When Will We See the Northern Lights Again? Experts Weigh In

A woman in a coat and hat watching the aurora borealis illustrates the question "When will we see the northern lights again?"

When will we see the northern lights again? Will we get a repeat of the spectacular aurora display we had last year? Solar activity plays a crucial role in creating these magnificent light shows. During periods of heightened solar activity, particularly near solar maximum, the chances of seeing the aurora at lower latitudes increase significantly. Several factors determine when and where these celestial displays might appear. Keep reading to discover how to boost your chances of witnessing this breathtaking phenomenon and learn what scientists predict about future aurora displays.

What Are the Northern Lights, and What Causes Them?

The aurora borealis seen over a lake and snowy trees illustrates what the northern lights are and what causes them

What are the northern lights, and what causes them? Why don’t we see them more often and in more places? The sun’s magnetic field plays a fascinating role in creating these celestial light shows. As our star approaches its solar maximum, it releases powerful bursts of energy and matter that interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating the stunning auroras we see near the poles. Keep reading to explore how this cosmic dance between the sun and Earth creates one of nature’s most magnificent displays.

Will There Be a Bird Flu Pandemic? What the Experts Say

A black and white image of chickens on a farm as worries of a bird flu pandemic arise

Why are US health officials growing concerned about bird flu? What mutations are scientists finding in recent human cases? Will there be a bird flu pandemic in 2025? Bird flu has spread rapidly through US dairy farms and poultry operations, infecting nearly 1,000 dairy herds and causing mostly mild illness in dozens of exposed workers. While bird flu hasn’t been transmitted between humans yet, health officials are concerned that it could be. Here’s a look at the situation and the studies.

Why the Sixth Mass Extinction Is Different From the Others

A wild orangutan resting on a high branch in a jungle, an animal at risk in the sixth mass extinction

What’s causing the sixth mass extinction of species? How are endangered animals tracked? Can humans do anything to help? Scientists say we’re in the midst of a sixth mass extinction—but it’s hard to determine when a species is actually gone for good because endangered species are difficult to track. But new technology and techniques can help. Keep reading for a comprehensive look at the current mass extinction.

Why Is TikTok Dangerous? Why You Can’t Trust Its News Feed

A concerned-looking man holding a mobile phone illustrates the question, "Why is TikTok dangerous?"

Why is TikTok dangerous? What’s really happening when millions of people get their news from the platform? How can it shape our understanding of world events without us even realizing it? TikTok’s evolution from an entertainment platform to a primary news source for Gen Z has sparked intense debate among journalists and media experts. The platform’s ability to deliver quick, engaging content comes with serious concerns about misinformation, bias, and potential manipulation. Keep reading to discover why TikTok is dangerous as a news source and what that means for the future of information sharing.

Sensory Pollution Is Fatal to Animals—But We Can Change That

A brightly-lighted city at night, seen from above, illustrates sensory pollution

Why does artificial light cause so many animal deaths? What makes human-generated noise so destructive to wildlife? In An Immense World, Ed Yong explores how sensory pollution devastates animal populations worldwide. From bright city lights confusing sea turtle hatchlings to shipping noise disrupting whale communication, human activities are overwhelming animals’ senses in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Keep reading to discover how we can protect wildlife from sensory pollution and help preserve Earth’s remarkable biodiversity.

Ed Yong: Umwelt Reveals How Animals Perceive the World

Two starfish on the beach illustrate the concept of umwelt and how animals perceive the world

What does it mean when scientists say that each animal lives in its own sensory bubble? How do animals experience the world in ways that humans can’t even imagine? Ed Yong’s exploration of umwelt in his book An Immense World reveals the fascinating ways different species perceive reality. From dogs that can smell the past to elephants that feel vibrations through their feet, animals possess extraordinary sensory abilities that shape their unique experience of the world. Keep reading to discover how Ed Yong’s umwelt concept illuminates how animals perceive the world through senses both familiar and foreign to humans.

What Causes Winter Weight Gain? (+ How to Fight It)

A hand reaching for holiday cookies on a platter, signifying winter weight gain

Do you notice yourself gaining weight during the cold winter months? Is it because of the holidays or is there another reason? Many people gain weight during the winter and blame it on the excess food during the holidays. However, as it turns out, your winter weight gain isn’t your fault—it’s prehistoric programming. Discover the science behind this seasonal shift and learn how to keep your physical and mental health on track this winter.

Animal Echolocation, Electrolocation, & Magnetoreception

Sea turtles swimming in the ocean illustrate animal echolocation, electrolocation, and magnetoreception

What enables bats and dolphins to navigate and hunt with such precision in complete darkness? How do animals like sea turtles find their way back to specific beaches across hundreds of miles of ocean? In An Immense World, Ed Yong explores animal echolocation, electrolocation, and magnetoreception—sensory abilities that help creatures navigate their environment. These extraordinary capabilities reveal how different species experience and interact with their surroundings. Keep reading to discover how animals use sound, electricity, and magnetic fields to perceive their world in ways humans can barely imagine.

Do Animals Feel Pain? Here’s What Scientists Know (Ed Yong)

A frog on a lily pad illustrates the question, "Do animals feel pain?"

What happens in an animal’s body when it encounters something harmful? Do animals feel pain? How do different species process pain? Ed Yong’s book An Immense World explores the complex question of whether and how animals feel pain. From naked mole rats that don’t react to acid to fish that show signs of distress after injury, the animal kingdom presents a wide range of responses to potentially harmful stimuli. Keep reading to discover the surprising science behind how different creatures experience pain and what this means for our ethical treatment of animals.