Good Morning! 🌞 

Happy Monday and National Beer Day! 🍻 After tackling the start of the week, why not unwind with a cold one? Whether you’re celebrating your small wins or just getting through the grind, today’s a good day to raise a glass. Here’s to balancing work and a well-deserved beer break!

Earth Science

Neptune’s New Mystery

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captured vivid auroras on Neptune, the most distant planet in our solar system—a phenomenon that had long eluded astronomers. Since NASA’s Voyager 2 flyby in 1989, scientists suspected auroral activity on Neptune, but confirming it proved difficult. Unlike Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, where auroras had been clearly observed, Neptune’s remained hidden—until Webb’s near-infrared capabilities provided the clarity needed to finally detect the elusive glow.

Auroras occur when energetic particles, often from the Sun, are trapped in a planet’s magnetic field and collide with its upper atmosphere, creating a luminous display. But Neptune’s auroras behave differently. Instead of forming near the poles, as they do on Earth and other giant planets, they appear in the planet’s mid-latitudes. This unusual pattern is due to Neptune’s magnetic field, which is tilted 47 degrees from its rotational axis—an anomaly first detected by Voyager 2. These mid-latitude auroras mark a striking difference in how magnetic forces shape atmospheric phenomena on the ice giant.

In addition to the auroras, a new study published in Nature Astronomy revealed that Neptune’s upper atmosphere has cooled dramatically. Webb’s observations show that temperatures in 2023 were just over half of those recorded in 1989. For years, scientists used those original Voyager temperature readings to estimate auroral intensity. The newfound chill may explain why Neptune’s auroras went undetected for so long. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of Neptune’s atmosphere, which continues to undergo dramatic changes—even though the planet orbits more than 30 times farther from the Sun than Earth.

Culture

Lost Merlin Manuscript Rediscovered

A long-lost medieval manuscript recounting the legend of Merlin and King Arthur has been rediscovered after more than 400 years. Hidden within an Elizabethan-era property register, the fragment is now recognized as the only known surviving piece of a lost Suite Vulgate du Merlin manuscript. The story offers a unique portrayal of Merlin—as a blind harpist who mysteriously vanishes, then reappears as a balding child advising King Arthur while wearing no underwear. It also features vivid scenes of Merlin on the battlefield, carrying Arthur’s standard and summoning a fire-breathing dragon.

Originally written around 1230 in Old French, the manuscript eventually fell into obscurity as the language lost prominence. By the 16th century, pages from the text were repurposed for bookbinding—a common practice of the time that inadvertently preserved fragments of rare works. The rediscovered piece was found at Cambridge University Library, where researchers used advanced technology including multispectral imaging (MSI), CT scanning, and 3D modeling to digitally unfold and enhance the heavily faded parchment.

“The specialist imaging techniques that were employed on the Merlin fragment revealed details that would not be visible to the naked eye,” said Amélie Deblauwe, the library’s chief photographic technician. In addition to the content itself, the study uncovered insights into Elizabethan bookbinding methods. Fabry-Tehranchi, Cambridge’s French specialist, emphasized the potential for more hidden treasures: “This library is full of treasure that needs to be discovered.” The find not only adds a rare and colorful chapter to the Arthurian tradition but also highlights the role of modern technology in uncovering forgotten history.

Entertainment

April Watch List!

Looking for the perfect movies to watch this April? Whether you're in the mood for thrilling action, heartwarming drama, or a good dose of laughter, we've got you covered! Check out our top 5 must-watch films this month—you won’t want to miss these picks.

1. The Bondsman (April 3, Amazon Prime)
Kevin Bacon stars as Hub Halloran, a murdered bounty hunter resurrected by the devil to hunt down escaped demons—or risk eternal damnation. Produced by Blumhouse, this horror series blends the supernatural with family drama and a touch of country music.

2. Pulse (April 3, Netflix)
A Miami trauma hospital becomes the backdrop for romance and chaos as new chief resident Danielle (Willa Fitzgerald) clashes with her ex, Xander, during a hurricane. Expect high-stakes medical drama, tense relationships, and classic one-liners like, "He's going to code!"

3. Dying for Sex (April 4, Hulu/Disney+)
Michelle Williams plays Molly, a woman with Stage IV breast cancer who embarks on a wild sexual journey with her best friend Nikki (Jenny Slate) by her side. Based on a true story, this dramedy mixes humor and heartbreak in equal measure.

4. The Handmaid's Tale (April 8, Hulu)
In its sixth and final season, June (Elisabeth Moss) continues her fight against Gilead, leaving the safety of Canada to join the resistance. With returning villains and intense political parallels, the series promises a gripping conclusion.

5. Hacks (April 10, Max)
Jean Smart returns as legendary comedian Deborah Vance, now hosting a late-night talk show while dealing with Ava’s ruthless power play. Sharp, funny, and full of industry satire, this season explores ambition, aging, and the cost of success.

Which of these are on your watchlist? Let us know if you’ve seen any of them and send us your top movie recommendations, too!

Support Daily Upsider!

Help our mission to share positive, meaningful news! Your support keeps us going without the need to bombard you with annoying ads!

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

I tame the wild chaos, not with might but with teeth. I create order in a storm of strands. What am I?

Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

When you need me, you throw me away. When you're done with me, you take me back. What am I? an anchor ⚓️ — Chris Hostetler got this early! ☀️ 

The first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to the email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured