Short Takes – 5-22-23

The northern lights are heating up: Could they come to all 50 states? TheHill.com article.  A little geeky. Pull quote: “As Steenburgh previously explained to Nexstar, mild or moderate geomagnetic storms can cause weak fluctuations in the power grid and impact satellite operations on spacecraft. Stronger storms can lead to power blackouts, radio issues, and problems with navigation systems, including those on aircraft. Thankfully, the SWPC is able to communicate with infrastructure officials to ensure everything continues running smoothly and doesn’t interrupt your aurora viewing.”

Biden says he thinks he has authority to use 14th Amendment on debt ceiling. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: ““I’m looking at the 14th Amendment as to whether or not we have the authority — I think we have the authority,” Biden told reporters at a press conference in Hiroshima, Japan. “The question is, could it be done and invoked in time that it would not be appealed, and as a consequence past the date in question and still default on the debt. That is a question that I think is unresolved.””

New NASA mission will help improve extreme weather forecasts. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “This position will also allow them to pass over potential storms once an hour, providing a wealth of data not possible with traditional weather satellites, which make passes about once every six hours. The extra data collected is expected to help scientists understand the processes that place within the storms that determine how they intensify.”