News
Aurora Alert: Another chance to see the Northern Lights tonight
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THE UK was treated to a spectacular display of the Northern Lights on Friday night, courtesy of one of the most intense geomagnetic storms in recent years. With reports of visible auroras across the nation, many are now hopeful for a repeat performance tonight.
The celestial display was made possible by a G4 geomagnetic storm, the second highest warning level, which the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued for the weekend. This is the first such warning since 2005, highlighting the rarity and intensity of the current solar activity. According to The Guardian, the sun unleashed a series of strong solar flares starting Wednesday, leading to multiple plasma outbursts that have the potential to disrupt satellites and power grids.
These solar flares, originating from what are known as coronal mass ejections, were the catalysts for Friday’s stunning aurora borealis. As the charged particles from the sun struck the Earth’s magnetic field, they created the awe-inspiring colours that lit up the night sky.
Looking ahead to tonight, the Met Office’s space weather manager, Krista Hammond, indicated that the Northern Lights might still be visible, though likely on a smaller scale. “Aurora visibility may persist through Saturday night, but as it stands this is likely to be less widespread than on Friday night, with northern parts of the UK most likely to continue to have the best viewing potential,” Hammond stated.
Residents in the south of England, who were fortunate enough to witness the phenomenon last night, may find their chances diminished this evening. Historically, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the northern regions of England are more favoured for viewing the Northern Lights during such geomagnetic events.
The clear skies on Friday played a crucial role in the visibility of the aurora, as reported by BBC News. Those eager to catch another glimpse of the Northern Lights are advised to seek spots away from city lights and hope for similar weather conditions tonight.
As the solar storm continues to influence our planet, the UK remains on alert for more breathtaking views of one of nature’s most extraordinary displays.
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What you need to know about the Northern Lights
Unravelling the Mysteries of the Aurora
Every now and then, the skies above the polar regions are lit up with a dazzling display of colours, creating what is perhaps one of nature’s most splendid spectacles: the aurora. In the northern latitudes, it is known as the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, while in the southern latitudes, it is referred to as the Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights. This celestial phenomenon has captivated humans for millennia, inspiring folklore and scientific inquiry alike. But what causes these breathtaking light shows?
A Cosmic Dance of Solar Wind and Earth’s Magnetosphere
The story of the aurora begins with the sun, the life-giving star at the centre of our solar system. The sun is constantly emitting a flow of charged particles known as the solar wind. This stream of particles is mostly composed of electrons and protons ejected from the sun’s atmosphere due to the intense heat at its core.
When these charged particles travel towards Earth, they encounter the Earth’s magnetosphere, an invisible magnetic field that surrounds our planet. This magnetic shield protects us from the solar wind. However, the magnetic field is weaker at the poles, and here, the charged particles can enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
As the particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, they transfer their energy to atoms and molecules of oxygen and nitrogen, exciting them into higher energy states. When these atoms and molecules return to their normal energy state, they release light — a process called radiative recombination. The colour of the light depends on the type of gas and the altitude of the interaction. Oxygen typically emits greenish-yellow or red light, while nitrogen can give off blue or purplish-red light.
The Influence of Geomagnetic Activity
The intensity and frequency of auroral displays are significantly affected by the geomagnetic activity around Earth. This activity is often heightened during solar maxima — periods of intense solar activity marked by an increased number of sunspots and solar flares. These events enhance the flow of solar wind, making the auroras more frequent and vivid.
Geomagnetic storms, another key influencer, can dramatically increase the brightness and extent of auroral activity. These storms occur when a large explosion on the sun, such as a coronal mass ejection, sends a huge cloud of magnetic plasma toward Earth, disrupting the magnetosphere and enhancing the flow of charged particles into the upper atmosphere.
Viewing the Aurora
Witnessing an aurora is a bucket-list experience for many. The best times to view the Northern Lights are typically during the winter months in the Arctic regions such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, where the nights are long and dark. Similarly, the Southern Lights can be best observed from high southern latitudes in Antarctica, and more accessible locations like Tasmania and New Zealand, during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter.
The aurora is a reminder of our planet’s dynamic nature and its intimate connection with the cosmic forces of the solar system. As we continue to study this magnificent phenomenon, we not only learn more about our own planet but also gain insights into the workings of our solar system and beyond, illustrating once again the wonders of the universe we inhabit.
News
Plans submitted for homes for the elderly in Milford Haven
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A COUNCIL scheme to build 24 affordable homes for the elderly at the site of the former Motor World building in Milford Haven has been submitted to planners.
W B Griffiths & Sons Ltd, on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, is seeking approval for the construction of a new residential redevelopment to comprise 24 affordable apartments for the elderly at 70A-80A Charles Street.
It is proposed to build 21 one-bed apartments and three two-bed apartments at the four-five storey building, along with a communal residents’ lounge on each floor, 10 on-site parking spaces, soft landscaping and trees.
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The proposed building will be four-storeys from Charles Street to the north and five-storeys from Barlow Street to the south due to the change in topography from north to south.
The former Motor World site was cleared in 2018 to enable redevelopment, with planning permission granted on the site for the development of 15 affordable apartments for over-55s in 2020.
The area had been an eyesore for several years before demolition; former councillor Stephen Joseph saying at the time the flats scheme would fill “a great big ugly hole in the town centre that’s been there a long time now,” adding at the time: “The previous building was an eyesore.”
Back in 2021, site contractors WRW construction, which had a number of projects ongoing in Pembrokeshire, including building 33 affordable homes on the site of the former Johnston CP School, as well as work in Tiers Cross, was put into administration by its directors under what was described as, ‘significant financial stress’.
The latest application, submitted through agent DPP Planning, follows a public consultation earlier this year.
DPP Planning, in its consultation statement for the latest application, has previously said: “The council has now instructed W B Griffiths, a Pembrokeshire-based construction company, to develop the site subject to a number of changes.
“The main change is to increase the number of apartments on site to 24 to make best use of the site by increasing the availability of affordable homes for over-55s.”
In its new supporting statement, which references flats for the elderly, it says: “In March 2023, Pembrokeshire County Council re-tendered the scheme to a number of contractors based on the original scheme, but with a revised brief to increase the number of dwellings. This initiated a significant material amendment to the scheme. The new brief increased the number of apartments from 15 to 24 to be achieved within the footprint of the original scheme.”
It adds: “The design proposals aim to place a new building within Charles Street which respects the existing character of the street in terms of form, scale and materials, but which also delivers a building, which is immediately recognisable within the street through its design quality and the sense of place it creates.”
The application will be considered by planners at a later date.
News
Former Wales first minister Vaughan Gething will stand down at next election
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FORMER First Minister Vaughan Gething has confirmed that he will step down at the next election and does not intend to pursue a role in his successor’s cabinet.
The Cardiff South and Penarth MS stepped down from his role as First Minister in July after four of his cabinet ministers resigned. Speaking at a constituency event this evening, Mr. Gething informed party members that he will not seek re-election in 2026.
In a statement released tonight, Mr. Gething said: “The unwavering support of local members throughout my 13 years of representing them has been a significant source of strength, particularly during these recent months. I take pride in having worked alongside them since the late 1990s, first as a campaigner and then as a councillor before my election to the Senedd. I have always been mindful that the platform I hold in public life is built on the foundations of our movement.”
He added that he had informed First Minister Eluned Morgan of his decision not to seek a role in her upcoming cabinet reshuffle, which is expected soon.
“Eluned is an exceptional public servant, always putting the country first. We have collaborated for many years, and she deserves full support for her bold vision for both Wales and our party. I will continue to serve my constituency until 2026 and remain committed to advancing the causes of social justice that initially inspired my journey into public service.”
Reflecting on his career, he said, “As a Welshman born in Zambia, it has been a profound honour to serve in the Welsh Government for over a decade. The opportunity to make meaningful change alongside inspiring individuals and movements has been an immense privilege. It is something I will always hold dear.”
Mr. Gething’s resignation as First Minister came after 118 days in the position, with his departure finalized on August 6th, when Eluned Morgan was named as his successor. His tenure marked him as both the first black leader of Welsh Labour and the shortest-serving Welsh First Minister in the history of devolution.
The 50-year-old former lawyer has represented Cardiff South and Penarth since 2011 and held key roles, including Economy Minister and Health Minister, during the pandemic under Mark Drakeford’s administration.
First Minister Eluned Morgan expressed her gratitude, saying, “Vaughan Gething has made an indelible contribution to Wales during some of the most challenging times we’ve faced.
“From navigating us through the pandemic to securing critical investments like the semiconductor industry, Vaughan has consistently delivered results, advancing devolution in Wales.
“He has always been a team player, offering support and kindness to myself and others, even during moments of intense pressure. I have no doubt that Vaughan will continue to make a significant impact on our country in the future.
“Thank you, Vaughan, for everything you have done for Wales.”
News
Pembrokeshire crematorium megalith plans submitted
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PLANS for an extension to Pembrokeshire’s Parc Gwyn Crematorium, with a new memorial garden featuring a stone megalith “in a more natural setting,” have been submitted to county planners.
Pembrokeshire County Council, which owns the existing Parc Gwyn Crematorium, near Narberth, is seeking permission for a change of use of adjacent agricultural land to a memorial garden, along with associated ancillary development including access, parking, an entrance canopy, two shelters, a megalith stone structure, seating, footways, bird nest box poles and landscaping.
A supporting statement accompanying the application states: “The proposal involves creating a garden designed with the objective of providing a nature-rich experience for those wishing to gather, reflect and remember. Seating areas, paths and contemplative zones are to be sensitively interspersed within a wildflower meadow and trees.
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“The existing crematorium site is set amongst formally presented memorial gardens with large lawn areas, rockeries, trees and shrubs. With greater awareness of the nature emergency, it is anticipated that the demand for more natural settings in public services will increase. Therefore, by proactively providing a more natural memorial space, Pembrokeshire County Council is taking a long-term approach to green infrastructure provision.”
It adds: “The natural memorial garden would be an extension to the outdoor space currently available at the Parc Gwyn crematorium site, with provision for burial of ashes and memorials also provided.
“The provision of this space would see the transformation of an agricultural monoculture pasture to a setting in which nature is allowed to thrive. This would represent a diversification of opportunities for quiet reflection in a natural setting, better reflecting the different needs of those served by the Parc Gwyn site.
“The layout of the path network has been designed to allow different lengths of looped walks from the entrance point to the natural memorial garden. In addition to surfaced paths, there will also be mown paths within the meadow areas. By offering a range of options, the garden can cater for diverse user preferences and needs, enhancing the overall value and appeal.
“The structures within the garden (shelters, seating and memorials) are to be designed to fit with the setting of a natural garden. These are to be of natural materials (wood and stone) and rustic in style to blend into the landscape. The majority of the site is to remain as open space to preserve the natural character and provide ample room for memorial activities.”
The scheme will be considered by county planners at a later date.
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