We’re awe-struck by all the photos of Northern Lights sightings across the Boston area this week. Keep reading to see some of our favorites — and check out the aurora forecast for tonight.
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Our feed has been full of aurora photos this week since a rare G4 geomagnetic storm made the Northern Lights visible to the naked eye on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, as far south as Florida.
Many Bostonians reported seeing red and green bands across the city’s night sky. There may be lingering effects of the storm tonight — to try your luck, face North and turn the flash settings off on your phone camera. You can keep up with the NOAA aurora forecast here.
At this size, it probably eats insects and small fish. | Photo via Reddit /boston, u/migrational_coconut
Outdoors
No, it’s not AI. A baby alligator was spotted in the Charles River, near the Esplanade — and as of yesterday afternoon, animal control officials were still on the hunt. Did you know? There are no alligator species endemic to Massachusetts and all crocodilians are illegal to keep as pets. (CBS News)
Listen
Yesterday, Boston’s Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame announced its 2025 inductees — including legacy greats Aretha Franklin and Leonard Cohen + living legends Judy Collins and Neil Young. The artists will be honored in a March 2026 ceremony, open to the public. (Boston.com)
Community
Several South End shops are currently partnered with local food pantries to collect donations. Drop off locations include Élevée, FRED’s, and Madeleine’s Candy Shop.
Holiday
The Christmas tree is coming — this year’s 45-ft white spruce was cut in Novia Scotia on Wednesday morning and will be shipping down to Boston. Plan ahead: the annual tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4. (NBC 10 Boston)
The Word
Frisson. It means the strong feeling of excitement and chills you get when you hear music or see art. Let’s use it in a sentence — I’m going to get frisson when I see Florence + the Machine at TD Garden on Sunday, April 19.
Try This
Posture check — this is your weekly reminder to straighten your back. If that felt good, imagine how nice a stretch at one of these local yoga studios would feel. Editor’s pick:I went to a Vinyasa flow for the first time at Down Under Yoga last weekend.
Number
$250,000. That’s the new mayoral salary that will take effect for Michelle Wu when she’s sworn in for her second term in January — up from $207,000 annually during her first term. City Councilors are also expected to receive a raise. (Boston.com)
Oh hey, mid-November. The key to keeping your spirits up and avoiding seasonal affective disorder this time of year? Sunlight. Magic up more sunshine indoors with a light therapy lamp. This glare-free mood light is height and angle adjustable, while this subtly designed lamp lets you adjust light warmth and brightness.
Gallery
If you think light pollution would prevent you from seeing the Northern Lights — check out this Reddit thread of aurora photos from folks across Boston and all of Mass.
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