INSIDER
Should Ann Arbor create its own municipal energy utility? Report released, public discussion set
Read full article: Should Ann Arbor create its own municipal energy utility? Report released, public discussion setThe City of Ann Arbor is holding a public discussion about creating a new, publicly-owned energy utility.
Northern Lights could be visible this week in Michigan: Here’s why and when
Read full article: Northern Lights could be visible this week in Michigan: Here’s why and whenSecond chance for Northern Lights Thursday night in Michigan: Here’s the updateA massive solar flare on the Sun erupted in the direction of Earth. If you see green or red in the sky, then you know you’re looking at the Northern Lights. Thursday morning update:It appears that the Northern Lights didn’t get this far south Wednesday night to be visible in southern Michigan. Translation: There wasn’t enough “oomph” to push that ring of Northern Lights down to southern Michigan. What are the Northern Lights?
Solar storms threat: Michigan researchers work to improve forecasts
Read full article: Solar storms threat: Michigan researchers work to improve forecastsANN ARBOR, Mich. Faculty members at the University of Michigan are leading two $2.9 million projects to improve solar storm forecasting. The University of Michigan is involved in two projects:The NextGen Space Weather Modeling Framework project, funded by NSF, aims to accurately predict solar storms and coronal mass ejections a full day in advance. And Aether, funded by NASA, aims to improve models of Earths upper atmosphere. Other than a pandemic, a space weather-caused disruption is the only natural threat that would have nationwide impacts, said Gabor Toth, U-M research professor of climate and space sciences and engineering and principal investigator on the space weather modeling framework project. If we know what to expect and when, most consequences of space weather can be avoided.
Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopts carbon neutrality plan
Read full article: Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopts carbon neutrality planANN ARBOR During its June 1 meeting, Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopted the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan aimed at helping the entire community achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The plan stems from a climate emergency declaration by City Council on Nov. 4, 2019 that asked staff to craft a comprehensive carbon neutrality plan to be achieved in partnership with the community. It necessitates bold, ambitious and immediate action," Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor said in a statement. Over the last several months, our amazing staff came together with community members, organizations and experts to craft the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan. With todays vote, Ann Arbor has committed to do its part, to do the hard, transformative work to meet our carbon neutrality goals."