple gestures.


Mooncake by Insane51

A mesmerizing double-exposure style mural showing two lovers gazing into each other’s souls, layered with a haunting X-ray effect. A visual representation of love transcending physicality. See the video for the full effect here!


A Swing in the Summer Light by ATTORREP (Antonino Perrotta) in Belsito, Italy

A nostalgic mural of a girl on a swing, seemingly floating into the sky. The warmth of the scene contrasts with the mysterious figure in the window, adding an air of melancholy.


A Good Host Turns Places Into Friends by HERA (Herakut) in Karlstad, Sweden

A wire sculpture by Martin Debenham of a mermaid sitting on a rock, with the intricate metalwork mimicking flowing water.


Mama Mimi by Thomas Dambo in Wyoming, USA

A massive wooden troll sculpture sitting by the water, looking deep in thought. Crafted from reclaimed materials, it carries an environmental message alongside its quiet, contemplative presence.


Jade and Moggy Cat Mural by Nina Valkhoff in Gent, Belgium

A heartwarming mural of a young girl lovingly hugging a cat, her eyes closed in serenity. The surrounding fish and leaves add a dreamlike quality, emphasizing deep companionship.


Homeless Man and His Dogs by Lalone Laleiro Leilo in Málaga, Spain

A mural of a hooded man cradling his sleeping dogs on the street. The realism and tenderness in their expressions highlight themes of loyalty, hardship, and unconditional love.


Chalk Mice with Heart by David Zinn

A whimsical yet touching street piece showing two tiny chalk-drawn mice connected by a string, holding a dangling heart. A small but profound message of connection in the simplest of forms.


‘Brightness through the clouds of cancer’ by JDL in Rotterdam, Netherlands

More photos and about the mural here!


Best Friends – Elephant and Rat (Unknown Artist)

A playful yet deeply emotional mural showing an elephant extending its trunk to give a bouquet of flowers to a tiny rat. A reminder that kindness knows no size, and friendship transcends differences.


More: 8 Beautiful Artworks That Seem to Grow From Nature


Which one is your favorite?

The post 14 Powerful Art Pieces Overflowing With Emotion appeared first on STREET ART UTOPIA.

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bluebec
11 days ago
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Melbourne
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8 Breathtaking Artworks That Celebrate the Sea

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From majestic ships crashing through waves to powerful portraits of sailors and sea gods, these murals span cities and coasts to bring ocean legends to life. This curated collection includes works from France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and beyond—each one a tribute to maritime culture, the mysteries of the deep, and the stories carried by the tide.

More: 8 Inspiring Sculptures Seamlessly Integrated with Nature


Mural of Poseidon painted in vivid blue tones on a house in London, showing the god holding a golden trident, with swirling waves around him and a golden crown on his head.

Epic Poseidon Mural by Ster UPC in Southend-on-Sea, London, UK

A towering tribute to Poseidon, this vivid blue mural by Ster UPC features the god of the sea with a flowing beard, golden crown, and trident. The swirling waves and powerful gaze give the illusion of oceanic movement.


Monochrome mural of an elderly man crafting a ship model with ghost ships behind him and a curled tentacle below, painted on a large building wall.

Life at Sea by DJOELS in Basque Country, Spain

In this grayscale mural, a weathered man with glasses builds a ship model while ghostly ships loom behind him. A tentacle curls beneath his hands, merging memory and maritime legend.


Large-scale mural of a man in black looking at a shipwreck and a misty city skyline, inspired by romantic landscape paintings, on a building facade.
Photo by Dieter Wundes

Wanderer by Innerfields in Cologne, Germany

Referencing Caspar David Friedrich’s famous painting, this mural shows a modern wanderer gazing at a capsized ship as a distant cathedral rises through the mist—blending romanticism and catastrophe.

More photos: Wanderer – By Innerfields in Cologne, Germany (5 photos)


Black and white mural showing an old sea captain with a puffin and a lighthouse in the background, painted on a stone-walled house in France.

Old Man and the Sea 2.0 by Creaero in Morlaix, France

A powerful monochrome portrait of an elderly sea captain, paired with a puffin and a storm-lashed lighthouse. The mural evokes life at sea, resilience, and solitude.


Trompe-l'œil mural in Berlin showing a huge ocean liner bursting through a corner building, with architectural details seamlessly integrated into the ship.

PHOENIX by Gert Neuhaus in Berlin, Germany

Painted in 1989, this monumental mural blends architecture and illusion, depicting a massive ship bow slicing through waves, crashing right through the building’s facade.


Immersive street art inside a round concrete ruin showing a realistic 3D shark with coral and reef, and the artist sitting on top wearing fins and a snorkel mask.

Shark by Blesea in Cherbourg, Normandy, France

In an abandoned structure, Blesea paints a 3D great white shark swimming through coral reefs. The artist sits above it with snorkel gear, merging art with play.


Large-scale mural covering a building in Brussels depicting a tall ship navigating through waves, painted to appear three-dimensional with the building’s shape.

The Drunken Ship by Claire Daliers in Brussels, Belgium

A full-building mural of a sailing ship cutting through waves, perfectly integrated with the structure’s windows and walls—an iconic piece of trompe-l’œil art.


Photo collage of a Neptune statue standing in the ocean with waves crashing around, captured from various angles including dramatic stormy scenes.

The Ocean Statue of Neptune in Gran Canaria, Spain

This haunting sculpture of Neptune emerging from the sea holds a trident and appears in multiple sea states. It evokes awe and reverence for ocean mythology.


Poseidon Mural by Braga Last One in Lisbon, Portugal

This mural shows Poseidon in decayed classical ruins, holding his trident and surrounded by graffiti, creating a fusion of mythology and urban decay. The first image shows the wall before it was painted, and the second shows the completed mural in its full glory.


Mural by Näutil on a WWII bunker in Siouville-Hague, France, painted to resemble a realistic human eye with detailed eyelashes and a reflection of a ship in the blue iris, located directly on the beach with waves nearby.

The Eye by Näutil in Siouville-Hague, France

Painted on a WWII bunker, this eye-shaped mural gazes across the beach —turning a relic of war into a watchful guardian of the sea.


More: When Street Art Meets Nature (40 Photos)


Which one is your favorite?

The post 8 Breathtaking Artworks That Celebrate the Sea appeared first on STREET ART UTOPIA.

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bluebec
11 days ago
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