Geography

How a Lighthouse Changed a Border

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How a lighthouse changed a border

Did you know that a small lighthouse once forced Sweden and Finland to change their border?


Märket is a tiny, rocky island located in the northern Baltic Sea, shared by Sweden and Finland. The island, which measures only about 300 meters long, has a fascinating history—especially when it comes to borders. In 1885, Finland built a lighthouse on the island to help guide ships through the treacherous waters of the archipelago. However, there was one significant problem: the lighthouse was accidentally constructed on the Swedish side of the island.


This unintentional mistake set off a series of diplomatic negotiations. In 1985, nearly 100 years later, Sweden and Finland agreed to resolve the situation by redrawing their border, but instead of a straight line across the island, the new boundary zigzagged around the lighthouse, ensuring that the structure remained under Finnish control while preventing Sweden from losing any land.


What makes this case particularly intriguing is that Märket is one of the few places in the world where a border was altered specifically due to the location of a building. The unique decision to modify the border just for the lighthouse is a rare example of countries compromising over an insignificant geographical feature to maintain diplomatic relations.


Märket’s lighthouse continues to be a symbol of cooperation between Sweden and Finland, a reminder of how even the smallest of structures can lead to significant changes in international boundaries. The island now serves as a shared symbol of the two nations’ long history of peaceful coexistence.


So, do you think the countries made the right decision to change the border just for a lighthouse? Would you have handled it the same way? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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How a Lighthouse Changed a Border

How a Lighthouse Changed a Border

Venice: The city that is slowly sinking and flooding

Venice: The city that is slowly sinking and flooding

Many earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini

Many earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini

Many earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini

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Earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini

Since late January 2025, the Greek island of Santorini has been experiencing an unprecedented series of earthquakes, known as an “earthquake swarm.” Over 12,000 tremors have been recorded, with magnitudes ranging from minor to a notable 5.3 magnitude quake on February 10.

 

The epicenters of these quakes are primarily located between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos, particularly around the uninhabited islet of Anydros. This region lies within the Hellenic volcanic arc, where the African tectonic plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian plate. Despite Santorini’s volcanic history, experts have clarified that the current seismic activity is tectonic in nature and not related to volcanic movements.

 

In response to the ongoing seismic events, Greek authorities have declared a state of emergency on Santorini. Precautionary measures include the closure of schools, deployment of emergency response teams, and the evacuation of over 11,000 residents and tourists. Infrastructure assessments are ongoing, with particular attention to older structures and areas prone to landslides.

 

The continuous tremors have led to significant disruptions in daily life and tourism, with many businesses temporarily closing. The Greek government has introduced support measures for affected workers, including temporary suspension of employment contracts and financial compensation.

 

Seismologists are closely monitoring the situation, acknowledging the possibility of a more significant earthquake due to the ongoing activity. The public is advised to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety guidelines issued by authorities.

 

For a visual representation of the affected area, please refer to the accompanying video map detailing the regions experiencing seismic activity.

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How a Lighthouse Changed a Border

How a Lighthouse Changed a Border

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Venice: The city that is slowly sinking and flooding

Venice: The city that is slowly sinking and flooding

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Many earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini

Many earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini

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Back to the moon – Artemis program explained

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Artemis program explained

The Artemis program, initiated by NASA, aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a long-term presence. This bold project acts as a stepping stone for future crewed missions to Mars. Named after the twin sister of Apollo, Artemis represents a new chapter in space exploration. It is characterized by international cooperation and state-of-the-art technology.

 

Importantly, Artemis is divided into several phases. Each phase has a clear objective to ensure astronauts can safely reach the lunar surface—and travel even farther.

 

Artemis I

In November 2022, NASA launched Artemis I, the first uncrewed test flight of the program. The goal was to validate the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. SLS, NASA’s most powerful rocket to date, successfully launched Orion into deep space.

 

During the 25-day mission, Orion traveled more than 1.4 million miles. It orbited the Moon and tested vital systems such as propulsion, navigation, and re-entry. As a result, the mission proved Orion’s capability to operate in deep space and return safely. This success laid the groundwork for future crewed missions.

 

Artemis II

Scheduled for 2025, Artemis II will be the first crewed mission in the Artemis program. Four astronauts will embark on a 10-day journey around the Moon aboard Orion. Although the mission won’t include a lunar landing, it will serve a critical purpose.

 

Specifically, it will test life-support systems, crew procedures, and communication technologies in deep space. Notably, it will be the first time since 1972 that humans travel beyond low-Earth orbit. This mission will pave the way for future landings and long-duration missions.

 

Artemis III

Planned for 2026, Artemis III will mark a historic moment. Humans will land on the Moon again after more than 50 years. For the first time, the crew will include a woman and a person of color. They will use Orion and a Human Landing System (HLS), developed in collaboration with private partners like SpaceX.

 

The mission will target the Moon’s south pole, a region thought to contain water ice. This resource could support future lunar missions. While there, astronauts will conduct scientific experiments and study lunar geology. Furthermore, they will gather essential data for long-term exploration. Artemis III is a major step toward sustainable human presence on the Moon.

 

Beyond Artemis III

After Artemis III, NASA will shift focus to the Lunar Gateway. This small space station will orbit the Moon and serve several purposes. It will function as a science lab, a staging point for surface missions, and a base for future Mars expeditions.

 

Moreover, upcoming Artemis missions will help build a sustainable lunar infrastructure. This includes developing habitats and technologies for extracting resources, such as water ice. In addition, these missions will test systems for oxygen generation and long-term survival in space.

 

Artemis IV and the Road to Mars

By the late 2020s, Artemis IV and later missions will continue building the Gateway. They will also explore new regions of the Moon. At the same time, NASA will test tools and systems for future Mars missions. This stage highlights the importance of global collaboration.

 

International space agencies like ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada) will contribute technology, research, and astronauts. Together, these partnerships will accelerate progress and strengthen the mission’s impact.

 

A Long-Term Vision for Humanity

Ultimately, Artemis aims to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon by the 2030s. This lunar base will enable deeper scientific exploration. More importantly, it will prepare humanity for the next great leap: a crewed mission to Mars.

 

By leveraging advanced technologies, building strong alliances, and learning from lunar missions, Artemis creates a solid foundation. It’s a vision that could transform human spaceflight for generations to come.

 

In Conclusion
Artemis is a daring, multi-phase mission built on innovation, science, and international teamwork. Each mission builds upon the last. Step by step, we move closer to living and working in deep space. Through Artemis, humanity opens the door to new worlds and endless discovery across our solar system.

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How a Lighthouse Changed a Border

How a Lighthouse Changed a Border

Venice: The city that is slowly sinking and flooding

Venice: The city that is slowly sinking and flooding

Many earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini

Many earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini

Aftershocks from the earthquake in Northern California, December 2024

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Earthquake in Northern California

Powerful Earthquake Shakes Northern California and Prompts Swift Emergency Response

 

On December 5, 2024, a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the coastline of Northern California. The epicenter lay about 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Petrolia in Humboldt County, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Tremors shook a vast area, reaching well into the Central Valley.

 

Immediately after the quake, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for coastal regions in Northern California and southern Oregon. However, they quickly lifted the alert when no significant tsunami activity followed.

 

The earthquake caused widespread disruption. Over 10,000 households in Humboldt County lost power. In the Eel River Valley, the force of the tremor knocked several homes off their foundations. Meanwhile, in Ferndale, residents reported minor structural damage. In Rio Dell, the quake cracked several roads and triggered a gas leak at a local high school. Fortuna experienced light damage as well. Additionally, many stores across the region dealt with fallen goods and damaged inventory.

 

In response to the disaster, Governor Gavin Newsom mobilized state emergency services without delay. He also declared a state of emergency for Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties to speed up relief and recovery efforts.

 

This earthquake stands out as the most powerful to hit California since the Ridgecrest sequence in 2019. It’s also the strongest to impact the state’s northwestern coastal region since 2005. The Cape Mendocino area, where the quake originated, frequently experiences seismic activity due to the Mendocino Triple Junction—where three tectonic plates collide.

 

Fortunately, no severe injuries or fatalities occurred. Authorities continue to assess the damage, support residents, and monitor ongoing aftershocks.

Read more

How a Lighthouse Changed a Border

How a Lighthouse Changed a Border

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Venice: The city that is slowly sinking and flooding

Venice: The city that is slowly sinking and flooding

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Many earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini

Many earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini

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NASA’s Curiosity discovers a surprise in a Martian Rock

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NASA's curiosity rover discovers a surprise in a martian rock

In late May, NASA’s Curiosity rover made a stunning discovery on Mars. While driving, it cracked open a rock. Inside were bright yellow sulfur crystals — never seen before on Mars.

 

Exploring a sulfate-rich region

Since October 2023, Curiosity has been exploring an area full of sulfates. Sulfates are salts that form when water evaporates and often contain sulfur. Previous missions found sulfur-based minerals. But this time, the rover uncovered elemental sulfur — pure sulfur, not bonded with other elements. Scientists are still investigating how this pure sulfur relates to the surrounding sulfate minerals.

 

What is the Curiosity rover’s mission?

Curiosity is a car-sized robot that landed on Mars in August 2012. It is part of NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory mission. Its goal is to study the planet’s climate, geology, and signs of past water.

 

The rover also explores whether Mars could have supported microbial life. Curiosity uses its instruments to analyze rocks and soil, take high-res images, and monitor weather and radiation.

 

Its discoveries help us understand Mars’ past and prepare for future missions.

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Back to the moon – Artemis program explained

Back to the moon – Artemis program explained

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NASA’s Curiosity discovers a surprise in a Martian Rock

NASA’s Curiosity discovers a surprise in a Martian Rock

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Embracing the June Solstice: Celebrating the Height of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere

Embracing the June Solstice: Celebrating the Height of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere

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The Netherlands

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The Netherlands, known for its flat terrain, windmills, and tulip fields, is a progressive European nation with a rich cultural heritage. Renowned for Amsterdam’s historic canals and vibrant culture, it thrives on international trade, embraces diversity, and values innovation in technology and sustainability, ensuring a high quality of life.

New Zealand – Geography, Economy and Culture

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New Zealand is the most remote developed nation in the world, sitting at the south-western edge of the Pacific Ocean. On the boundary of two tectonic plates, its two main islands are a host of natural wonders and beauty, with the Southern Alps, and Fiordland of South Island, and Lake Taupo of North Island.

Scotland – Geography, Culture and Economy

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A country on the north-western edge of Europe. A mix of islands, highlands and lowlands. A country of romance and unique traditions, very different from their imperial neighbour to the south. A nation of three different languages, its culture has survived and flourished across the millennia, delivering some of the greatest and most innovative minds found anywhere. This is the land of whiskey and haggis, Nessie and oil, golf, tartan and bagpipes. This land could only be Scotland.

Greece – Geography, Economy & Culture

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A rocky peninsula and an archipelago at the south-east edge of Europe. Thousands of beaches across hundreds of islands under the warm Mediterranean sun… it’s no wonder that this country sees millions of visitors every year. But don’t be fooled by the tourist brochure. It can be argued that this land produced a people and culture that influenced the world beyond any other. This could only be GREECE.

Chile – History, Geography, Economy and Culture

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A land of extreme dimensions and a tremendous variety of climate zones and biomes, from the driest desert in the world to lush temperate rainforests, scrub and tundra. It’s narrowest of all countries in form, a product of being sandwiched between the largest ocean and longest mountain range in the world. Once a property of colonial Spain, it then saw an influx of people from all over Europe that went on to shape the most prosperous of all Latin American nations. Perhaps the most geographically fascinating of all countries, this land could only be Chile!