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Trump Declares National Emergency as U.S. Tightens Stance on Cuba

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency in respect with Cuba. President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency related to Cuba, marking a sharp escalation in Washington’s approach toward the island nation. The declaration frames Cuba’s government as a significant threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, opening the door for new economic and diplomatic measures. A key component of the order allows the United States to impose tariffs on any country that supplies oil to Cuba. The move is designed to pressure foreign governments and companies that help sustain the island’s energy sector, which has long relied on external support. The administration argues that Cuba’s close ties with adversarial governments and its alleged involvement in activities that undermine regional stability justify the emergency action. The decision signals a renewed effort to isolate Havana and reshape the geopolitical dynamics of ...

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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 Administration (NOAA) issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch for our planet, the first in nearly two decades.

A Spectacular Light Show

  • Where can you witness the northern lights? If Earth lies in the path of these charged particles, they interact with our magnetic field and molecules in the upper atmosphere, resulting in the mesmerizing aurora borealis. During this recent geomagnetic storm, the northern lights were visible not only in Canada but also in parts of the northern United States and Europe.

  • Clear skies in various regions allowed people to witness this celestial spectacle. From Vancouver to southern Canada and even central British Columbia, the colorful auroras danced across the night sky. If you were lucky enough to see them, you could capture the magic by sharing your photos with bcphotos@cbc.ca.

A Weekend of Wonder

  • As the solar storm continued, scientists anticipated that the northern lights would continue to dazzle on Saturday night. However, it’s essential to note that while these auroras are awe-inspiring, the storm could also cause disruptions to communications over the weekend.

In summary, the recent geomagnetic storm brought the northern lights to unexpected latitudes, creating a celestial spectacle that captivated skywatchers across Canada and beyond. So, if you find yourself under clear skies during such an event, don’t miss the chance to witness this natural wonder


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