
Trump admin extends access to critical DOD weather forecasting dataset
The termination of data products from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program was met with fierce criticism from scientists who said it could diminish hurricane forecasting accuracy just as the 2025 storm season is ramping up.
In a statement, NOAA spokesperson Kim Doster said the extension followed a request on Friday from NASA to the removal and to continue processing and distributing data from the DMSP.
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The administration now expects to decommission DMSP processing no later than July 31, she said.
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What's the Connection Between Statins and Dementia?
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CNET
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Alongside fireworks and drone shows, people in select parts of the US will have another excuse to look up at the sky this week. The sun has graced Earth with another round of solar material, which will interact with our atmosphere and make sections of the sky glow. Of course, we're talking about the aurora borealis, and it'll be visible in 16 states on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Of the two days, Tuesday night into Wednesday morning will be your best shot. The Space Weather Prediction Center is forecasting a Kp 5 magnetic storm that's scheduled to hit over six hours starting late Monday evening. The K-Index measures the horizontal impact of geomagnetic storms, and a Kp 5 rating results in what NOAA calls a "moderate" aurora. Things will calm down a bit Wednesday night going into Thursday morning, with the aurora pulling back a bit and being less visible unless you're on the northern border with Canada. NOAA is forecasting a Kp 4 magnetic storm that night. NOAA predicts the northern lights reaching into the US on Tuesday and Wednesday. NOAA Which states could see the aurora borealis? Per the Space Weather Prediction Center, Tuesday night's aurora will be visible in Washington state, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and the northernmost sections of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and most of Maine. Alaska and Canada will have the best views by a wide margin, with the entire state of Alaska getting coverage. Technically, there will also be a slice of Oregon, putting the full number at 16, but unless you live on the northeastern tip, you likely won't see anything. Much like Earth's weather, space weather prediction can be hit or miss. So, if you're in any of the above states, it's worth taking a look if you're up that late. It may be slightly stronger or weaker than forecasted, which will affect how far south the northern lights reach. It won't be as strong as the epic show we saw in May 2024. Tips on viewing the northern lights The standard space viewing tips all apply here. You'll get a better view if you get away from the city and suburbs to avoid light pollution. Weather will play a role as well, since clouds will obfuscate the view. If you attempt to photograph the aurora, we recommend using long exposure times to give your camera more time to soak in the light. Other than that, you'll want to look toward the northern horizon to give yourself the best chance at a good view since that's where the northern lights originate.