NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captures the flare on December 14, 2023. (Photo: NASA/SDO)

NASA watches the universe and reports back on the amazing phenomena it witnesses with its incredible array of telescopes, cameras, and sensors. On December 14, 2023, NASA captured something spectacular and beautiful from their Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). SDO is part of NASA's Living With a Star (LWS) Program. The craft studies the Sun's magnetic field from its specially crafted orbit that always keeps the Sun in view. On the 14th, the SDO captured an impressive solar flare striking out from the surface of the star—the biggest flare since one recorded in September 2017.

The December 2023 flare emerged from AR 3514, an active sunspot visible on the solar surface. The solar flare is categorized as an X2.8 type. This is the most intense of five flare categories. It was a release of electromagnetic radiation, what NASA calls “our solar system’s largest explosive events.” It was not directed squarely at Earth, and therefore only caused a radio black out for a short period in South America.

The flare was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection. Dr. Kate Brand told Cosmos Magazine, “During a coronal mass ejection (CME), billions of tonnes of magnetized solar plasma erupt into space at speeds up to 3,000 km/s. If the material is directed towards the Earth, geomagnetic and ionospheric storms can occur. Both can significantly disrupt technology in the near-Earth space environment.” She added, “Solar flares do not cause coronal mass ejections, but a coronal mass ejection may (or may not be) associated with a solar flare.”

CMEs can cause auroras on Earth. “A CME arrival earlier on 17 December is likely to bring some further minor enhancement to the auroral oval,” according to the UK Met Office. Earlier this week, Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and similar locations were expected to get a glimpse of some auroras. “The peak in auroral activity for the coming three-day period is likely to be overnight 18-19 Dec, resulting from the onset of the fast wind from a coronal hole.” Viewers as far south as Boston were also forecasted to glimpse a peek. Now, the UK Met Office predicts, “A stream of fast winds from a coronal hole may arrive at Earth late on 21 or on 22 Dec, perhaps increasing the chance of visible aurora across the far north of Scotland and similar latitudes.”

For anyone who doesn’t have the opportunity or missed the chance to see the lights dance across the sky, NASA's incredible imagery of the flare is equally impressive.

On December 14, 2023, powerful solar flares were seen, the likes of which have been unrivaled since the spectacular solar show of 2017.

The September 10, 2017 flare. (Photo: NASA/SDO/Goddard)

h/t: [Science Alert]

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The 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. (Photo: USDA)

For growing flowers and fruits, temperature is critical. The coldest night of each year determines the survival of perennial plants, those that pop up again every year. Meanwhile hot summer days can cause fruit to spoil while early thaws can allow flowers to spring too early. As the climate crisis accelerates, gardeners across the United States have speculated that the iconic USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map created in 2012 needed updating to reflect the reality their plants were experiencing. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has since done so, releasing a new 2023 map which depicts a warming country affecting gardens across the states.

The map is calculated based on the coldest temperature reached in the year and averaged over the period 1991-2020, as this ground temperature affects plant survival. Christopher Daly of Oregon State University, director of the PRISM Climate Group and the map’s lead author, addressed the methodology in a statement. Thirteen zones with a 10-degree-Fahrenheit range are subdivided into 5-degree range half-zones. “Overall, the 2023 map is about 2.5 degrees warmer than the 2012 map across the conterminous United States,” Daly said. “This translated into about half of the country shifting to a warmer 5-degree half zone, and half remaining in the same half zone. The central plains and Midwest generally warmed the most, with the southwestern U.S. warming very little.” As the data does not directly relate to global warming because of the random nature of “coldest days,” it is sobering in light of the hottest summer ever.

Gardeners had already noticed this warming in their daily activities. Rachel Patterson of Florida told NPR, “The sweet little grannies here are just heartbroken, they can't grow their tomatoes. It's so much hotter, the tomatoes burn.” Meanwhile, Megan London, a gardening consultant who lives in Arkansas, will take advantage of her warmer zone by planting what she could not grow before, including kumquats and mandarin oranges. She told NPR that these fun new possibilities come with a dark side: “We're excited, but in the back of our minds, we're also a little wary. In the back of our mind, we're like, ah, that means things are warming up. So what does this mean in the long run?”

The map is interactive and can be explored in detail online so that gardeners can zoom in on their exact locales. Additionally, researches use the map in research models on how plants and insects spread. The USDA considers it for risk and insurance purposes as well. Patterson, like other gardeners, wants the map to be a reminder of a dangerously warming future. She elaborated to NPR, “It's just going to keep getting hotter. So the government has to make policy changes to slow climate change down.”

The new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for 2023 suggests the country is warming in ways which significantly affect viable local flora.

The 2021 edition of the map. (Photo: USDA)

h/t: [NPR]

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READ: New Plant Hardiness Map Confirms Gardener Suspicions That the U.S. Has Gotten Warmer

A follis of Diocletian, circa 294 CE. (Photo: Valentinian364 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED)

In ancient days, seafaring was a difficult trade. It led to shipwrecks, and many years later to the discovery of long-lost treasures which once sailed above the waves. The Mediterranean Sea, in particular, is a rich repository of archeological evidence of intense trade routes and devastating warfare over centuries. The latest treasure to emerge is an enormous cache of ancient coins off the Italian coast near Sardinia. Discovered by a diver who noticed a shiny, metallic something, the site has yielded between tens of thousands of coins, making it one of the most significant finds in recent years.

At an undisclosed location in the nearby town of Arzachena, firefighter divers and police divers raised the treasure from its watery grave beneath sand and seaweed. The coins are still being sorted, but estimates of their numbers based on weight range from 30,000 to a whopping 50,000. A video from the Italian Cultural Ministry shows the laborious process of divers retrieving the coins by hand and placing them in bins to be raised to the service. The bronze coins are known as follis, a type of ancient coin which was common in the late Roman and early Byzantine period. According to the Ministry, they are in excellent condition, with even the most damaged still bearing legible inscriptions.

The coins date to about 324 to 340 CE. Constantine I has been spotted, and he ruled the Roman Empire from 306 to 337 CE. He was famous for his conversion to Christianity. Given its breadth, it is unsurprising that the coins were minted at different locations around the empire. According to Luigi La Rocca, the find is incredibly important, demonstrating the “richness and importance of the archaeological heritage that the depths of our seas, crossed by men and goods since the most ancient times, still guards and conserves.” Amphorae were also found nearby, suggesting a shipwreck may have dumped its ancient contents long ago, over stormy seas. If so, the wreck remains to be found.

Divers off the Sardinian coast discovered a cache of ancient bronze coins, known as follis, which may suggest a nearby shipwreck.

h/t: [Smithsonian Magazine, AP]

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READ: Divers Discover Nearly 50,000 Submerged Coins Off the Coast of Italy

The Inverted Jenny stamp, 1918. (Photo: Siegel Auction Galleries)

Everyone has their hobby, and one of the most paradigmatic is stamp collecting. The hobby has existed since the 19th century when adhesive stamps began to be created, sold, and used. Enthusiasts can count among their members John Lennon, Amelia Earhart, Freddie Mercury, and King George V. But few of even the most elite stamp collectors get to purchase the stamp-collecting holy grail, the Inverted Jenny. Created by mistake in 1918, this pristine stamp sold for a hammer price at $1.7 million, or over $2 million with fees.

The Inverted Jenny was printed in 1918 to memorialize the beginning of regular air mail. However, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing messed up the printing of the 24-cent stamp. The image is flipped. Most of the misprints were destroyed, but one sheet was sold for $24 to a collector. Since then, it has achieved legendary status among stamp collectors. A group of four sold for $4.86 million with fees at Sotheby's in 2021. In 2018, a single in excellent condition sold for $1.35 million.

This most recent example was examined by two stamp grading authorities, dubbed “Mint Never-Hinged.” This is the pinnacle of stamp conditions. On November 8, 2023, it went to auction at Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries. “This is a historic moment for the hobby,” president Scott Trepel told ARTnews. “The Inverted Jenny we sold today is the best example of the 100 stamps from the sheet. We have tracked each of the stamps and are certain no other example compares to this one. For the collector, it simply doesn’t get better than this and the sale price of over $2 million reflects that fact.” While the stamp might seem like a niche prize, its has even penetrated popular culture, featuring in The Simpsons. It has even been forged. In a cute twist, the Post Office released a 95th anniversary set of Inverted Jenny stamps with two dollar value. Ironically, they made some right-side-up too, just to add to the collecting fun for everyone.

The Inverted Jenny stamp is the holy grail of stamp collecting, and fetched a hammer price of $1.7 million at auction.

“Le Philatéliste” or “The Philatelist,” by François Barraud, 1929. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

h/t: [Hype Beast, ARTnews]

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READ: Prized ‘Inverted Jenny’ Stamp Sells for $1.7 Million

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A new generation of photographers and videographers is set to make Super 8 film their own. While art filmmaking has never forsaken the medium, its allure is perfectly tailored for a resurgence in a nostalgic climate. From Super 8 wedding videographers to film students, its fans are multiplying. Kodak—the iconic camera company who made many vintage movie cameras back in the day—is getting back in the game with a new Super 8 camera fusing modern and vintage technology. Their new Super 8 model will retail for $5,495, and is available on a “wait and request” basis.

The camera is the product of years of innovation by Kodak. It combines many of the features beloved in older cameras, including the iconic hand-held shape and varying crank speeds. However, these are fused with modern amenities, such as an LCD screen to view as you shoot and digital audio-recording technology. Those who purchase the camera will receive the kit in a Pelican hard case. The camera boasts a 6 mm f1.2 lens which provides wide angles. It is also interchangeable with other c-mount lenses. A pistol grip and trigger are just like the cameras of old, but the micro-USB charger is a modern addition.

One can load the camera with the included KODAK TRI-X Black & White Reversal Film 7266. Other Super 8 cartridges are available on the market, including Kodak's own Vision3 Color Negative stocks. The camera also offers an extended gate to maximize the film area. The 16:9 widescreen extended gate produces an 11% larger image than usual, while the 14:9 matches other forms of modern media and fits today's screens well. Preview what the film is capturing as the camera rolls on the LCD screen—a combination which truly melds the analog and digital approaches to filmmaking.

Though it may seem pricey for beginners at $5,495, the camera is sure to be popular with professional filmmakers across industries as well as lucky hobbyists. Kodak will be producing the cameras incrementally based on interest. Those who are interested can sign up online. “Kodak will contact customers in sign-up order when a camera is available for purchase in your region,” the website states. Meanwhile, for those interested in exploring the world of Super 8, vintage cameras are currently available and more affordable on eBay.

This Kodak Super 8 camera fuses modern LCD and audio technology with the nostalgic charm of Super 8 movie film for an exciting new camera product.

h/t: [PetaPixel]

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New year, new calendar, new planner. There is no better way to ring in 2024 than with a calendar or planner that meets your needs and supports small businesses. Whether you pencil people in—or confidently scribble in ink—planning for the future is a way to reduce stress in the present. Work meetings, life goals, and connecting with loved ones can fill your schedule until travel, music, and parties return.

From minimalist daily planners to an artistic wall calendar to keep track of the important dates in your life, there's something for everyone. Some are filled with inspirational quotes to keep you motivated while others have illustrations by graphic artists that will give you creative inspiration every day. There are monthly calendars that will help you organize your days at a glance, and detailed hourly planners for those who want extra organization. We have also included poster calendars which gives you the option of looking at the entire year without needing to turn any pages.

While any of these items makes a welcome treat for yourself to start next year off right, these creative calendars and planners also make for a perfect gift for friends, family, and coworkers. You can choose from calendars that have a hand-illustrated style to those that emphasize a generous amount of space for notes and to-do lists. Some even come with stickers that you can add to birthdays and other special occasions.

Start 2024 off right with our curated selection of beautifully crafted calendars and planners from artists and small businesses on Etsy. You will support talent while also giving yourself the gift of a well-planned future. Scroll down for some of the best 2024 calendars and planners.

Stunning 2024 Calendars From Artists and Small Businesses

Whiskey Business Card Calendar

LauraRoyArt | $12.50+

Folktale-Inspired Art Calendar

PapioPress | $29.16

Peaceful Spaces Calendar

FoxHollowStudios | $17

Terrazzo Print Calendar

doodlelove | $13.52

Landscape Heaven Calendar

HELLSTROMprints | $57.34

Perpetual Calendar

WiLaNo | $20.99

Breakfast Foods Poster Calendar

Yeesan Loh | $20+

“What to Look For” Nature Calendar

smallandbright | $36

Folk Art Calendar

Sleightholm Folk | $19.99

Vintage-Inspired Flower Illustrations

PenandPineShop | $24

Minimalist Monthly Calendar

peonypapeterie | $39.50+

British Wildlife Calendar

LittleRobinArt | $15.89

Illustrated Calendar

sloeginfizz | $25

Mineral Photographs Wall Calendar

Macrografiks | $56.74

Cocktail Calendar

VintaPrintsCo | $38.99

Art Nouveau Calendar

EtoilePolaris | $27.35

Linocut Calendar

KatLendacka | $18.56

Calendar of Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

PizzicoPrint | $28.37+

Cute Animal Desk Calendar

hello small world | $18+

Breakfast Calendar

KendallWrightShop | $21.09

Moon Phase Calendar

Circleandcrescent | $30

Planners for Every Personality

Luxe Personalized Leather Planner

tergusco | $65+

Modern Monthly Planner

decoylab | $20+

Nature-Inspired Planner

BeatificHappyPlanner | $29+

Minimalist Planner

Quotelife Store | $31.64

Undated Planner

FloatingThistlePaper | $25.50

Colorful Hard Cover Planner

OnceUponATuesdayUK | $30.97

Hourly Planner

laureldenise | $59

Simple Paperback Planner

IceyDesigns | $21

Custom Planner

KubikGe | $27.98+

Inspirational Planner

TheCozyComfyHome | $79.99

Weekly Archive Planner

Zoocoming Tree | $22.50

This article has been edited and updated.

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Marie Curie, photographed around 1920. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, PUblic domain)

Marie Curie is likely the most famous female scientist, and arguably one of the most notable scientific names of any gender. Her work earned her the Nobel Prize in both physics (1903) and chemistry (1911). The Polish-born genius made France her adopted home, where she and her husband Pierre experimented with radioactive elements such as uranium. While this and their discoveries of polonium and radium firmly cemented her place in scientific and medical history, Curie died in 1934 from aplastic anemia caused by radiation. This radiation was so strong that her possessions, including her notes remain radioactive today. They will remain so for about 1,500 years.

Curie worked with dangerous elements which emitted radiation. Her laboratory was in her French home and protective measures were virtually non-existent given the evolving knowledge of these elements. Even after Curie's death from the radiation, her house and items within it retained the radiation that had emanated from the elements throughout the house. The Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Paris Faculty of Science and the Curie Foundation both used the building until the 1970s, and it was not decontaminated and demolished until 1991. Curies' papers were moved to the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris.

Due to the half-life of the radium 226 which contaminates the papers, which is 1,600 years, the items still have about 1,500 more years to reduce the radiation levels to half. In the meantime, the papers and other possessions are kept in lead boxes similar to the aprons worn during x-rays. Visitors who wish to study them must sign a waiver and wear protective clothing. Even Curie herself, who is buried in the Panthéon, rests in a lead coffin. These precautions demonstrate the incredible danger of radiation and the disastrous effects it can have on those in its vicinity—knowledge of which is largely owing to the foundations laid by the Curies.

Marie Curie's papers and belongings were contaminated by the radiation from her research which both won her a Nobel Prize and killed her.

True @wellcomelibrary? MT @Libroantiguo Marie Curie's experimental notebook – after almost 100yrs, still radioactive. pic.twitter.com/PiXT1HR6Lc

— Wellcome (@wellcometrust) August 4, 2014

Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only woman to receive two.

h/t: [Open Culture, Business Insider]

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The painting before (left) and after (right) the removal of the Victorian overpainting and careful restoration of the original. (Photo: screenshot of video from Carnegie Museum of Art)

Years ago, a painting of a young woman ended up at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum was not very impressed by the benign, uninspired face of the sitter, leading to the painting's eventual deaccession from the collection. Instead, it found its way into the collection of the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It then sat in the basement, unseen, until it caught the eye of Louise Lippincott, a former museum curator. She showed the work to chief conservator Ellen Baxter, who worked her magic to transform a mediocre work into its original, elegant form. The shocking before and after, documented in 2014, demonstrated the many transformations a work can go through over the centuries.

Originally, the painting was thought to depict Eleanor of Toledo, wife of Cosimo I de’ Medici, who ruled Florence. A sticker on the back frame alleges the painter was court artist Bronzino. However, Baxter suspected the truth was hidden within, under the pretty yet unremarkable features of the young woman. An x-ray scan confirmed that beneath the face was another one, with larger features and much more character. Beneath the petite hand was a larger one, and it held a vase which had later been painted over. The 16th-century painting had clearly undergone a transformation in the 19th century. The wood panel on which it was painted was shaved down to a very thin strip which was then affixed to canvas. Meanwhile, the face and hand of the woman were overpainted with a more Victorian, delicate image that lacked the vibrance of the original.

Baxter removed the old varnish covering the painting and slowly removed the 19th-century paint as well. Beneath it is the remarkable face of Isabella de’ Medici, daughter of Cosimo I and Eleanor of Toledo. While not certain, the work was likely done by Alessandro Allori, who trained under Bronzino. The work was then fully conserved to restore its original glory, with careful varnish and delicate inpainting to fix flaking. Baxter notes in a video of the process that she is careful to match color and texture while resisting the urge to “put [herself] in the painting.” Her work is engaging, and she talks to the painting pleasantly as she restores its glory. These restorations follow certain ethical rules of transparency.

Baxter's efforts are in service of presenting the princess in her glory, as the “Paris Hilton” of the day. Rich and wild, she took lovers and spent, spent, spent. She was well-educated and witty, but her intrigues may have contributed to her untimely death. Officially it was attributed to dropping dead while washing her hair, but historians believe her husband murdered her in revenge and anger for her affairs. As baxter describes her life, “a bad end, but a good story.” Painted in this newly uncovered work with a small vase typical of Mary Magdalene depictions, Lippincott explained to Carnegie Museums, “This [portrait] is literally the bad girl seeing the light.”

A painting of Isabella de' Medici was restored after being obscured under 19th-century additions. The subject was the “Paris Hilton” of the Italian Renaissance, known as the society “party girl” of the Medici family in the 16th century.

h/t: [Open Culture]

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Over the past few years, watching movies has taken on a new importance. Whether you're watching a flick remotely with friends, gathering around the TV with your bubble, or diving into Netflix to relax—movies can be important mental escapes as well as cinematic art. This holiday season, revel in your favorite films. Advertise your love of Jaws with a unique lamp and gift cute mugs to the opinionated film buffs in your life. Our curated list of the best gifts for film buffs and movie lovers is the place to start for memorabilia to liven up your home and movie nights.

Scroll down for the best gifts for film buffs and movie lovers.

Film Reel Wine Rack

MotionPicFilmStore | $200

Most classic films were shot with motion picture cameras using large film reels. On Etsy, you will find artisans who take junk shop finds and turn them into classy wine racks that will bring Golden Age Hollywood to your kitchen.

Star Wars Cutting Board

MeYouAndRUNES | $28+

The Star Wars films are some of the most popular of all time. Whether you prefer the original trilogy, the '90s and early aughts prequels, or the most recent additions of the past few years, this Millennium Falcon cutting board can be the centerpiece of your next wine and cheese movie night.

Retro Jaws VHS Lamp

VHSBrightNight | $34.97

Today's kids may never know the magic of manually rewinding your VHS tape; but for those old enough to remember the antiquated technology, this neon Jaws VHS lamp is full of vintage flair. You can also find other favorite movies such as Home Alone, Kill Bill, and Jurassic Park.

Top 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster

Enno Vatti Store | $21.99

This holiday season, give someone the gift of a ready-made film bucket list. They can scratch off each title on their way to being a well-versed film connoisseur.

“Unpaid Movie Critic” Mug

BeanMugs | $18.95+

We all have a lot of opinions; but unfortunately, only a select few get paid to share. Console family and friends with this mug. Let them know that while Netflix does not care what they think of the new holiday specials, you care.

Film Camera Patent T-Shirt

Woah_Johnny | $22+

Show off your love of film and stay fashionable with this T-shirt designed by an independent artist. It features the patent drawing for the film camera and also comes in different materials and cuts. You can even get a hoodie, mug, or mask with the same design.

Wes Anderson Isle of Dogs Print

CROPMARKS | $42.43+

A lot of movie buffs have a soft spot for the complex characters and aesthetically pleasing cinematography of American film director Wes Anderson. This print celebrates the stop-motion animated film Isle of Dogs with a series of six stylized portraits of the canine protagonists.

Personalized Retro VHS Movies Poster

TheOrigamiFox | $18.53+

'80s and '90s babies will love this nostalgic, customizable print featuring a stack of VHS tapes. Pick 10 of your favorite movie titles to recreate your movie collection. Friends and family will also love this trip down memory lane.

Star Wars Tatooine Bantha Patch

UrsaMajorSupply | $6

A Star Wars fan will instantly get a kick out of this adorable patch. It features the head of a bantha—the species of large mammoth-like animals that live on the planet Tatooine.

NeoPix Easy Projector

Philips | $99.99

It would be amazing to get the film buff in our lives their very own movie theater, but for the time being, projectors can do the trick in the right hands. A portable projector like the Philips NeoPix Easy Projector is tiny but mighty, offering a viewable screen size of up to 80 inches, giving them infinite movie nights for them and all of their friends.

Film Geek Throw Blanket

Gabe R | $48.40

This fleece throw blanket is not only the perfect present for your favorite film geek, but it's also great to snuggle up under and watch a movie.

Film Reel Table

Breck Armstrong | $850

Made with a 1930s aluminum film reel, this end table is the perfect way to bring the big screen into the home of your favorite movie buff.

Horror Movies Doormat

justgottalook | $43.75+

This doormat for the horror movie fan in your life says “Sorry, they can't come to the door because they are rewatching Midsommar.”

Kodama Air Plant Holders

Gadgetalicious | $16.90+

Do the film fanatics you know love Studio Ghibli and gardening? Then these tree spirit planters might be the perfect gift for them—they bring together both of their passions!

Movie Ticket Stub Pillow

StuckeyAtHome | $39.95+

Although they are increasingly uncommon, some movie buffs hold onto movie ticket stubs from decades ago, especially to the ones from their favorite movies. Why not turn it into a pillow to make it part of their home decor? This customizable ticket stub pillow is a quirky and nostalgic gift any movie goer would appreciate.

Introverted Cinefile T-Shirt

PopularTeez | $19.99+

Introverts love films, too! Rock this T-shirt for introverted cinephiles during award season—or any other season—to proudly share your movie knowledge.

Popcorn Machine

Brentwood | $69.99

Is it a true movie night without popcorn? Make your own snacks with this classic and affordable popcorn maker. Let the soothing pops kickoff movie night, bringing the charm of a traditional theater to your home.

Popcorn Variety Kit for Movie Nights

Pop n’ Dulge | $23.98

Now that the popcorn's ready, why not spice it up? This set of popping oil and seasons will give you popcorn some extra kits. And, since they come in retro tins, they'll also nice to display.

Cinephile Game

Uncommon Goods | $20

If you're into game night, this cinephile card deck is perfect. With one deck, you'll be able to play several different games and have fun testing your movie knowledge.

Vintage LIFE Magazines

CaribooCollectibles | $10.95+ each

LIFE magazine covers have featured legendary movie stars throughout most of the 20th century. On Etsy and eBay, search for your favorite old movie stars. You can find interviews, covers, and some pretty odd advertisements that will make special gifts for super fans.

The New York Times Book of Movies: The Essential 1,000 Films to See

Universe | $29.32

You might be a film buff, but have you seen all 1,000 of The New York Times‘ essential movies? This coffee table book will provide you with cool facts and movie night inspiration for years to come.

Hulu Gift Card

Hulu | $50

These days, most movie watching happens at home—and for good reason, as many of the world's greatest directors work with streaming services and have their latest projects released directly on those platforms. There's also the hours upon hours of older movies on their catalogues, too. A gift card to any of their favorite services will go a long way.

This article has been edited and updated.

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Representations carved into stone have a long history. From Roman busts to Victorian cameos, stone likenesses capture those who were loved and lost. Cameos in particular are a wearable reminder of loved ones or tributes to mythical figures and great leaders. Crafted since ancient days, they can be made out of a variety of materials. One exceptional first century CE example, discovered on the hand of a woman in a Roman tomb, is crafted of gold and rock crystal. However, rather than being carved into the outer face of the stone, the shockingly realistic cameo depiction of the woman's deceased son is carved behind the stone creating a “hologram” of life lost.

The ring belonged to Aebutia Quarta, a Roman noblemwoman. Her tomb is known as the Hypogeum of the Garland. Discovered in Italy in the year 2000 at the Grottaferrata site, it also contains the remains of her son Carvilius Gemellus. Both sets of remains were covered by floral garlands, hence the name of their tomb. The son clearly died shortly before the mother at the young age of 18. His body is remarkably well preserved, and indicates death from either an injury or poisoning.

On the mother's finger was found a gold and quartz ring befitting of her high social statement. Currently, the ring is held in the Museo Archeologica Nazionale di Palestrina in Italy. It features a gold band set with a cabochon of rock crystal. Behind that seems to glow a holographic face, that of Aebutia's son, buried nearby. Unlike a traditional cameo which is carved in bas-relief, the figure here is carved on the back of the stone into its volume to create the life-like 3D illusion. This token was likely created after the son's death and before his mother's as a reminder of her beloved and a token of grief. Today, the ring is a symbol of craftsmanship, grief, and love.

This ancient ring, created in the 1st century CE, immortalizes a woman's deceased son in a clever rock crystal cameo “hologram.”

h/t: [DSF Antique Jewelry]

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READ: 2,000-Year-Old Hologram Ring Features Face of Woman’s Deceased Son