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Asia Tightens Airport Screening as Nipah Virus Concerns Rise

  Airport health authorities wearing protective masks monitor passengers from international flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, amid reports of a Nipah outbreak. Airports across Asia are stepping up health surveillance as several countries respond to renewed concerns over the Nipah virus following confirmed cases in India. The virus, known for its high fatality rate and potential for human‑to‑human transmission, has prompted authorities to reintroduce precautionary screening measures to limit cross‑border spread. Health officials in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Taiwan have implemented temperature checks, health declarations, and targeted monitoring of passengers arriving from affected regions. While the number of confirmed cases remains limited, the severity of the virus has led governments to act swiftly. Nipah virus infections are rare but dangerous, with symptoms ranging from fever and headaches to severe respir...

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Look Up Tuesday Night for the Full Pink Moon

 

The Pink Moon is set to grace the night sky this week, and it’s a celestial event worth observing. On Tuesday night, precisely at 7:49 p.m. EDT, the Moon will be in its full phase, marking April’s Full Moon. However, according to NASA, observers will notice that the Moon appears full for approximately three days, from Monday morning through Thursday morning.

Why Is It Called the Pink Moon?

Contrary to what the name suggests, the Pink Moon isn’t named for the Moon’s color. Instead, it derives its name from wild ground phlox, also known as pink moss. This early-blooming wildflower is one of the first to grace the landscape in the US Northeast during spring. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which has been recording lunar names for close to a century, associated this April Full Moon with the pink blossoms of ground phlox.

Gibbous Phase and Observing Tips

While the Moon will appear full for several days, keen observers can still notice subtle differences. On Monday night and Wednesday night, focus on the Moon’s face a bit longer. You might observe that one side looks “fuzzy” compared to the crisp edge on the other side. This reveals that the Moon is actually in its Gibbous phase during those times. If you have binoculars or a telescope, it’ll be even easier to spot this phenomenon1.

So, mark your calendars and take a moment to appreciate the Pink Moon’s beauty as it graces our night sky this week!


Feel free to share this information with fellow stargazers and enjoy the celestial spectacle! If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask. 😊🌠1

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