Category: Feature Stories

Today, Saturday, January 3, 2026, the first full moon of the year will be visible in the sky above Austria. We explain why it is called the “Wolf Moon” and show exactly when it will be full. On the third day of the year, the first full moon of 2026 will be visible in the sky above Austria. It will happen shortly after 11 a.m. Incidentally, the first full moon of the year is usually also known as the “Wolf Moon.” And it’s not the only one with a name.…

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More than a billion people worldwide are obese. The causes are considered to be excessive calorie intake and too little exercise. But which is more important? Many people are severely overweight. So many people worldwide are affected that experts are even talking about a global epidemic. According to a study by researchers at Duke University (North Carolina, USA), this is mainly due to excessive calorie intake. Lack of exercise plays a rather minor role. But there are still some uncertainties. The team led by Amanda McGrosky and Amy Luke evaluated…

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As 2025 closed, the world found itself navigating a landscape marked by political upheaval, technological leaps, climate extremes, and shifting geopolitical alliances. Far from offering a respite from the turbulence of previous years, 2025 intensified many of the world’s most pressing challenges while opening new chapters in global transformation. Political Shockwaves: Trump Returns to the White House One of the most consequential developments of the year was the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, reshaping domestic and international politics alike. His administration launched sweeping policy reversals, from mass…

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Every year, as fireworks bloom across night skies and church bells ring out at midnight, billions of people mark the arrival of a new year on January 1. The moment feels timeless—almost natural. Yet the choice of this date is neither universal nor ancient. It is the product of political reforms, astronomical corrections, and centuries of cultural negotiation. Understanding how January 1 became New Year’s Day reveals not only the evolution of the Gregorian calendar but also humanity’s enduring desire to anchor time, meaning, and hope. Ancient Beginnings: Long Before…

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For most people, the last day of the year is synonymous with fireworks, firecrackers, and popping champagne bottles—the louder, the better. In addition to driving away evil forces, New Year’s Eve is primarily about starting the coming twelve months with as much good fortune as possible, letting go of the old and making room for the positive. The following customs are practiced by cultures around the globe… Czech prophecy with an apple What events will the coming year bring? People in Czechia answer this question with the help of an…

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Across the Christian world, Christmas does not begin at the same moment. While many people celebrate on December 24th, others mark the holiday only on December 25th. The reasons lie in differing religious traditions, calendar systems, and cultural understandings of when a day begins. Why December 24th Dominates in Central and Western Europe In much of Western and Central Europe, Christmas Eve on December 24th is the emotional and liturgical heart of the holiday. This tradition has deep historical roots. Early Christianity was shaped by Jewish timekeeping, in which a…

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This Christmas, we celebrate the light that Filipinos carry wherever we go—across oceans, across seasons, and across every challenge of life abroad. Whether you’re spending the holidays here in Austria, back home in the Philippines, or somewhere in between, may this season remind you of the strength of our faith, the warmth of our traditions, and the joy of being part of a global Filipino family. From our newsroom to your home: Maligayang Pasko! May your days be filled with hope, connection, and the comforting glow of a parol shining…

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Despite the Sun gradually moving toward its next activity minimum, scientists still see a realistic chance of auroras being visible from Austria in 2026. According to space‑weather researcher Christian Möstl of the Austrian Space Weather Office at GeoSphere Austria, three to five geomagnetic storms strong enough to trigger auroras over Central Europe are expected next year. If weather conditions cooperate, this could translate into one or two opportunities to witness the aurora borealis from Austrian skies. Solar Activity Declining After 2024 Peak The Sun reached the maximum of its current…

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The amount of un-converted schillings has only decreased marginally compared to last year. At the end of November 2024, there was still 6.822 billion of the old currency (494.5 million euros), and at the same time this year, there was still 6.805 billion schillings hidden away in forgotten hiding places and elsewhere. From December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, 17.4 million schillings were exchanged for 1.26 million euros, according to an APA inquiry to the Austrian National Bank (OeNB). Converted, the outstanding amount of schillings fell from 495.8 to…

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