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Iran
U.S.-Iran Clash Shakes Gulf
The United States took direct military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran this weekend, joining Israel’s military campaign with air strikes targeting facilities known to be engaged in development of material that could be used in a nuclear weapon. Israel had begun strikes on Iran, targeting military facilities and leadership last week. Following days of strikes by the Israeli military, the United States then sent its largest-ever raid by B-2 bombers, hitting targets with 14 “bunker-buster” bombs, including the Fordow nuclear enrichment site. Gulf states, which host U.S. military bases, are expressing concern that the campaign will destabilize the region, threaten their security, and undermine diplomatic progress.
This map depicts that nearly all U.S. military bases across the region are within range of Iran’s ballistic missiles, highlighting the vulnerability of regional forces. Click on the map to learn more.
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United States
Heat Dome Over Eastern Half
This summer’s first heatwave has developed across the eastern half of the United States with most places already having recorded their hottest temperatures of the year. High pressure across the eastern US has funneled up hot air from southern parts of the country, resulting in what is known as a heat dome. This dome initially sat across central regions of the country on Friday before spreading eastwards over the weekend. Heatwaves remain the deadliest form of extreme weather in the U.S. Emergency room visits often spike during periods of intense heat, especially when high humidity and warm nights make it difficult for the body to cool down.
This map depicts the average daily wet-bulb globe temperature across the United States. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: Axios
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China
Denisovan Skull Identified
Genetic testing on a skull found in China in the 1930’s has revealed it to be a fossil from the mysterious human species called the Denisovans. Denisovans as a distinct hominin group were first discovered with a small finger bone fragment in a cave near Denisova, Russia. Initial genetic analysis showed they were like Neanderthals, and they’re also known to have lived alongside Neanderthals and modern humans for some time. Since the initial discovery of the Denisovans 15 years ago, only tiny fragments of bones and DNA traces have been found. But in 2018, a 146,000-year-old skull discovered in Harbin, China in 1933 was given to scientists for analysis. Exhibiting unique and previously unknown facial features, the skull was originally thought to be from a new human species called Homo Longi, but genetic analysis eventually revealed it to be a Denisovan. The skull has now allowed researchers to reconstruct how the male Denisovan would have looked – a first for the species.
This map depicts the locations where human fossils dating older than 100,000 years have been discoverd across Eurasia, including the skull of a man found in Harbin, China decades ago and now confirmed to be a Denisovan. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: What capital city has the least day length variation due to a solstice?
A: Quito, Ecuador
Because of Quito’s position on the equator at a latitude of 0° 11′, the change in rotation of the Earth on its axis throughout the year doesn’t affect it much. Unlike the poles, Quito is almost constantly in direct view of the sun. So, because of lack of change in rotation, the daylight hours are hardly varied as Quito is almost constantly in more or less the same spot in relation to the sun. In Ecuador, Inti Raymi (or the Fiesta del Sol) is the Indigenous festival held on June 21 when the proximity of the sun to the earth marks a new annual cycle. Although there are no clear seasons like spring, fall, summer, and winter in Ecuador, this festival is enjoyed during a dry period with cool temperatures, an ideal time for harvesting corn, barley, and wheat. This festival’s importance in the Andean cosmovision extends from Ecuador across Andean communities throughout Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Source
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Q: The Republic of Venice ruled what Balkan coastline from 1420 to 1797?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
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