The northern lights: nature's most beautiful phenomenon
The aurora borealis is a stunning natural phenomenon that blows away anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it. Science says it is the result of sun particles colliding with the Earth's atmosphere, but Icelandic legends say the magical lights are angels dancing in the sky! This spectacular natural light show is usually associated with Europe's most northern countries like Iceland, Sweden, and Denmark, where it's most visible. However, this aurora season, the world is getting an extra-special visit. The northern lights have been visible in locations across northern US and Europe where residents rarely see the northern lights, and certainly not with this level of visibility. Now a powerful solar storm could potentially allow residents in the upper Midwest US to see the lights, spanning an impressive 17 states including parts of Illinois and Indiana. According to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, the areas near Milwaukee and Minneapolis may see the lights overhead, and areas as far south as Chicago and Indianapolis could see them on the far northern horizon, likely in July. Click on for dazzling photos of the phenomena and learn all about the aurora borealis.
2024-05-14T10:21:01Z
These Insanely Helpful Garden Plants Keep the Mosquitoes Away
Say goodbye to the outdoor pests. Bugs come with the territory when you’re outdoors, but some are more tolerable than others. If it feels like mosquitoes are invading your yard, it’s understandable to want to do what you can to get rid of them. Enter mosquito repellent plants. Here’s the thing: Experts say that the best way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to use personal repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But if you want to go a more natural route, you may be interested in selecting certain plants—they’re just not necessarily guaranteed to work as well as a spray. “The idea that planting certain plants around your home will successfully repel mosquitoes is only supported by anecdotal evidence and not empirical evidence,” says Eva Buckner, Ph.D., assistant professor and state extension specialist at the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. It’s important to note, though, that there is some evidence that certain plants may help discourage certain mosquitoes from setting up camp in your yard—they just don’t work as well as a chemical or spray. If it feels like your outdoor space is a haven to mosquitoes, it’s a good idea to “eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on and around your property by draining standing water from flowerpots, birdbaths, grill covers, baby pools, and other sources,” says Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Using a small fan outside may also help keep mosquitoes away since “they are not strong flyers,” Fredericks says. But if you like the look and smell of certain plants and want to see if they keep the mosquitoes away, too, there’s no reason not to try them. These are the plants fans swear are most likely to help get rid of mosquitoes. Snap up one or a few to enhance your outdoor space.
2023-06-26T20:04:01Z
Famous figures who accomplished great things at 80 and beyond
Ed Dwight was the first African-American astronaut to be selected by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Despite making history as the first Black astronaut during the Space Race, he was never chosen for a space mission. However, at 90 years of age, Dwight entered space for the first time on May 19, 2024. He was invited to join Blue Origin's seventh human space flight aboard the New Shepard spacecraft. Blue Origin shared footage from the flight that showed Dwight giggling with joy and awe as he took in the sights on the 10-minute journey outside the Earth's atmosphere. He called it a "life-changing experience," according to AP. “I thought I really didn’t need this in my life,” he explained. ”But, now, I need it in my life .... I am ecstatic.” We all grow old, and there's nothing we can do about it. What we can do, however, is make the most out of our lives while we're still here. And when it comes to accomplishing great things, age is just a number. Click on to meet these outstanding octogenarians, nonagenarians, and even centenarians!
2024-02-19T13:08:46Z
The world's most beautiful streets
Every country has its famous landmarks, many of which are streets. But are these famous streets also the prettiest? Well, not always. Sure, what makes a street "beautiful" can be debated, but architectural features, cultural relevance, charm, views, and other unique characteristics, can indeed be used as criteria. With that in mind, have you ever wondered where the world's most beautiful streets are located? Click through the following gallery to find out.
2024-04-04T06:08:50Z
The world's tastiest bread
Bread is the mainstay of our diet. For thousands of years, we have relied on it for sustenance and culinary delight. We are forever seduced by the pairing of crunch and chew, be it in our sandwiches, our soups, or even our salads. It can be savory, it can be sweet, and it costs almost nothing to make and eat. But, is your knowledge of bread complete? Every culture in the world has its own doughs, kneading processes, and baking methods. Your favorite loaf is probably out there, waiting for you to try it and fall in love. With that said, this gallery could be your bread and butter! Click through to discover the tastiest bread in the world.
2024-02-29T08:11:17Z