See Northern Lights Aurora Borealis In Colorado

Skywatchers were out in force in Northern Ireland on Friday night to see if they could spot the aurora borealis. Stephen Wallace took this photograph at Ballintoy, on the County Antrim coast.

The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction of the solar wind - a stream of charged particles escaping the Sun - and our planet's magnetic field and atmosphere. As the solar wind approaches, it distorts the Earth's magnetic field and allows some charged particles from the Sun to enter the Earth's atmosphere at the magnetic north pole and the magnetic south pole. The solar wind can cause the Earth's magnetic field lines to disconnect from our planet. When these field lines "snap back" into position, charged particles from the solar wind are again pushed into the Earth's atmosphere, causing aurora. John Purvis captured this image at Portstewart, County Londonderry. 

Skywatchers in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland could see a display of the colourful northern lights on Friday and Saturday nights. The aurora borealis will appear as a faint glow or as shifting veils of light in the sky.

Any auroras that do occur will appear successively lower in the northern sky the farther south the observer is located. Auroras happen where the Earth’s atmosphere is struck by high-speed particles from the sun.

The stronger the compression of Earth’s magnetic field the further south the aurora will be seen, and the more active the display.

The first CME erupted from the sun on 9 September. It was thrown into space by an unusually long solar flare that lasted six hours. The first CME erupted from the sun on 9 September. It was thrown into space by an unusually long solar flare that lasted six hours.

New Iphone 6 Colors Release Date

Iphone 6 Colors

Live on stage, Apple has just kicked things off during its event by officially announcing the new iPhone lineup: the much rumored 4.7-inch device is called iPhone 6, while the larger 5.5-inch model is dubbed “iPhone 6 Plus”. Both of the new iPhone models include new “Retina HD” displays with cover glass that Apple says is ion-strengthened. The display on the iPhone 6 comes in at 1334 by 750 with 326 pixels per inch (over one million pixels), while the iPhone 6 Plus includes full 1080p HD with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 401 pixels per inch (over 2 million pixels).

The iPhone 6 Plus also includes an “optical image stabilization” feature that isn’t present on the iPhone 6. The front-facing camera also includes a new sensor and a larger ƒ/2.2 aperture, according to Apple.

Also a big new feature in the iPhone 6 is a barometer that Apple says senses air pressure to measure relative elevation. The iPhone 6 measures in at 6.9mm thin, while iPhone 6 Plus comes in a 7.1mm. Compare that to the previous generation iPhone 5S at 7.5mm.

Apple's eighth iPhone event introduced two new larger-screened, larger-capacity new phones, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, along with a continuation two of the world's top selling models, iPhone 5c and 5s, now at a reduced price.

iPhone 6 Event

The new pair of iPhone 6 models introduce a slim new form factor with rounded edges. iPhone 6, 6+ This is the sixth major iPhone redesign, following the aluminum original; two years of the plastic-backed iPhone 3G/3GS; two years of the 'Leica-inspired' glass and steel iPhone 4/4S; and two years of the chamfered-edge iPhone 5/5s, paired last year with the plastic iPhone 5c.


iPhone 5s, 6, 6+

The new 4.7 inch iPhone 6 feels only slightly larger than Apple's current iPhones, thanks to its slim profile and rounded edges, while the 6+ initially feels quite monstrously large. Of course, when iPhone 5 arrived it seemed quite large too, in comparison to the original 3.5 inch iPhone display, which debuted and long served as the largest mainstream phone.

In 2008, Samsung internally called Apple's original iPhone "monstrously large" and observed that many users would want something smaller. Apple also introduced a "Reachability" software feature that helps make the device usable in one hand as well.

Apple is offering both iPhone 6 models in the same Silver, Gold and Space Grey colors, each of which can be paired with Apple's leather or new silicon cases in a variety of colors.


iPhone 6 colors
The two new iPhone 6 displays. The new displays are not just bigger but also brighter and sharper, with more pixels and more pixel density in screens that Apple is calling "HD Retina." The iPhone 6 brains and cameras

Both new sizes include an improved camera sensor with "focus pixels" for rapid, accurate autofocus and continuous "cinematic" autofocus while capturing video. Both new models feature an enhanced front-facing FaceTime camera with a larger f/2.2 aperture for better performance in low light, along with the ability to capture HDR selfie shots, including HDR-enhanced video. Both new models now include enhanced WiFi supporting 802.11ac, which is up to three times faster than current 802.11n speeds. To connect at faster speeds, you'll need a modern 802.11ac base station, such as one of Apple's newer, tall AirPort models.

The new phones also support Wideband LTE (for faster data, up to 150Mb downloads), Voice over LTE (VoLTE, for high quality voice calls), simultaneous voice and data on LTE, and WiFi carrier calling on select carriers, currently TMobile in the U.S. and EE in the U.K.

To support Apple Pay, both iPhone 6 models include NFC proximity wireless and a Secure Element. Apple's implementation ties purchases to Touch ID authentication and credit or debit cards accounts added to Passbook. To connect at faster speeds, you'll need a modern 802.11ac base station, such as one of Apple's newer, tall AirPort models.

Solar Flare Today

Space experts have long warned that if a truly massive solar storm ever hit us much bigger than the current one — it could knock out power grids across North America, leaving millions of people without electricity for months and causing widespread chaos. A storm that big hit Earth back in 1859 (though there were no power grids then, just a bunch of telegraph wires that got frazzled), and we just barely missed getting blasted by a similar-sized solar eruption in 2012.

Those flares sent two coronal mass ejections toward the Earth — clouds of fast moving particles shot out of the sun's outer atmosphere. The first reached Earth on Thursday night, creating a "moderate" G2 geomagnetic storm when it hit our planet's magnetic field. This weekend's storms are expected to cause only modest disruptions, officials from the Space Weather Prediction Center said. Even so, power grid operators are standing by "just in case."

On the upside, geomagnetic storms can also create brightly colored auroras in the skies. An aurora occurs as the charged particles from the sun travel along the Earth's magnetic field in the upper atmosphere and collide with gas atoms, causing them to emit light. They're frequent in places like Alaska or Iceland, but it takes a strong storm to get auroras this far south.

This eruption is also a reminder that the sun is capable of some truly enormous flare-ups, and much stronger solar storms in the future could do some serious damage. In a worst-case scenario, a massive solar storm could leave 20 to 40 million people in the Northeast without power, according to a sober assessment last year by Lloyd's of London.

As I've detailed before, businesses and government agencies have been devising plans to cope with disruptive space weather — from hardening power grids to rerouting flights that might get disrupted by geomagnetic storms. The biggest concern when it comes to space weather is the possibility that a solar-induced geomagnetic storm could do serious damage to our power grids.

Even a storm that knocked out just 20 key transformers would be "extremely concerning."

British Hostage David Haines

David Haines

The beheading of Briton David Haines, held hostage in Syria, has purportedly been shown in a newly released video.

Mr Haines was working for a French aid agency when he was kidnapped in Syria in March 2013.

Mr Haines and other aid workers were staying in Atmeh - and on 12 March he and an Italian colleague, Federico Motka, were kidnapped. Born in Humberside, East Yorkshire, Mr Haines was raised in Scotland and attended Perth Academy. Mr Haines's online business profile says that he worked for a US company supplying consumer goods to the military around the world - although the company has declined to comment.

Croatian reconstruction

Between 1999 and 2004 he worked for Arbeiter Samariter Bund (ASB), a Germany charity carrying out reconstruction work in post-war Croatia.

Mr Haines was the head of a regional office for the charity charged with managing a large European Commission-funded plan to help hundreds of displaced people return to the country and recover and rebuild their homes.     A man's life should never be threatened on account of his humanitarian commitment”

French charity ACTED

In April 2011, Mr Haines joined another charity, Handicap International, and became the head of its mission in war-torn Libya. NP issued a statement after Mr Haines's name emerged in the public domain, saying they joined people around the world in pleas, thoughts and calls for his safe release.

Mr Haines returned to aid work in March 2013 when he decided to go to Syria with ACTED. "David has been working as a humanitarian since 1999, helping victims of conflict in the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East.

Beyonce Pregnant Rumors With Second Child

Beyonce is rumored to be pregnant, according to several reports from gossip websites and tabloids.

A source allegedly told the magazine that the couple has reconciled after they nearly got divorced, and that they’re now hiding Beyonce’s pregnancy.

“For the last month, Jay has been fiercely protective of her, just like he was when she was expecting Blue Ivy,” the source said. The other report came from unreliable gossip website Media TakeOut, which proclaimed: “It’s now official … Beyonce announces that she’s pregnant … in the most over the top way imaginable!!!”

“Beyonce was spotted CONSISTENTLY rubbing her belly – and she had a specially made dress – with the BELLY CUT OUT.

Georgia Football at South Carolina

Georgia Football

Tomorrow is a new day for the Georgia Bulldogs.

And as cliché as that may sound, that’s probably the best news for Mark Richt's team following its 38-35 road loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday.

Here’s what Georgia’s road to Atlanta for the conference title looks like.

The problems Georgia had against the Gamecocks were mostly symptomatic of long-standing shortcomings.  Which phase of the game concerns you the most as a Georgia fan?
Offense Defense Special Teams Submit Vote vote to see results

On the positive side, no new chinks in Georgia’s armor were exposed.  Georgia missed a couple of big-play threats in its passing game and struggled to convert third downs. The secondary struggled mightily, but that was expected under first-year defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. It's reasonable for Georgia fans to anticipate the unit improving as the season progresses.  Special teams play—much to the chagrin of Bulldogs fans—has long been a problem for Georgia.  Even against South Carolina, the Dawgs found success both through the air and on the ground.

It takes time to teach young players.  Special teams mistakes remain a mystery.  Over the summer, coaching duties were divvied up between linebackers coach Mike Ekeler and tight ends coach John Lilly.  On Saturday, special teams cost Georgia the game.  The season is young.  The coaching is there.  Tactical Attack

South Carolina has a conference loss on its resume as well, and the Gamecocks have the more difficult remaining schedule thanks to road games against Florida and Auburn. 

Former Miss America Preliminary Winner by State

Miss America

Miss New York Kira Kazantsev won the Miss America pageant Sunday night, with the help of a red plastic cup.

For her talent performance, Kazantsev sang Pharrell Williams' "Happy" while sitting cross-legged on the stage and banging a red plastic cup on the floor. Kazantsev received the crown at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall from outgoing Miss America — and Miss New York — Nina Davuluri

Other top 5 finalists were Miss Arkansas Ashton Jo Campbell; Miss Florida Victoria Cowen; and Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn.

For three hours Sunday night, America got a different look at Atlantic City. The Miss America pageant presented an upbeat view of the city where it began in 1921.

It featured iconic Atlantic City visuals including its beach, Boardwalk, the Steel Pier, Black Fish Pier near Brigantine, and the Atlantic City Beach Patrol station.

Kira Kazantsev beat out 52 other women who tried to get the crown.

Kazantsev, 22, hails from Manhattan.

Kazantsev’s win marks the third year in a row that a contestant from her state has walked away with the crown in the nationally televised pageant.

Kazantsev received the crown Sunday night at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall from outgoing Miss America — and Miss New York — Nina Davuluri.

Kazantsev sang Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” while sitting cross-legged on the stage and banging a red plastic cup on the floor.

She named combating assault in the military as the issue she would want female U.S. Senators to press their male counterparts.

Seattle Seahawks Game Live Score

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks will play the San Diego Chargers on Sunday as they look to maintain their strong start to the new season with a second win out of two. The game can be watched on TV on the Fox network, or online through free live stream

To all extents, the Chargers are much weaker opposition than the Packers, so the Seahawks will be big favorites to win today, and win well.

Meanwhile, the Chargers opened up their season on Monday Night Football. Sunday the Seahawks take on a schizophrenic San Diego Chargers team that in 2013 was capable of losing to the Houston Texans (2-14) and Oakland Raiders (4-12), and then beating the Denver Broncos (13-3) and the Indianapolis Colts (11-5).

The Seahawks may not know what Chargers team they'll see on the field today; the Chargers know exactly whom they will be playing against. All week, the Chargers had a name for this game.

"It was White Hot Sunday," wide receiver Malcom Floyd said. It was a sold-out game. People wanted to see the Super Bowl champs, but not many people thought we'd win."

The official game-time temperature at Qualcomm Stadium was 94 degrees. A reading at field level, belonging to the Fox television broadcast, read closer to 115. Whatever the temperature, the Seahawks defense felt the heat most, as San Diego held a 42:15 to 17:45 advantage in time of possession.

RG3 Footballl Team Suspension

RG3 Footballl Team

RG3 Footballl Team - Quarterback Robert Griffin III was forced to exit Sunday's game against the Jaguars in the first quarter. Griffin rolled to his right to throw the ball to DeSean Jackson down the field. Griffin has since been ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Kirk Cousins came into the game and immediately threw a touchdown pass to fullback Darrel Young.

While scrambling right and making a throw early Sunday, Robert Griffin III suffered a nasty ankle injury and was carted off.

Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III dislocated his ankle on Sunday against the Jaguars.  Robert Griffin III, Jamaal Charles, DeSean Jackson, A.J. Green and Knowshon Moreno all left their games on a busy Sunday for team trainers and medical staffs.

Griffin dislocated his left ankle in the first quarter of Washington's 41-10 victory over Jacksonville, putting his season in jeopardy. The pass was caught by Jackson for an 11-yard gain.

"It's an excruciating pain," Griffin said. Other Redskins players injured included running back Roy Helu (strained quadriceps), guard Shawn Lauvao (sprained right knee) and fullback Darrel Young (sprained back).

Rookie receiver Allen Hurns injured his left ankle and was scheduled for X-rays.

Chiefs safety Eric Berry also sprained an ankle.

Green missed practice time during the week with an injured toe on his right foot. Five key defenders for the Bears are hurt after their 28-20 win at the 49ers: cornerbacks Sherrick McManis (quadriceps) and Charles Tillman (triceps), defensive end Trevor Scott (foot), safety Chris Conte (shoulder) and defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (concussion).

Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer was ruled out against the New York Giants on Sunday because of a shoulder injury. Giants cornerback Walter Thurmond left in the second half of the loss with a pectoral injury, and middle linebacker Jon Beason went out with a toe injury.

The Buccaneers also lost defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (hand) and middle linebacker Mason Foster. San Diego running back Ryan Mathews was carted off the field with an apparent right knee injury early in the fourth quarter of the Chargers' 30-21 win. Coach Mike McCoy said the team was still evaluating the injury.

New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker departed the team's 31-24 loss with a hamstring injury early in the fourth quarter.

Green Bay Packer Football Season Schedule

Green Bay Packer

Today’s game has a late start time and airs on a network TV channel alongside DirecTV Sunday Ticket.

Quarterback Geno Smith was surprisingly effective for the Jets in the opener, looking sharper than he had in his rookie season. Today’s Green Bay Packers vs New York Jets NFL football game has a start time schedule of 4:25pm on TV channel CBS in local regions, as well as DirecTV Sunday Ticket channel number 716.

In the middle of the chaotic and victorious Green Bay Packers locker room, Randall Cobb yelled out a new nickname for Jordy Nelson.

Cobb exclaimed.

More like a career-high 209 yards receiving for Green Bay's top receiver, including one long touchdown catch in crunch time.

Aaron Rodgers threw for three scores, including an 80-yard strike to Nelson in the third quarter, and the Packers roared back from an 18-point deficit to win their home opener 31-24 on Sunday over the New York Jets.

Ryan said he didn't call time. He suspected it could have been offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg or quarterback Geno Smith. The Jets scored on their first three drives.

It's a game of momentum swings. It's a game of big plays," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. Rodgers finished 25-of-42 with 346 yards, Nelson had nine catches and Cobb finished with five catches for 39 yards.

Cobb caught two short scoring strikes and a 2-point conversion that gave the Packers a 24-21 lead in the third quarter.

Green Bay went up 31-24 late in the third quarter when Nelson worked a double move on Dee Milliner for the 80-yard score.

Smith finished 16-of-32 for 176 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Decker had four catches for 63 yards, while Ivory led the Jets on the ground with 13 carries and 43 yards.

The latter kick set a Packers record at home.

Rodgers followed with a 10-play, 97-yard drive in 1:44 that ended with a 6-yard score to Cobb to get the Packers within five at the half.

That score was set up by a 37-yard run by Kerley on a read-option pitch from Smith.