The benefits of corn stalks: how to make a special drink from them and what advantages they offer

For Capricorn, it is recommended to stay away from rumors and find out what the day will bring. Overall, the horoscope provides advice for various zodiac signs on August 13, 2026.

Aries: For Aries representatives, a day is expected when they can achieve better results in matters related to their inner state. They should focus on gaining knowledge and advice, as well as waiting for the right moment. In personal relationships, it will be beneficial to maintain generosity. The emphasis will be on clean eating. Many situations may resolve easily when working with the mind and reasoning. The promotion of traditions and customs will also be supported. There will be an interest in educational activities, and they will be able to perform effectively in competitions. It is important to continue accepting advice from elders. There are signs that new beginnings will bear fruit. The course in career and business will remain smooth. Confidence in decision-making will increase, and they will receive support from the team when completing joint tasks.

Auspicious numbers: 3 and 9. Auspicious color: Apple Red. Today's advice: Perform worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Chant the mantras 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah' and 'Om Gum Gurave Namah'. Expand friendships.

Taurus: Taurus representatives' interest will be focused on personal matters. The pace in commercial activities will accelerate, and they will find time for family. It is best to focus on the goal while maintaining simplicity in personal matters. Opportunities to spend pleasant time with loved ones may arise. They will demonstrate confidence in managerial tasks. Attention to state affairs will increase, and efforts related to administration will be successful. It is necessary to maintain lightness in emotional matters. Interest in household management will increase. They will try to benefit from positivity in personal relationships. Maintaining discipline and professionalism will be critically important for them.

Auspicious numbers: 3, 4, and 6. Auspicious color: Cream. Today's advice: Perform worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Chant the mantras 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah' and 'Om Gum Gurave Namah'. Remain modest.

Gemini: For people born under the sign of Gemini, there are good signs of improving the percentage of commercial success. They will take initiative in social events and be able to express their thoughts convincingly. They will receive support from elders. Their insight will improve, and they will maintain the ability to work with courage and valor. Opportunities for participation in social activities will appear. Support from brothers, relatives, and kin will increase enthusiasm. Favorable compatibility may persist in most areas. Positive results are expected in commercial ventures. They will act without hesitation and show interest in meetings.

Auspicious numbers: 3, 4, and 5. Auspicious color: Aveli color. Today's advice: Perform worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Chant the mantras 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah' and 'Om Gum Gurave Namah'. Increase communication.

Cancer: For Cancer representatives, it is time to make decisions together with the family. Enthusiasm will reign in relationships, and speech and behavior will remain light. Attention will be paid to making the lifestyle more attractive. A desire to improve nutrition will arise. Efforts to save will intensify. The situation regarding finances and property may improve. They will have happy moments with loved ones. Chances to display talent will appear. The influence of speech and behavior will be maintained. Issues related to family and relatives may be in their favor.

Auspicious numbers: 2, 3, and 4. Auspicious color: Saffron. Today's advice: Perform worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Chant the mantras 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah' and 'Om Gum Gurave Namah'. Donate yellow items and fulfill your promise.

Leo: The level of authority for Leo representatives may increase. There are signs of success thanks to the support of loved ones. Attractive offers may come, and ties with relatives will strengthen. They will show interest in modern working methods. An opportunity to promote creative projects will arise. They will speed up various tasks with confidence. The pace in career and business will remain suitable. The main focus will be on creative endeavors. Interest in modern topics will increase. They will strive to surpass others. They may become the center of discussion. Personal indicators will improve, and there is a possibility of travel.

Auspicious numbers: 1, 3, and 4. Auspicious color: Dawn. Today's advice: Perform worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Chant the mantras 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah' and 'Om Gum Gurave Namah'. Show initiative.

Virgo: Virgo representatives will need to limit expenses. Neglecting the budget may negatively affect their financial situation. The desire to maintain relationships will intensify, but it is better to refrain from loans. Vigilance in work must be maintained. Legal proceedings may become active, and caution should be exercised in foreign affairs. Patience must be maintained in important matters. Haste and arrogance should be avoided. They will receive support and help from relatives. Try to complete work on time. The focus is on increasing charity and maintaining contacts with bravery.

Auspicious numbers: 3, 4, and 5. Auspicious color: Apple Green. Today's advice: Perform worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Chant the mantras 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah' and 'Om Gum Gurave Namah'. Increase thoughtfulness.

Libra: For people born under the sign of Libra, opportunities to accelerate their careers will appear. They will benefit from the advice and knowledge of elders. They should continue trying to seize emerging chances. A high position will be achieved at work.

During rainy weather, there is often a desire to eat something warm and sweet. Although Sudji and pumpkin halva have been tried many times, this season it is worth preparing juicy and flaky halva from regular wheat flour that is at home. The aroma of butter and the sweetness of wheat flour make this dessert so delicious that every bite melts in your mouth.

People often complain that when making halva from flour at home, lumps form or it becomes sticky. However, if you follow the correct proportions and use a secret trick, this halva turns out very crumbly and shiny. A very simple instruction for its preparation is provided below.

Ingredients

To achieve the perfect ratio, the 1:1:1 formula is used:

• Wheat flour (preferably slightly coarsely ground): 1 cup
• Butter (desi ghee): 1 cup
• Sugar or grated ginger: 1 cup
• Water: 3 cups (three times more than flour)
• Ground cardamom: 1/2 teaspoon
• Chopped almonds and cashews: 2 tablespoons (to taste)

Preparation Method

First, mix 3 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar (or ginger) in one pot. This mixture only needs to be heated until the sugar dissolves; the syrup does not need to be cooked, just warm the water and dissolve the sugar.

In a heavy skillet, heat 1 cup of butter. Then add 1 cup of wheat flour and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. The flour must be constantly stirred over low heat until it turns dark golden and an aroma begins to spread through the kitchen.

When the flour is well roasted, keep the heat low and gradually pour the prepared sugar and water solution into the pan while continuously stirring with a spatula to prevent any lumps from forming. As soon as the water hits the flour, it begins to absorb quickly. The halva should be cooked over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes. You know the halva is ready when it starts to separate from the bottom of the pan and fat begins to appear around the edges.

After this, add the ground cardamom and a little toasted chopped almonds and cashews. The finished, hot, juicy, and flaky atta halva can be served during pleasant rainy weather, enjoying the taste.

The long-awaited day has arrived for Spanish citizens, as a total solar eclipse will occur this Wednesday (12th) crossing the Iberian Peninsula for the first time since 1905. This event also represents the first total solar eclipse to traverse the European continent in over two decades.

Spectators can follow the phenomenon in real time through various Olhar Digital platforms, with a live broadcast led by Bruno Capozzi, the portal's executive editor, and astronomer Marcelo Zurita, starting at 1:30 PM Brasília time. This eclipse is considered one of the most significant of the decade.

Eclipses are defined as astronomical occurrences where one celestial body totally or partially obscures another star due to the interposition of a third luminous body. In 2026, a total lunar eclipse, known as the 'Blood Moon,' and an annular solar eclipse that created a 'Ring of Fire' in the Antarctic sky have already been recorded.

The year will feature two more celestial events: this Wednesday's total solar eclipse and a partial lunar eclipse scheduled for the nights of August 27th and 28th, visible across Brazil.

The distinction between eclipse types lies in the arrangement of the celestial bodies. In the case of a solar eclipse, the Moon is positioned between the Sun and the Earth, casting its shadow onto a portion of the planet. In a lunar eclipse, the Earth is intermediate between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to reach the natural satellite.

It is estimated that more than 15 million people will be located within the path of totality of this solar eclipse, while approximately 980 million may witness the event, at least in its partial phase. The Sun will be completely covered in regions of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and a small area of Portugal. In other areas of Europe, North Africa, and the eastern part of North America, the Sun will be partially obscured by the Moon.

According to Time and Date platform data, the eclipse begins at 12:34 PM (Brasília time) in the Arctic Ocean, north of Siberia, and will end at 4:55 PM in the Mediterranean Sea, west of Italy. The moment of greatest intensity of the spectacle will occur near the west coast of Iceland, where totality may last up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds. In Spain, the complete darkness will be shorter, lasting about one minute.

A notable aspect is the coincidence of this phenomenon with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. The brief daytime darkness can create ideal conditions to spot a 'shooting star,' while also allowing the observation of the solar corona, which is the Sun's outer atmosphere, usually obscured by its intense brightness.

Unfortunately, Brazil will not be part of this event. The last time a total solar eclipse was seen in the country was over thirty years ago, on November 3, 1994. According to Time And Date, the next such event visible in Brazilian territory is predicted for August 12, 2045, almost twenty years from now.

On this future occasion, the path of totality should predominantly cross the North and Northeast regions. Among the capitals that can see the Moon completely covering the Sun are Belém, in Pará; São Luís, in Maranhão; João Pessoa, in Paraíba; and Recife, in Pernambuco. The duration of totality will vary depending on the observation point, potentially exceeding four minutes in certain central locations, allowing for the viewing of the solar corona. Outside this restricted path, the eclipse will only be visible partially.

This occurrence signals the return of total solar eclipses to the European continent after more than two decades. The last widely observed event in Western Europe occurred in 1999, and the last time the path of totality crossed continental Europe was in 2006, covering Greece and Turkey. In Spain, expectations are even higher, given that the country has not registered a total solar eclipse on its continental territory for over a century.

Another relevant point is that the shadow's trajectory will cover inhabited and strategic areas, passing through parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. The passage of the path of totality through easily accessible and highly tourist-attracting locations should generate intense movement of visitors, enthusiasts, and scientific teams along the entire route.

The duration of 2 minutes and 18 seconds at the peak of alignment is considered satisfactory for an event of this magnitude, offering adequate time for detailed analysis of the structure of the Sun's outer atmosphere.

For the scientific community, the darkening of the solar disk provides a crucial window for investigation. According to NASA, with the blocking of the intense brightness of the photosphere, researchers will be able to record the solar corona, monitor coronal mass ejections, and map variations in the solar magnetic field under optimal observation conditions.

Given this rare scientific opportunity, the two largest global space agencies will also pay attention. NASA will conduct research aboard a WB-57 aircraft, flying at about 15.2 km altitude to track the lunar shadow and extend the observation time of the solar corona. This aircraft will be equipped with cameras capable of capturing images in various wavelengths, assisting scientists in studying solar prominences, the extreme heating of the corona, and its connection to the solar wind.

In Iceland, 80 scientific balloons will be launched before, during, and after the eclipse to study the atmosphere's reaction to the passage of the lunar shadow. In Spain, six additional balloons will be equipped with 360-degree cameras and sensors to monitor the shadow and ozone levels. This data will help understand how variables such as temperature, humidity, time, and season affect atmospheric changes caused by the total solar eclipse.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has organized a special schedule to follow the event, including observations, live broadcasts, educational activities, and scientific outreach. ESA will also use the eclipse to highlight missions studying the Sun and its influence on Earth, such as Solar Orbiter, Smile, and Proba-3, composed of two spacecraft investigating the solar corona.

One of the central points will be an international live broadcast from the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory in Spain, located within the path of totality, where specialists will explain the phenomenon and related studies of the Sun. ESA will also promote a free public observation in León, with lectures, educational activities, and live broadcasting in collaboration with the University of León and the local city council.

The campaign will also have an educational focus, providing materials about eclipses in English and Spanish for educators and science communicators. The material covers explanations of the phenomenon, guidelines for safe observation, and didactic activities. ESA also contributes to the Spanish project 'Trio de Eclipses,' supporting scientific dissemination and providing accessible information about the sequence of eclipses that will affect the country.

When the Moon obstructs the Sun's light during a total solar eclipse, the day turns into night for a few minutes, the temperature drops, and animals change their behavior. Furthermore, according to NASA, the phenomenon temporarily modifies an invisible layer of the atmosphere that influences the propagation of radio waves.

However, can these changes cause internet outages, GPS failures, or communication interruptions? The concise answer is yes, but temporarily, locally, and distinct from the alarmist scenarios of a 'technological blackout.'

For those in the path of totality, the event offers a unique chance to observe and photograph the solar corona, the Sun's outer atmosphere that is normally hidden by the star's intense brightness. However, recording this moment requires caution. Pointing any camera, cell phone, binoculars, or telescope directly at the Sun without appropriate protection can damage the equipment and, primarily, vision.

The primary rule is to use specific solar filters for astronomy during all phases when the Moon has not yet completely covered the Sun. This applies to cameras, lenses, telescopes, and other optical instruments. It is essential to remember that image magnification provided by lenses or telescopes does not guarantee eye protection. Looking directly at the Sun, even for a short period, can result in serious eye injuries. The only safe phase to remove the solar filter from an optical instrument is during totality, when the Moon completely covers the solar disk. As soon as the intense sunlight returns, the filter must be reapplied.