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Solar Storm Brings Northern Lights to Southern Canada and Beyond

  A series of powerful solar storms recently graced the night skies, making the northern lights unusually visible even in regions far south. This dazzling display was caused by a geomagnetic storm , which not only illuminated Canada but also extended its colorful auroras to parts of the northern United States and Europe. The Solar Storm Phenomenon Solar storms occur due to the sun’s activity cycle, which spans approximately 11 years. During the solar maximum , more sunspots appear on the sun’s surface. These sunspots are cooler regions that appear black when observed through solar telescopes. However, they are more than mere spots—they represent an entanglement of magnetic fields that can erupt with a solar flare . Often, solar flares are followed by a coronal mass ejection (CME) —a massive burst of charged particles carried along the solar wind. In this recent case, the sun produced a series of CMEs, which are now heading toward Earth. The U.S.-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Black Friday shoppers pulling back on spending

 

 According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, Black Friday sales in the U.S. dropped by 28% compared to 2019, as shoppers avoided crowded stores and opted for online shopping instead.

Here ate the main reasons cited for this trend:

  • Online shopping surge: Online sales on Black Friday reached a record $9 billion, up 21.6% from last year, according to Adobe Analytics. Cyber Monday is expected to be the biggest online shopping day in U.S. history, with sales projected to reach $10.8 billion.
  • Pandemic impact: The coronavirus pandemic has changed consumer behavior and preferences, as people seek convenience, safety, and value. Many retailers have extended their sales period and offered curbside pickup or free delivery options to attract customers.
  • Holiday season outlook: Despite the lower turnout on Black Friday, the NRF predicts that overall holiday sales will increase by 3.6% to 5.2% over 2019, reaching between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion. However, the uncertainty around the pandemic and the economy could affect consumer confidence and spending.

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