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How This Australian State's Solar Rebate Will Help The Environment
Households in the Australian state of Victoria will be able to access rebates for both solar panels and a solar hot water system under the widening of the program announced on Tuesday. An additional 50,000 businesses across the state will become eligible for solar panel rebates and an interest-free loan to slash up-front installation costs. Energy experts say the Victorian government’s expanded solar rebates scheme will help drive the state's transition away from gas.
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9-Year-Old Girl's Free Compliments Attract Throngs Of Grateful Visitors
On a quiet street in Plymouth, Minnesota, a 9-year-old girl named Millie Benjamin has become a local phenomenon — not for selling lemonade, but for giving out something much sweeter: free compliments. Standing behind a homemade sign scrawled with “FREE COMPLIMENTS,” Millie greets every driver and passerby with a kind word or two. She’s made it her mission to brighten people’s days, one compliment at a time. “She’s just been a compliment girl from the start,” says her mom, Holly Benjamin. And it’s true. At home, her sister Hazel is “a very good sister.” Her mom? “She has mesmerising green eyes.” As for her dad, Josh, “Every day I leave for work, she tells me I look very handsome,” he says. Now, Millie’s warmth is spilling beyond the walls of the family home and out into the neighborhood. “I'm giving free compliments,” she calls out to a driver pulling up to the end of the driveway. “Do you want one?” Some kids set up stands to make a bit of cash. Millie isn’t interested in money. “No one should pay to be happy,” she insists, turning away any attempt to tip her for her words. Miguel Auchcama pulled his truck over and received this: “I’m spell-bounded by your sense of fashion.” Plymouth police officer Haley Briesch, in full uniform, got this gem: “Even though you have all this stuff for robbers, they might just be knocked out because of your beauty.” She’s even made a grown man cry — in the best way possible. “I drove by and I started crying because the world needs more joy,” said Sawyer Radermacher, wiping away tears after pulling over. Millie hugged him and told him, “Don’t be sad.” His response? “These are not tears of sadness, these are tears of joy.” Millie’s idea started as a whim. Her parents weren’t quite sure how people would react. “I was actually a little worried that people were going to think we're nuts,” Holly said. But then people started showing up. Lots of them. Each visit brings a new exchange. A firefighter? “Well, that’s a very handsome name,” Millie told him. A mail carrier? “Let’s you know there’s still kindness and humanity,” he said after receiving his compliment. Even on grey, rainy days, cars continue to pull up. A stranger having a bad day? “I have a pretty crappy day today,” one man admitted. Millie responded with a compliment that lifted him right out of it. Millie keeps going for a simple reason: “Seeing people happy makes me happy.” Her mom watches closely, not just to keep Millie safe, but to make sure the kindness is well-received. It always is. “This, like, made my whole entire day,” said Alexa Sharp, beaming after a compliment through her dad’s truck window. From a small stand in her front yard, Millie is quietly building something big — not a business, but a ripple effect of joy, kindness, and humanity. And judging by the growing line of cars on Northwest Boulevard, the world might just be ready for more Millies.
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London community garden uncovers buried stolen phones — and helps return them to rightful owners
A hidden corner of Covent Garden has become an unexpected frontline in the fight against phone theft — thanks to the sharp eyes and green thumbs of local volunteers. At Phoenix Garden, a small community-run green space off Shaftesbury Avenue, staff and volunteers have been unearthing stolen phones buried in flowerbeds and bushes. The garden, located near major theft hotspots like Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, has become a temporary hiding spot for phone snatchers who stash devices in the soil to retrieve later. “We often find phones thrown over the fence from the night before,” said Louise Gates, the garden’s manager. “Some of our volunteers have dug up phones wrapped in tin foil.” Tin foil, police say, is a common tactic used by thieves to block tracking signals — such as those emitted by Apple’s “Find My” app — in an attempt to delay detection. But it hasn’t worked for long. Gates and her team have been quietly retrieving the phones and returning them either directly to victims or to the police. In some cases, victims have shown up at the garden after tracking their missing device’s location signal. When possible, Gates has charged phones and called emergency contacts to arrange returns. “They're all really so grateful, which is nice,” she said. “Other times I charge it up, but nobody rings... so I just take it to the police station.” Ron Chenery, who has volunteered at the garden for two years, said the finds have become surprisingly routine. “Most of us love the garden so much, we're constantly out in the fresh air. If we see something we hand it in,” he said. Thefts in the area have surged in recent years, with gangs on electric bikes targeting unsuspecting pedestrians. The average smartphone now costs close to £1,000, making them easy targets for resale. Police believe the garden has been used by thieves as a low-risk place to stash loot temporarily, hoping to return later once the heat has died down. But word appears to have gotten out. Gates said the number of buried phones has declined recently, possibly because of the garden's growing reputation as a place where phones don’t stay hidden for long. Community worker Elliot Hughes, who brings students to the garden for outdoor learning, said the incidents have also sparked useful conversations with young people. “There’s young people now, walking around central London on their phones, in the middle of the street — which are essentially £1,000 computers,” he said. “The best we can do is give awareness... maybe highlight the things they shouldn’t be doing.” The Metropolitan Police confirmed they’ve increased patrols in the area to crack down on phone snatching. A spokesperson said thefts have dropped by 16% since April. “We’re catching more perpetrators and protecting people from having their phone stolen,” the force said, adding that several organised crime groups have also been dismantled. The Met also urged tech companies like Apple and Samsung to do more to deter theft by improving device security and making stolen phones harder to sell. Until then, a small garden in central London is doing its part — with trowels, gloves, and a bit of tech-savvy community spirit.
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Drinking Cocoa Could Help Protect Blood Vessels from the Damage of Sitting, Study Finds
New research from the University of Birmingham suggests that eating foods high in flavanols, like tea, berries, apples, and cocoa, may protect men's blood vessels from the damaging effects of long periods spent sitting. This is welcome news given how much time many people spend seated daily—whether at a desk job or just lounging on the couch. Sedentary habits have become common in today's society. Many young adults rack up about six hours of sitting each day, which can negatively affect blood vessel function. A small decrease in vascular function has been linked to an increased risk of conditions such as heart disease and strokes. The study focused on whether flavanols could counteract this decline in vascular health during extended sitting sessions. Flavanols are naturally occurring compounds found in various fruits and teas and have been associated with cardiovascular benefits. Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, Assistant Professor at the University of Birmingham, explained that while we may be stationary for significant portions of our day—at desks or even watching TV—our bodies experience stress. "Finding ways to mitigate the impact that sitting for uninterrupted periods has on our vascular system could help us cut the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases," Rendeiro said. Cardiovascular disease remains a growing concern. In the UK alone, deaths from these conditions among working-age adults rose by 18 percent in recent years, costing roughly £29 billion. To test the potential protective role of flavanols during sitting periods, researchers conducted experiments involving 40 healthy young men divided into two groups based on fitness levels. Participants consumed either a high-flavanol cocoa drink containing 695 milligrams of total flavanols or a low-flavanol version with just 5.6 milligrams before engaging in two hours of sedentary activity. Interestingly, both fitter individuals and those less fit who drank low-flavanol cocoa experienced declines in arm and leg arterial function along with increased blood pressure and reduced blood flow. These results suggest higher fitness alone does not prevent negative vascular changes associated with prolonged sitting. However, those who consumed high-flavanol cocoa did not show these declines. "Our experiment indicates that higher fitness levels do not prevent temporary impairment when only drinking low-flavanol cocoa," said Dr. Sam Lucas from the University of Birmingham. The study demonstrates that flavanols can effectively support vascular health regardless of someone's baseline fitness level. Alessio Daniele, a PhD student involved in the study, noted that incorporating high-flavanol foods into one's diet is straightforward since they are readily available in supermarkets and health stores. Options include certain cocoa products as well as fruits like apples and berries and black or green tea. Rendeiro highlighted that consuming these foods during periods spent sitting can help reduce inactivity's impact on vascular health: "Using flavanol-rich food and drink could be a good way to enhance long-term health.
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'Lucky Charm': Boy Kissing Footballer’s Boot — Moments Later, Scores First Goal of the Season
A 10-year-old boy with a rare genetic condition may have sparked one of the most memorable goals of the year for Leicester City striker Patson Daka — just by kissing his boot. Teddy, who is severely visually impaired due to Alström syndrome, was invited to Leicester City’s match against Stoke City on Saturday to test the club’s new audio descriptive commentary service. Before kickoff, he got a tour of the dressing room and was introduced to his favourite player, Daka. While in the boot room, Teddy leaned in and kissed Daka’s right boot — just for luck. Minutes later, in the 44th minute of the game, Daka scored his first goal of the season. "Just for luck, I thought I'm going to kiss his boot and then in the 44th minute he scored," Teddy said. "I felt great — it was amazing. I had a small bit to play. Patson did everything, all I had to do was kiss the boot." Teddy, who lives in Quorn, Leicestershire, was born with Alström syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive vision and hearing loss. There are only around 90 known cases in the UK, according to the charity Alström Syndrome UK. His visit to the King Power Stadium came about by chance, after his family bumped into a Leicester City staff member while on holiday. That encounter turned into a full matchday experience, including a dressing room tour and the chance to meet Daka with the help of the club’s kitman. "Patson is a great role model because he has real power," Teddy said. For his father Philip, the whole day was unforgettable. "Watching my son meet the players was a special moment," he said. "I couldn't believe it when the goal went in — it was unbelievable. He was the lucky charm." "Teddy said it was the best day of his life. To share it with him and to see his face — you can't put a price on that."
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Stuffie Found At Vancouver Airport Reunites With Owner Month After Viral Adventure
A pink Jellycat bunny that went on a globe-trotting adventure after being left behind at Vancouver’s airport has finally been returned to its rightful owner — a young girl in Edmonton. It all started when Joey Gibbs, an Alberta resident, spotted the plush toy alone in the terminal while waiting to board a flight to Seoul. Rather than leave it behind, Gibbs scooped up the floppy-eared bunny and decided to take it along for the ride. What followed was a journey straight out of a Hallmark script. Gibbs created a photo travelogue of the bunny’s adventures and posted it online. The posts quickly caught fire, drawing in thousands of comments and messages from strangers who cheered him on and tried to help identify the owner. Weeks later, with the help of WestJet staff and some online sleuthing, Gibbs got the update he’d been hoping for. The owner had been found — and as it turned out, she lived just 10 kilometres away from him. “I said I was open to mailing the bunny, whatever they were most comfortable with, and they told me that the family wanted to meet me directly,” Gibbs told reporters. That meeting happened at their local airport, where the bunny’s long trek came to a fittingly emotional close. The owner was a mother who had recently moved to Canada to study, and had just brought her husband and daughter over from China. The family lost the toy while making a connection through Vancouver. Gibbs said the reunion was emotional. “The mother was crying, and was pretty excited that we found her,” he said. As for the young girl, she didn’t waste a second. “She grabbed the bunny and hugged her and smelled her,” he said. Then she sat down on the airport floor to flip through the photo album Gibbs had made, filled with pictures from the bunny’s travels. The mother gave Gibbs a basket of snacks as a thank-you gift, but for him, the return was more than enough. “The bunny’s adventure had wrapped up exactly how I had wanted,” he said. By his estimate, the bunny had travelled over 30,000 kilometres before making it home. And for all the odds stacked against finding a single missing toy in an international airport, it all came together in a surprisingly tight radius. “Not to mention she’s in the same city as me, and on the same side of the city. I think we’re only 10 kilometres away from each other,” he said. “It’s a pretty interesting fate.” Gibbs credited the happy ending to a mix of persistence and community. “Never underestimate the power of the people,” he said, thanking the RCMP, the WestJet crew, and the many strangers who followed the journey and tried to help. “I think it’s just a pretty cool thing,” he said. “To be able to give that girl a warm welcome to Canada — with her bunny — is something I’ll never forget.”
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Golden Retriever Polly Honoured as a 'CPR Hero' for Saving Owner’s Life During Cardiac Arrest
A golden retriever in Northern Ireland is being hailed as a hero after her barking helped save her owner's life during a sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of the night. Polly, a four-year-old golden retriever from County Fermanagh, is credited with waking up her owner's wife, Hannah Cooke, just in time to save his life. Now, both Hannah and Polly have been honoured as "CPR Heroes" by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) for their life-saving actions. The incident happened in 2024, when Polly, who normally sleeps quietly through the night, let out a bark that jolted Hannah awake. That single bark turned out to be the difference between life and death. “When I heard the noise Adam was making I sat bolt upright in bed,” said Hannah, 33. “I previously worked as a carer and it hit me that it was the same noise I’ve heard when people are taking their final breaths.” Hannah turned to her husband, Adam, and found him breathing irregularly. Then he stopped breathing altogether. She immediately called for an ambulance and began performing CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive. On the way to the hospital, Adam had to be shocked seven times with a defibrillator before his heart rhythm was restored. Adam spent six days unconscious in the hospital before waking up to the news: he had suffered a cardiac arrest caused by dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. After weeks of recovery and surgery to implant a cardioverter defibrillator in his chest, Adam was finally discharged. Returning home, the first thing he did was embrace Polly. “When I got out of hospital, I’ll never forget seeing Polly again and knowing how she had intervened that night. I just cuddled her and cried for 20 minutes,” he said. The couple believes Polly instinctively sensed what was happening and acted immediately. “Polly alerted me, possibly within seconds of Adam’s cardiac arrest. She was the first responder,” Hannah told the BHF. “Because of her, I was able to start CPR almost immediately.” The BHF shared their story ahead of its Heart Hero Awards in London on Tuesday, where Hannah and Polly were both officially recognized for their role in saving Adam’s life. “This story shows just how powerful that human-animal bond can be,” said a spokesperson for the BHF. “Thanks to Polly’s instincts and Hannah’s quick action, Adam is alive today.” Polly may not know she’s now a decorated hero — but to the Cooke family, there’s no question. She’s the dog that saved a life.
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Extremely Rare Barn Owl Spotted in Calgary, Stuns Wildlife Photographers
A barn owl sighting in southeast Calgary has stunned birders and wildlife photographers alike — not just because of the owl’s striking appearance, but because it shouldn't be there at all. Wildlife photographer Brendon Clark was out searching for a long-eared owl on November 20 when he heard loud ravens calling in a local park. What he found instead left him speechless. "I just thought my mind was kind of playing a trick on me," Clark said. "I saw the black eyes and the beak of a barn owl. I couldn't believe it." Barn owls are found across much of the world, but not in Alberta. In Canada, they’re only known to nest in small pockets of Ontario and British Columbia. With poor tolerance for cold, the species isn't considered capable of surviving Prairie winters — making this particular sighting extremely unusual. Clark managed to snap a few photos of the elusive owl before it took off. It was the first time he’d ever seen one in the wild, a bucket-list moment for the Alberta-based photographer. "When it looked at me, it was like a movie," he said. "It was so surreal." Later that same day, fellow Calgary wildlife photographer Jennil Modar also caught a glimpse of the bird. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment to see it here,” she said. A Bird Far From Home This isn’t the first time a barn owl has been spotted in Alberta — but it's close. Verified sightings are rare, and the province’s first confirmed live barn owl was recorded northeast of Red Deer in December 1999. Colin Weir, managing director of the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation, said barn owls are “extremely rare” in the province. “In the last 40 years, we've only had two wild barn owls come into our care,” Weir said. The foundation rehabilitates injured birds of prey from across Canada. Barn owls aren’t migratory, which makes it even more unusual for them to turn up so far outside their established range. Weir said that many past reports turn out to be misidentifications — often young great horned owls mistaken for barn owls. “But it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that they could show up,” he added. Endangered in Canada The barn owl is one of three owl species officially listed as endangered in Canada, alongside the northern spotted owl and burrowing owl. In British Columbia, the western population of barn owls is considered threatened, while the eastern population in Ontario is classified as endangered. According to Birds Canada’s NatureCounts platform, only around 650 barn owls are estimated to remain across the country. Urbanization and agricultural expansion are the primary threats to their survival. True to their name, barn owls often nest in older buildings — barns, sheds, church towers — which are becoming increasingly scarce as development replaces rural architecture with modern structures. “In Europe, they’re known as the graveyard owl, or churchyard owl,” said Weir. “They’re quite common in churches and graveyards because the old buildings are still standing.” That’s less true in Canada, where habitat loss continues to shrink their already limited range. A Magical Moment For Clark, spotting the barn owl was both thrilling and bittersweet. “It was at the top of my wildlife photography list,” he said. “I’ve been dreaming of seeing one. I just never expected it would happen here.” So far, the owl hasn’t been seen again. But for those lucky enough to witness it, the moment won’t be forgotten. “A lot of people will never see one in their lifetime,” Modar said. “To see one here — in Alberta, of all places — it’s like a gift.”
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A Thousand Handwritten Christmas Cards Are Bringing Joy to Seniors Across Vancouver Island
What began as a simple act of kindness during the isolation of the pandemic has grown into a cherished annual tradition — and this year, it's reaching more people than ever. Thanks to Christiana Conway and a team of nearly 100 volunteers, hundreds of seniors and vulnerable residents across British Columbia’s mid-Island region will receive a handwritten Christmas card this holiday season. For many, it may be the only one they get. “It was that first Christmas and everyone was talking about how lonely — especially seniors — would be,” Conway said, recalling the project's humble beginnings in 2020. “We thought we’d write some cards and drop them in, and it just grew from there.” That year, she, her husband, and a close friend delivered over 300 cards to local care homes. Five years later, the total has grown to nearly 3,000 cards, with this year alone expected to break 1,000 — a record for the initiative. “I originally aimed for around 800 this year,” she told Sunny Skyz, “but with so much help, it looks like we’ll pass the 1,000 mark for the first time.” That means expanding beyond care homes to include crisis support centers, social housing, and disability programs across Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, and Nanaimo. Cards are going to dementia units, palliative care residents, and others who might not otherwise receive any holiday mail at all. “One care home manager told me they weren’t sure if residents would get any cards this year because of the Canada Post strike,” she said. “At least they'll be getting one card from us. It’s so easy, but it can make such a difference.” And it has. Over the years, Conway has received messages from care workers describing how deeply the cards move residents. “Some even cried because it meant so much to them that someone out there cared,” she said. “I get very excited thinking about the people who receive the cards, knowing it may be the only one they get.” For her, it’s not just about the holidays — it’s about remembering those who often feel forgotten. “It’s so important to think of our elders and remember that someday we will be in their shoes,” she said. The logistics behind the effort are no small feat. Conway begins planning in October, contacting care homes, collecting resident numbers, and assembling card-writing packets with all the necessary supplies. Volunteers turn it into a social activity — hosting card-writing parties with friends, family, and neighbors. Children often join in too. “Even before the cards reach the care homes, they’ve helped strengthen and connect our community,” she said. “My favorite part is when people get their kids involved. Once my son is a little older, I want him to be part of it too.” Anyone can join in, whether they want to write a single card or a stack. “There’s no minimum, no requirements, just willing hands and willing hearts,” Conway said. “Anyone who would like to get involved can contact me directly on social media [@the.hope.post].” Beyond Christmas, the project continues year-round through a community mailbox that collects handwritten notes for those in need of encouragement at any time. “It really does make a difference,” Conway said. “And I’m so grateful to everyone who shows up year after year.” What started as a small gesture during a lonely time has become something much bigger — a reminder that a few kind words on paper can carry warmth across miles, into rooms where it’s needed most.
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Woman Breaks World Record for Largest Afro, Celebrates Natural Hair As a Lifestyle
Jessica L. Martinez is officially in the record books — and she’s not hiding her curls. The 29-year-old justice advocate and entrepreneur has just broken the Guinness World Record for the largest afro on a living woman. Her hair measures 11.42 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide, and an astonishing 6 feet, 2.87 inches in circumference. “For me, breaking this record confirms that the things that make us different and unique should always be celebrated,” Martinez said in an interview with PEOPLE. “It amplifies what I have always known deep down, that natural hair is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle.” Martinez, who is the founder and CEO of the brand Somebody’s Auntie, describes her relationship with her hair as a long and personal journey. “My hair and I have gone through ups and downs over the years,” she said. “At the end of a long day, it’s just the two of us preparing for whatever tomorrow might bring.” But the road to self-acceptance wasn’t easy. “For many years, I found myself comparing my hair to the people around me, trying to fit in,” she said. “When I finally stopped fighting with my hair to conform to the environment around me, I felt a freedom that I didn’t know I needed.” That shift, she says, came from letting go of outside opinions and reframing her idea of beauty. “The moment I stopped comparing my hair to others, not holding on to individuals' comments about me, or glances when I walked by, I found peace,” she said. “This took a mindset shift around my ideas of beauty, self-care and hair hygiene as a whole.” Her record was officially recognized by Guinness and handed over by the previous titleholder, Aevin Dugas. “Meeting Aevin was a very special moment,” said Martinez. “She has paved the way for me and anyone else to hold this awesome title. It’s very beautiful to have her support in celebrating the passing of the crown.” Beyond the numbers, Martinez hopes her afro sends a message — especially to young girls who may be struggling to embrace their natural hair. “You are enough,” she said. “You are beautifully and wonderfully made, so never feel the need to hide your curls from the world. I’m not hiding mine, and neither should you.” Martinez says the title is not just a personal milestone but a tribute to her younger self. “Having this title is such a blessing to me and my younger self,” she said. “I plan to continue to be an advocate in the natural hair industry and work towards ending hair discrimination worldwide.” Her advice for others? “Be patient, kind and gentle with your hair and never compare it to anyone else’s,” she said. “I hope that breaking this World Record will inspire someone to dream bigger — just like my afro.”
Score (95)
Northern Lights Dazzle Skies Across 14 States and Canada Tonight
The northern lights may make a rare appearance across parts of the U.S. tonight, thanks to elevated geomagnetic activity driven by a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole on the sun, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. Forecasters say conditions are favorable for a minor (G1) geomagnetic storm, increasing the chances of aurora sightings well beyond their usual range — and giving aurora hunters a reason to bundle up and look north. Where You Might See the Aurora Based on NOAA’s latest aurora forecast, residents in at least 14 U.S. states could have a shot at seeing the northern lights tonight (Nov. 25 into early Nov. 26): • Alaska • North Dakota • Minnesota • Montana • Maine • Michigan • Wisconsin • South Dakota • Vermont • New Hampshire • Idaho • Wyoming • Iowa • New York These states lie either fully or partially above the current aurora view line, but it’s possible the lights could reach even farther south if conditions intensify. As always with space weather, forecasts come with uncertainty — there's a chance the display may underwhelm. But there’s also a chance of a dazzling show. Best Times to Watch According to NOAA’s 3-day space weather outlook, the best windows for aurora activity tonight are: • 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. EST (21:00 – 00:00 GMT) • 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. EST (03:00 – 06:00 GMT, Nov. 26) You’ll want to start scanning the sky once it gets dark, especially during those peak hours. Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights If you're within one of the lucky states listed, here’s how to maximize your chances: • Get away from city lights. Head to a dark area with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the northern horizon. • Face north. A north-facing location with an unobstructed view is ideal. • Use your phone’s camera. Even if your eyes don’t catch the glow, your phone may. Modern cameras can pick up faint auroras before they’re visible to the naked eye. • Let your eyes adjust. It takes about 30 minutes for your night vision to kick in. Be patient. • Dress warm. Aurora chasing often means standing around in the cold. Gloves, layers, and blankets are your best friends. • Use an aurora forecast app. Apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts or Space Weather Live can help you track real-time conditions and decide whether it’s worth heading outside. The northern lights are notoriously unpredictable, but when they appear, they’re unforgettable. So charge your phone, pack a thermos, and keep an eye on the northern sky — tonight might just be one of those nights.