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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

Pesto Lasagna

 

The bright flavor of basil takes center stage in this pesto lasagna.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups 2% milk
  • 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat; add onion. Cook and stir until tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour and salt until blended. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and pepper; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley and remaining 2 cups mozzarella; set aside. Spread about 1-1/2 cup cheese sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with 3 noodles and half of each of the following: ricotta mixture, pesto and spinach. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.
  3. Bake, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly, 35-40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

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