Unprecedented auroral displays, typically confined to polar regions, have illuminated skies at unusually low latitudes this week, captivating observers worldwide. The phenomenon, driven by intense solar activity, is expected to persist into Thursday, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These breathtaking light shows are the result of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — massive bursts of solar particles that trigger geomagnetic storms upon reaching Earth. On Tuesday, a level four geomagnetic storm (on a scale of five) occurred, with another CME potentially causing a repeat on Thursday. Skies as far south as Mexico were adorned with faint pink and green hues, offering a rare treat for those who would typically need to venture closer to the poles to witness such spectacles. Last year, a level five geomagnetic storm — the first in two decades — produced similarly stunning views of the Northern and Southern Lights. However, these solar storms are not without consequences. They pose significant risks to communication systems, satellites, and power grids, potentially causing widespread disruptions. The impact of this week’s solar event has already been felt, with Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, postponing the launch of its New Glenn rocket on Wednesday. For those eager to witness the aurorae, experts recommend seeking darker skies away from urban light pollution and using cameras or smartphones to capture the lights through long-exposure photography, especially if they are not visible to the naked eye.
分类： science
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Candice Dookree mapping change, inspiring growth
Dr. Candice Dookree, a 30-year-old scholar from Trinidad and Tobago, has recently achieved a significant milestone by earning her doctorate in geoinformatics from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the spatio-temporal dynamics of urban growth in San Fernando, utilizing advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and logistic regression. This statistical technique allows for the prediction of urban expansion based on factors like distance to roads, population density, and elevation. Her findings highlight the critical role of infrastructure decisions in shaping urban development and environmental sustainability, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Born and raised in Preysal, Dookree’s journey to academic excellence was fueled by a childhood filled with curiosity and exploration. Initially aspiring to study civil engineering, she found her passion in geomatics engineering, a field she initially knew little about. Her doctoral journey, though challenging, was marked by resilience and the unwavering support of her family, friends, and mentors. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Dookree is committed to inspiring more young women to pursue careers in science and technology. Currently working with the Ministry of Finance’s Valuation Division, she integrates geospatial technologies into property valuation processes, modernizing data collection and analysis. Her vision for the future includes expanding her research into smart-city development and AI-driven geospatial analytics, while also contributing to academia as a lecturer. Dookree’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the transformative potential of geospatial science in addressing the unique challenges faced by Caribbean nations.
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UWI Scientists Co-Author Study That Finds Climate Change Enhanced Hurricane Melissa’s Intensity
A groundbreaking study led by scientists from The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has confirmed that human-induced climate change significantly intensified Hurricane Melissa, making it one of the most destructive storms to hit the Caribbean in recent history. The research, conducted in collaboration with the World Weather Attribution (WWA), analyzed data from Jamaica and eastern Cuba, revealing that climate change made the atmospheric and oceanic conditions behind the storm six times more likely. Hurricane Melissa, which struck the region in late October 2025, rapidly intensified from 68 to 140 miles per hour within a single day, leaving at least 75 people dead, displacing thousands, and causing billions of dollars in economic losses. The study, involving 20 researchers from institutions across Jamaica, Cuba, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Austria, utilized advanced modeling techniques to assess the storm’s rainfall, wind speeds, and environmental conditions. Findings indicate that climate change increased Melissa’s maximum wind speeds by 7% and extreme rainfall by 16%. Historical data also shows that maximum rainfall over five days in Jamaica and eastern Cuba is now 20-50% higher than in pre-industrial times. Dr. Jayaka Campbell of The UWI Mona Campus emphasized the urgency of the findings, calling for Melissa to serve as a turning point in climate action. Co-author Friederike Otto of Imperial College warned that without significant reductions in fossil fuel use, such storms will push vulnerable communities beyond adaptation limits. The UWI scientists are now working to ensure their findings inform regional negotiators ahead of COP meetings, advocating for resilient infrastructure and adaptation strategies to mitigate future disasters.
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Ministry of Education National Science Fair: 12 Nov 2025
In an era marked by escalating climate challenges, the Ministry of Education in Grenada is spearheading efforts to harness STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) solutions for climate resilience and disaster management. The initiative, highlighted during the recent National Science Fair, showcased groundbreaking projects in renewable energy, robotics, and sustainable technologies, underscoring the critical role of STEM in addressing global environmental crises. The Grenada Trade Centre served as the hub for these innovations, where young minds presented creative approaches to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance disaster preparedness. The Ministry emphasized the importance of integrating STEM education into national strategies to foster innovation and equip future generations with the tools to tackle pressing environmental issues. This forward-thinking approach aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and build resilient communities. While NOW Grenada disclaims responsibility for contributors’ opinions, the platform continues to amplify discussions on critical topics, encouraging public engagement and awareness.
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Final Information Session Announced for 2026 Caribbean Science Olympiad
The Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF) is gearing up for the highly anticipated 2026 Caribbean Science Olympiad (CSO) with its final preparatory session scheduled for Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. AST. This virtual event, hosted on Zoom, aims to provide comprehensive guidance to aspiring participants, covering essential details such as competition rules, entry requirements, and the judging process. Attendees will also have the chance to address any queries or concerns directly with organizers.
The CSO, a flagship event for science and technology in the region, welcomes individual competitors and teams from schools, clubs, and associations across the Caribbean. Participants can compete in three distinct categories: Robotics & Electronic Systems, Computer Coding, and Mathematics. The competition is divided into three age groups: Level 1 (13–15), Level 2 (16–18), and Level 3 (19–21). Winners will be awarded platinum, gold, silver, and bronze medal certificates, along with cash prizes.
Preliminary elimination rounds are set for mid to late December 2025, with the grand finals taking place from January 12 to 18, 2026. The CSF has been actively promoting the event through media appearances, including interviews with Professor Cardinal Warde on platforms like Antigua Barbuda Today and Mornin’ Barbados. This November session is the fourth and final installment in a series of briefings designed to equip participants for the prestigious competition.
For more details and to join the session, visit the official website: caribbeanscience.org/cso or use the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/86884952617.
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Climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely
A groundbreaking study by scientists at Imperial College London has revealed that human-induced climate change significantly increased the likelihood and intensity of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever to hit Jamaica. Published on Wednesday, the rapid analysis found that global warming, primarily driven by fossil fuel emissions, made such a catastrophic event four times more probable.
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UWI Seismic Centre Monitoring Continued Earthquake Activity – Aftershocks Expected to Continue
The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) is closely observing a series of earthquakes northeast of the Caribbean island arc, near Guadeloupe. Over a dozen tremors were recorded on Monday, with several being felt in Antigua and Barbuda. Among the notable events were two minor quakes in the afternoon: a magnitude 3.5 quake at 2:36 p.m., followed by a magnitude 3.7 tremor a minute later. Both occurred east-southeast of Antigua and Barbuda, approximately 280 kilometers from St. John’s, and northeast of Dominica. Earlier in the day, the region experienced stronger seismic activity, including a magnitude 5.4 quake at 9:26 a.m. and a magnitude 6.1 event at 8:55 a.m., both located northeast of Dominica and roughly 265 kilometers east-southeast of Antigua and Barbuda. While no damage or injuries have been reported, residents in Antigua, Dominica, and Guadeloupe described feeling light to moderate shaking. One St. John’s resident recounted to Antigua.News that the morning tremor lasted nearly a minute and caused noticeable vibrations. The UWI-SRC emphasized that this activity is part of an ongoing seismic sequence in the northeast Caribbean, a region situated along the tectonic boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates—one of the most seismically active zones globally. The center anticipates continued aftershocks and encourages residents to report their experiences using the official feedback form.
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Earthquakes continue to be recorded east of Antigua
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre (SRC) has issued a preliminary report of a 3.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred on October 27, 2025, at 09:07 am local time (13:07 UTC). The seismic event was located at a depth of 12 kilometers, with coordinates pinpointed at Latitude 16.50N and Longitude 59.58W. The epicenter was situated approximately 219 kilometers east of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, 241 kilometers northeast of Roseau, Dominica, and 261 kilometers east-southeast of Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. The initial location data was generated automatically using advanced computer algorithms. However, the SRC has emphasized that this information is provisional and may be revised following a thorough analysis by their expert seismologists. The public is advised to stay informed as updates become available.
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The mystical oilbird
In a serendipitous encounter, an oilbird was discovered roosting at St. Benedict’s College in La Romaine, south Trinidad, far from its known colonies. This rare sighting provided a unique teaching opportunity for the school staff. The oilbird, a nocturnal marvel, is one of the most remarkable yet overlooked species in Trinidad’s rich biodiversity. Unlike the vibrant hummingbird or the powerful hawk-eagle, the oilbird’s unassuming appearance belies its extraordinary adaptations and ecological significance. Native to Trinidad, which shares much of its ecology with South America, the oilbird thrives in darkness, spending its days in lightless caves and emerging at night to forage. With a wingspan exceeding one metre, these birds embark on nightly journeys, sometimes covering over 100 kilometres in search of their exclusive diet of fruits from palms, laurels, and bursera trees. This dietary specialization makes them vital seed dispersers, ensuring the propagation of their food trees. Oilbirds possess unique sensory adaptations, including echolocation and an unparalleled sensitivity to light, with retinal rod densities of one million rods per millimetre—the highest among vertebrates. Their social structure is equally fascinating, with monogamous pairs raising broods in large colonies that can number in the thousands. Despite their ecological importance, oilbirds face threats from human exploitation, historically hunted for their oil and meat. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this enigmatic species and its habitat, ensuring its survival alongside humanity.
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Earthquake Felt Near Antigua and Barbuda
A minor earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale was detected northeast of Antigua and Barbuda on the evening of Monday, October 20, 2025. The seismic event, recorded by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre, occurred at approximately 9:09 p.m. local time. The tremor originated at a depth of 20 kilometers, with its epicenter pinpointed at coordinates 17.99°N, 62.43°W. This location places the quake approximately 117 kilometers northwest of St. John’s, 83 kilometers northeast of Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, and 135 kilometers north of Brades, Montserrat. Although some residents in Antigua experienced a brief shaking, there have been no reports of structural damage or injuries. The UWI Seismic Research Centre emphasized that the data was automatically generated and remains preliminary, awaiting further analysis by experts. Antigua and Barbuda is situated in a seismically active region of the eastern Caribbean, where moderate tremors are not uncommon due to the ongoing interaction between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.