---
title: "A rare solar eclipse to take place on Sunday, and other stories &#8211; our morning round-up"
date: "2013-11-01T08:29:13+00:00"
modified: "2013-11-01T08:29:13+00:00"
url: "https://rationalists.org.uk/2013/11/01/a-rare-solar-eclipse-to-take-place-on-sunday-and-other-stories-our-morning-round-up/"
post_id: 6005
categories: ["Uncategorised"]
---

# A rare solar eclipse to take place on Sunday, and other stories – our morning round-up

[A rare solar eclipse to occur on Sunday](http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/1112990141/hybrid-solar-eclipse-sunday-november-3-103113/)

Parts of eastern North America, northern South America, southern Europe, the Middle East and several other parts of the world will be able to experience a unique type of a hybrid solar eclipse this Sunday. (RedOrbit)

[Vatican surveys church worldwide on response to social and family matters](http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/01/vatican-worldwide-survey-catholic-church-family-matters)

The Vatican is conducting a worldwide survey on how parishes deal with sensitive issues such as birth control, divorce and gay marriage, seeking input ahead of a meeting on the family that Pope Francis plans next year. (Guardian)

[Israel carries out Syria air strike](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24767571)

Israeli aircraft have carried out a strike near the Syrian coastal city of Latakia, a US official says.The official said the strike targeted Russian-made missiles intended for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. (BBC)

[Germany to allow ‘indeterminate’ gender at birth](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24767225)

Germany is to become Europe’s first country to allow babies with characteristics of both sexes to be registered as neither male nor female.The move is aimed at removing pressure on parents to make quick decisions on sex assignment surgery for newborns. (BBC)

[Dogs communicate different feelings with right or leftward tail wagging](http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/oct/31/dogs-communicate-feelings-tail-wagging)

Dogs can tell how other dogs are feeling from the way their tails are wagging, according to researchers who monitored the animals’ heart rate as they watched canine movies. (Guardian)