Earth‑Like Ice Planet Discovered 146 Light‑Years Away

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An international team of astronomers has identified a planet that bears an extraordinary resemblance to Earth — at least in size and orbital rhythm. The newly reported world, designated HD 137010 b, is almost exactly as large as our home planet and circles a Sun‑like star. Yet its surface, sealed beneath a frozen shell, reaches a frigid –70 degrees Celsius. A Near Twin in a Distant System The discovery, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, highlights a planet orbiting roughly 146 light‑years from Earth. HD 137010 b is rocky, only…

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Austria’s Changing Seasons: Winter Downpours, Summer Dry‑Spells

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Austria is already feeling the unmistakable effects of climate change. Melting glaciers, more frequent extreme weather events such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, and shifting precipitation patterns are reshaping the country’s water balance. A new study titled “Water in a Changing Climate” now provides a clearer picture of how these developments will intensify in the coming decades — and the findings are sobering. Precipitation Shifts: Less in Summer, More in Winter According to the preliminary results, Austria will see a marked redistribution of rainfall and snowfall. By the middle of…

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Faith and Diplomacy Unite for Peace at UN Vienna’s World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026 Conference

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Vienna, 30 January 2026 — Diplomats, religious leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives gathered at the Vienna International Centre on 30 January 2026 for a high-level conference marking the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW). Organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) in partnership with the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), the Coalition of Faith-Based Organizations, Youth and Students for Peace (YSP), and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), the conference focused on the theme “The Relevance of Religions for a Peaceful World Order.” Among the distinguished…

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Toll Traps Abroad: What Travelers Need to Know in 2026

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Drivers heading to other European countries in 2026 will face several new toll and vignette rules. Austria’s mobility club ÖAMTC has compiled the most important updates to help travelers avoid costly surprises on the road. Europe’s toll landscape remains a patchwork of systems, and the coming year introduces yet another round of changes. While countries such as Croatia and Italy continue to rely on distance‑based tolls, others—including Austria, Slovenia, and Switzerland—use time‑based vignettes. According to ÖAMTC expert Yvette Polasek, preparation is essential: “Anyone who doesn’t know the rules risks unnecessary…

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Drivers Take Note: New Motorway Toll Sticker Becomes Mandatory on Sunday

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Austria’s motorway users are facing an important deadline: the current toll sticker (Vignette) is valid only until January 31, meaning anyone who has not yet purchased the new edition needs to act quickly. From Sunday, February 1, only the new fire‑red Vignette will be accepted on all Austrian motorways and expressways. The Vignette remains a legal requirement for all cars and motorcycles using these roads. Prices have increased compared to last year: a yearly pass for cars now costs 106.80 euros, while motorcycles pay 42.70 euros. Digital Vignette on the…

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Diocese of Imus Mourns Fr. Jose “Joey” Demoy, Former Long‑Time Chaplain to Filipinos in Vienna

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The Diocese of Imus, Cavite, with profound sorrow, announces the passing of Rev. Fr. Jose “Joey” S. Demoy, Parish Priest of Ang Mabuting Pastol Parish, Palapala, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite. Fr. Demoy returned to the loving embrace of the Father on January 30, 2026. Fr. Demoy was a devoted priest whose ministry extended far beyond the borders of Cavite. He served for many years as Chaplain of the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy (FCC) in Vienna, Austria, where he became a spiritual father to thousands of Filipino migrants. His pastoral leadership, compassion,…

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February Opens With a “Snow Moon”: A Celestial Spectacle to Start the Month

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February wastes no time delivering its first cosmic highlight. On the very first evening of the month, skywatchers across Europe can look forward to a striking full moon—known traditionally as the Snow Moon—which reaches its peak illumination on February 1 at 23:09 CET. Yet the show begins much earlier: the moon will already be visible around 6 p.m., rising large and luminous over the horizon. Why Is It Called the Snow Moon? The name “Snow Moon” has deep cultural roots. It originates from Native American tribes, whose calendars relied heavily…

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January 2026 Was the Coldest in Austria’s Lowlands in Nine Years

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Austria experienced its coldest lowland January since 2017, according to the preliminary climate report released by Geosphere Austria. Mountain regions also saw their chilliest January since 2021. Despite the cold, much of the country remained relatively dry and sunny. Climatologist Alexander Orlik of Geosphere Austria noted that January 2026 stood out sharply against recent decades. “Compared to the more recent past, January 2026 was significantly too cold. Around 40 years ago, however, these temperatures would have been considered fairly normal,” he explained. Temperatures Well Below Recent Averages In the lowlands,…

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Semester Break Begins for Students in Vienna and Lower Austria

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The school bell rings for the last time this Friday before nearly half a million students in Vienna and Lower Austria head into their week‑long semester break. Before they pack their bags, pupils receive their mid‑year school reports, giving them an overview of their academic performance halfway through the school year. With the start of the holidays, traffic authorities are preparing for heavy congestion on Vienna’s main exit routes from Friday afternoon onward. Travel delays are also expected on Saturday, particularly on roads leading to popular ski resorts, as many…

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