While you may be familiar with the natural phenomenon known as the northern lights (aurora borealis), did you know there’s an audio element to this brilliant light show? When humans see those sweeping green and violet lights over the Arctic sky, what we’re actually seeing are … [Read more...] about How a biologist and a composer are making music from the northern lights
Alaska
Bowhead whale populations have rebounded after near extinction
We shared a story in November about the remarkable return of Antarctic Blue Whales in the waters around South Georgia after a decades-long hiatus. In more good news for whales, marine scientists are reporting that bowhead whale populations have rebounded to near pre-commercial … [Read more...] about Bowhead whale populations have rebounded after near extinction
These two states may join Maine in implementing ranked choice voting
Back in September, we published a story from Maine where the state’s Supreme Judicial Court upheld the use of ranked-choice voting for its presidential and congressional races. The Optimist Daily celebrated that decision because it allows voters to opt for an independent … [Read more...] about These two states may join Maine in implementing ranked choice voting
The votes are in! Meet the big winner of this year’s Fat Bear Week
Last week, we told you about the most body-positive competition on the planet: Fat Bear Week. If you didn’t catch that story, Fat Bear Week is a competition dedicated to the brown bears of Katmai National Park in Alaska. These bears have been eating as much as they can before the … [Read more...] about The votes are in! Meet the big winner of this year’s Fat Bear Week
Humpback whales in Alaska are enjoying the cruise ship-free waters
Alaska is usually overwhelmed with cruise ships and tourists in the summertime, but not this year. Tourism has come to a grinding halt due to the pandemic, and while it has been a disaster for the local economy, the state’s humpback whales seem to be enjoying the calm waters. … [Read more...] about Humpback whales in Alaska are enjoying the cruise ship-free waters
