Latest news with #NorthernLights
India Today
19 hours ago
- Climate
- India Today
Aurora alert: Rare Borealis display predicted over US due to geomagnetic storm
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted increased Northern Lights activity for Thursday night, forecasting a Kp index of 5 out of 9. This means the aurora borealis may intensify and become visible farther south than on NOAA's three-day space weather forecast, geomagnetic activity is expected to increase Thursday evening and continue into the early hours of Friday, with minor to moderate geomagnetic storms AURORA VISIBILITY LIKELY TO DECLINEWhile auroral activity peaks Thursday night, NOAA expects space weather to calm by Friday and Saturday. The Kp index will dip slightly, just above 3 on Friday then drop to 2 on Saturday, reducing the likelihood of widespread aurora sightings over the TO SEE THE LIGHTS? According to Forbes, a "view line" passes through several northern US states. Areas with a chance to see the aurora include parts of northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan. Northern parts of New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine may also experience faint activity under perfect TO MAXIMISE YOUR VIEWING EXPERIENCE To boost your chances of seeing the aurora, NOAA recommends heading to high-altitude northern locations with minimal light best viewing window is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, under clear for Capturing the Aurora on CameraPhotographers advise using a wide-angle lens with aperture f/4 or lower. The ISO and shutter speeds need to be adjusted according to the aurora's users should enable night mode, use a tripod, and turn off the flash to enhance image clarity.
Sydney Morning Herald
21 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Bigger is better: The world's 20 largest islands you need to visit
Sometimes bigger can be the best – for starters, there's more choice and more space. And so it is with islands. The world's biggest islands have some of the world's biggest coastlines: so there are more beaches to disappear to, and more bays and fjords where no one else goes. There's more hinterland too. With some of the islands on this list, such as Greenland, and Honshu, that means bigger mountains: colossal ranges that dwarf all who stand below, offering untold adventures, or at the very least, awe-inspiring backdrops. The world's biggest islands (Australia is an island-continent, rather than an island, so doesn't make the list) have bigger wilderness areas, from barely touched forests in destinations such as New Guinea or Madagascar, to glaciers at the ends of the Earth, in places such as Iceland, or Greenland. Then there are big islands out there we know little about. Barely four kilometres north of Australia lies New Guinea, the world's second-biggest island, full of adventure, culture, warm seas and World War II history. Then there's Indonesia's Bali – which was visited by 1.5 million Australians last year, making it our top international destination – and Java, the 13th biggest island on Earth, which is packed with ancient temples and barely visited beaches and national parks. Big islands mean big opportunities: to find somewhere magical, all for yourselves. To those who think the world has been 'done', here's a list of the world's 20 biggest islands offering untold adventures. Greenland Vital statistics The world's largest island, at more than 2 million square kilometres, is located north-east of Canada and north-west of Iceland. They say 'Greenland's coastline is riddled with fjords and inlets, through which the magnificent ice sheet seeps out into the surrounding oceans … bring one of only two polar ice caps in the world directly to your doorstep.' We say Greenland is fast becoming one of the planet's best adventure destinations for those who like it wild, with 50,000 residents among ice sheets, glaciers, fjords and polar bears. It's expensive to get around (there are no roads outside its small towns), the weather's unpredictable and the scale of the place can be overwhelming, but that's all part of the adventure. See + do The best way to see Greenland is on a cruise, though given its size, you'll still have to decide what region you would prefer to visit. West Greenland offers charming towns such as Uummannaq and the capital, Nuuk, and a range of boat tours out of Disko Bay; the north-east offers the world's largest national park, full of wildlife and icy wilderness. Essentials Adventurers and cruisers should come between May and September, and Northern Lights seekers in winter. Fly with Air Greenland or Iceland Air from Copenhagen or Reykjavik, or take an international cruise. See New Guinea Vital statistics New Guinea is the world's second-largest island. It's split into two countries, Papua New Guinea and West Papua (a province of Indonesia), and is just north of Australia They say 'New Guinea is one of the world's most beautiful countries. Soaring mountain peaks, unspoiled beaches, lush forests, unique flora and fauna and the cultural richness of the people combine to make [it] an increasingly popular destination.' We say Be cautious, but don't be afraid. Avoid high-risk areas such as Port Moresby, then discover this untapped destination. There are World War II wrecks in some of the clearest ocean on Earth and culturally, New Guinea offers a window into the past: locals live off the land and sea and speak 1000 dialects. See + do The islands off PNG and the archipelagos of West Papua, especially Raja Ampat, are home to the most biodiverse reef systems on Earth. Consider an expedition ship journey which incorporates these islands. Jungle trekking tours are available all over, especially in PNG's highlands. Surfing, fishing and diving are world-class. Essentials Visit during the dry season, May to October. There are no direct flights to West Papua, but you can fly via Bali to Sorong or via Port Moresby. Visas are available on arrival. See Madagascar Vital statistics The fourth-biggest island on Earth, Madagascar is located 400 kilometres east of Africa. They say 'The fauna and flora of Madagascar are outstanding riches. You will discover unique species with nearly seven types of baobabs, 19,000 plant species and more than 100,000 different species of fauna.' We say Bring cash, credit cards are rarely accepted. Also consider a hire car and driver because the roads in Madagascar are terrible. Or, better still, visit with a tour company. The infrastructure of Madagascar is challenging (to say the least), but the attractions are worth it. It's evolved in isolation for 90 million years: 90 per cent of its fauna and flora exist nowhere else. See + do The landscapes are mind-blowing, the creatures unique – and bizarre. See the best of it at national parks such as Andasibe-Mantadia and Isalo. And don't forget the beaches which rival ones in Mauritius, elsewhere in the Indian Pacific. Head to the north-west coast to Nosy Be, the Anjajavy Peninsula and Nosy Iranja for the best of them. Essentials Visit during the dry season from April to November and fly via Mauritius. Visas are available on arrival. See Sumatra, Indonesia Vital statistics The sixth-largest island on Earth, Sumatra is west of Java and south of the Malay Peninsula in Western Indonesia. They say 'Indonesia's lush island is rich in biodiversity, culture, and stunning landscapes. Embark on an adventure in Gunung Leuser National Park … visit Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in South-East Asia … head to Mentawai, a world-renowned surfing destination.' We say Sumatra is an island of extraordinary beauty. There are volcanoes within wild jungles where tigers, elephants and orangutans dwell. But it's all so fragile. Scientists call what's going on here 'ecocide' since more than half of Sumatra's old-growth rainforest has been lost in 30 years with those aforementioned creatures critically endangered. See + do There's just so much. Surfers and beach lovers should go to the tiny islands off the west coast for the best waves and beach culture (the Mentawis, the Banyaks). Go trekking through wild jungle searching for orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park, while Kerinci Seblat National Park offers the best chance of spotting a Sumatran tiger. The world's largest crater lake, Lake Toba, is well worth a look. Essentials The dry season is best, between May and September. There are no direct flights from Australia so fly to Medan or Pedang (for the west coast islands) from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta or Bangkok. See Newfoundland, Canada Vital statistics Newfoundland, the world's 16th-biggest island, is the easternmost province of Canada on the Atlantic Ocean. They say 'There's enough coastline … to stretch across Canada four times over. Whether you take a hike along ancient footpaths, pack a picnic and watch for whales, or head out to sea to hunt for icebergs, you'll find it all comes with an ocean view.' We say Perhaps you know this island best from the book-cum-film, The Shipping News. It's as quirky as portrayed in both. Locals sound a little like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean, and wow, they do love a chat. Throw in wilderness, fjords and wild creatures such as moose and polar bears beside a sea of icebergs and whales, and you've got one of the most underrated, uncrowded nature escapes. See + do Rent a car – there's a great highway network. Kayak through fjords and hike into the Earth's mantle at Gros Morne National Park. Explore the capital, St Johns, which has the highest concentration of bars per person in North America and colourful row-houses. Examine where the first Europeans lived in the Americas 400 years before Columbus at L'Anse aux Meadows. Essentials Spring and summer are best, but avoid July; fly to one of five airports from Calgary or Toronto. See Borneo (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei) Vital statistics The third-biggest island, Borneo, is shared by the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, Indonesia's Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei. They say 'Borneo is a popular destination known for its diverse culture, stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife with each [of the three nations that share it] offering various attractions for tourists to explore.' We say It's been a battle between Malaysia and Indonesia as to who can destroy the most rainforest – driven by logging, mining and agricultural expansion. But while the damage is obvious, there's still so much wildness to experience, and each state or country feels totally different from the other. See + do Indonesian Kalimantan feels the rawest. Trek to see orangutans in Tanjung Putting National Park then cool off snorkelling among reef and diverse marine life at the Derawan Archipelago. The bite-sized nation of Brunei offers a taste of Islamic culture and is mostly made up of its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Sabah and Sarawak offer everything from a walk up a 4000-metre-high mountain (Mount Kinabalu) to World War II historical sites and rainforest adventures including orangutan rehabilitation areas. And then there are the island resorts. Honshu Vital statistics Japan's largest island, the world's seventh-biggest, is located roughly in the middle portion of Japan. They say 'Honshu is Japan's largest island and contains most of the country's best-known cities and destinations. But its size and geographic diversity also mean there are hundreds of barely known spots, making getting off the beaten path easy and rewarding.' We say There's something for every traveller. Honshu has the most populous metropolitan area on the planet (Greater Tokyo is home to 37 million people), but where Tokyo feels futuristic, much of Honshu feels like you're time travelling backwards. It's that constant shift between history and modernity that makes it fascinating. Bullet trains, travelling at up to 320km/h, transport tourists between destinations. See + do Choose your own adventure. Skiers love the mountains that crisscross Honshu. It offers the world's deepest snow, ryokan accommodation options and onsens. Explore original fortresses such as Matsumoto Castle in Nagano and ancient villages and World Heritage religious sites in lesser-known Tohoku. The almost-4000-metre Mount Fuji is visible from Tokyo on a clear day. Essentials Snow lovers should visit in January or February. Summer can get sweaty so consider autumn or spring though bear in mind the spring cherry blossom season is tourist-heavy. There are direct flights to Tokyo. See Mindanao, Philippines Vital statistics The largest island in the Philippines and the world's 19th-biggest, Mindanao is located in the south of the country. They say 'Mindanao offers natural beauty – beaches, mountains and waterfalls – as well as a rich cultural heritage.' We say Long regarded as the Philippines' most volatile island, warnings advise Australians to avoid the central and western regions. But at 100,000 square kilometres, there's much to see, and it's rarely crowded with tourists, like some other parts of the Philippines. It's home to some of the country's best beaches, its tallest mountain and the country's most diverse culture. See + do There's plenty to see in Mindanao's north-eastern region, including Siargao Island, home to some of the world's best surf breaks plus Mindanao's best beaches and beach resorts. Go white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro and swim in the Enchanted River, a sapphire-coloured saltwater lagoon, on the east coast. Essentials Travel during the dry season from November to April. There are many airports to fly to from Manila – consider Sayak Airport on Siargao Island. See Iceland Vital statistics The 18th-largest island on Earth is just below the Arctic Circle, between North America and Europe. They say 'Iceland, a country of extreme contrasts and dramatic landscape, is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the world's most active volcanoes.' We say Iceland gets jammed with tourists every summer, and its prices go higher each year. But it's easy to hit the road to escape the crowds in its 100,000 square kilometres, though avoid July and August. You'll discover glaciers, volcanoes and fjords with no one near them, especially if you head to the east. See + do Iceland will be one of the best places to experience a total solar eclipse on August 12 next year; rent a car and drive along the Volcanic Way, a new 700-kilometre road trip through Iceland's southern volcanic landscape. Take a whale-watching boat trip from Husavik, Iceland's whale-watching capital, or hike among stunning waterfalls on the Waterfall Circle in the eastern highlands. Essentials Consider the shoulder season in May and September to mid-October, or in winter for the Northern Lights. Connect to Reykjavik by air from across Europe and the UK. See Java, Indonesia Vital statistics Java is the 13th-biggest island, located between Bali and Sumatra. They say 'Java is the cultural heart of Indonesia, discover the vibrant energy of modern cities and the timeless charm of world-renowned cultural heritage sites.' We say It's the world's most populated island, but it's easy to find an escape. The Australians who venture beyond Bali to Java, discover a wonderland of landscape and culture: from the world's largest Buddhist temple to blue-flamed volcanoes and the world's rarest mammals. It's probably best to avoid the packed and environmentally challenged capital, Jakarta. See + do Visit Borobudur Temple, the world's biggest Buddhist temple, which was built in the 8th and 9th centuries; head to the south-west tip to World Heritage-listed Ujung Kulon National Park for stunning beaches and pristine coral; check out Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia's coolest culture cities and discover Hindu temples dating back to the seventh century among volcanoes on the Dieng Plateau. Essentials Travel from May to October in the dry season; fly to Jakarta from Australia or Bali which has ferry connections to and from Java. See Big islands we know and love Great Britain Combining England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Great Britain is the world's ninth-largest island, attracting more than 40 million visitors a year. Beyond London, consider the wild coastline of southern Wales, including the port town of Tenby, Bath's Roman history or Northern Ireland's magical northern coast, including the Giant's Causeway. See South Island, New Zealand The 12th-largest island is one of the world's most stunning alpine wildernesses. But while we know the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, it's only the beginning. Discover wine regions such as Central Otago and Marlborough, explore the cities of Christchurch and Dunedin and hike the trails of World Heritage-listed national parks. See Loading North Island, New Zealand Two spots in size below its southern neighbour, the North Island may look entirely different, but it's stacked too with natural wonders, including its isolated golden beaches and islands and its under-visited 'winterless north'. Add to that the North Island's vibrant ties of Auckland and Wellington and the proud Maori culture, and you'll see it's worth including on your itinerary. See Cuba Holidaying on the 17th-largest island on Earth is like time-travelling; 1950s American cars cruise the streets of the capital, Havana, while the nation's beaches are a must. But it's no easy feat to get here. In 2021 Cuba was declared a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US State Department, meaning you'll lose your right to an ESTA to travel back to the US. You'll have to fly there through South America with LATAM, or through Canada with Air Canada. See Ireland Scraping in at No. 20 size-wise, Ireland offers everything to everybody. A diverse landscape of coastal cliffs, beaches and that famous green, green grass is interspersed with historic castles, churches and estates as well as towns full of friendly locals keen for a chat (and a drink). Really, there's barely an inch of Ireland that won't fascinate. See Big islands you may not have heard of Baffin Island, Canada The world's fifth-largest island with a population of only 13,000 is located east of Canada's mainland and offers an escape focused on adventure and wildlife viewing. In summer, when there's less ice, consider an expedition cruise to spot polar bears, beluga whales, narwhals and Baffin Island wolves. See Luzon, Philippines We know Manila is on Luzon – the world's 15th-largest island – but it is overshadowed by the Philippines' more famous islands, such as Boracay. Luzon offers everything: historic towns of Spanish colonial architecture, active volcanoes, World Heritage-listed rice terraces and stunning beaches. See Loading Victoria Island, Canada The planet's eighth-largest island is located to the west of Baffin Island within the Arctic Archipelago (flights do run from a little further south in the North-West Territories). It isn't easy to access so the best way to see the island is on an expedition ship, though you can book outdoor activities such as fishing, dog-sledding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling from its main settlement, Cambridge Bay, home to 2000 locals. See Sulawesi, Indonesia The world's 11th-largest island is north of Bali and you can fly via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Land in the capital, Makassar, and explore its karst landscape then escape to the beaches of Pantai Bira. Fly north for biodiversity – Bunaken Marine Park is a diver's dream. See
The Age
21 hours ago
- The Age
Bigger is better: The world's 20 largest islands you need to visit
Sometimes bigger can be the best – for starters, there's more choice and more space. And so it is with islands. The world's biggest islands have some of the world's biggest coastlines: so there are more beaches to disappear to, and more bays and fjords where no one else goes. There's more hinterland too. With some of the islands on this list, such as Greenland, and Honshu, that means bigger mountains: colossal ranges that dwarf all who stand below, offering untold adventures, or at the very least, awe-inspiring backdrops. The world's biggest islands (Australia is an island-continent, rather than an island, so doesn't make the list) have bigger wilderness areas, from barely touched forests in destinations such as New Guinea or Madagascar, to glaciers at the ends of the Earth, in places such as Iceland, or Greenland. Then there are big islands out there we know little about. Barely four kilometres north of Australia lies New Guinea, the world's second-biggest island, full of adventure, culture, warm seas and World War II history. Then there's Indonesia's Bali – which was visited by 1.5 million Australians last year, making it our top international destination – and Java, the 13th biggest island on Earth, which is packed with ancient temples and barely visited beaches and national parks. Big islands mean big opportunities: to find somewhere magical, all for yourselves. To those who think the world has been 'done', here's a list of the world's 20 biggest islands offering untold adventures. Greenland Vital statistics The world's largest island, at more than 2 million square kilometres, is located north-east of Canada and north-west of Iceland. They say 'Greenland's coastline is riddled with fjords and inlets, through which the magnificent ice sheet seeps out into the surrounding oceans … bring one of only two polar ice caps in the world directly to your doorstep.' We say Greenland is fast becoming one of the planet's best adventure destinations for those who like it wild, with 50,000 residents among ice sheets, glaciers, fjords and polar bears. It's expensive to get around (there are no roads outside its small towns), the weather's unpredictable and the scale of the place can be overwhelming, but that's all part of the adventure. See + do The best way to see Greenland is on a cruise, though given its size, you'll still have to decide what region you would prefer to visit. West Greenland offers charming towns such as Uummannaq and the capital, Nuuk, and a range of boat tours out of Disko Bay; the north-east offers the world's largest national park, full of wildlife and icy wilderness. Essentials Adventurers and cruisers should come between May and September, and Northern Lights seekers in winter. Fly with Air Greenland or Iceland Air from Copenhagen or Reykjavik, or take an international cruise. See New Guinea Vital statistics New Guinea is the world's second-largest island. It's split into two countries, Papua New Guinea and West Papua (a province of Indonesia), and is just north of Australia They say 'New Guinea is one of the world's most beautiful countries. Soaring mountain peaks, unspoiled beaches, lush forests, unique flora and fauna and the cultural richness of the people combine to make [it] an increasingly popular destination.' We say Be cautious, but don't be afraid. Avoid high-risk areas such as Port Moresby, then discover this untapped destination. There are World War II wrecks in some of the clearest ocean on Earth and culturally, New Guinea offers a window into the past: locals live off the land and sea and speak 1000 dialects. See + do The islands off PNG and the archipelagos of West Papua, especially Raja Ampat, are home to the most biodiverse reef systems on Earth. Consider an expedition ship journey which incorporates these islands. Jungle trekking tours are available all over, especially in PNG's highlands. Surfing, fishing and diving are world-class. Essentials Visit during the dry season, May to October. There are no direct flights to West Papua, but you can fly via Bali to Sorong or via Port Moresby. Visas are available on arrival. See Madagascar Vital statistics The fourth-biggest island on Earth, Madagascar is located 400 kilometres east of Africa. They say 'The fauna and flora of Madagascar are outstanding riches. You will discover unique species with nearly seven types of baobabs, 19,000 plant species and more than 100,000 different species of fauna.' We say Bring cash, credit cards are rarely accepted. Also consider a hire car and driver because the roads in Madagascar are terrible. Or, better still, visit with a tour company. The infrastructure of Madagascar is challenging (to say the least), but the attractions are worth it. It's evolved in isolation for 90 million years: 90 per cent of its fauna and flora exist nowhere else. See + do The landscapes are mind-blowing, the creatures unique – and bizarre. See the best of it at national parks such as Andasibe-Mantadia and Isalo. And don't forget the beaches which rival ones in Mauritius, elsewhere in the Indian Pacific. Head to the north-west coast to Nosy Be, the Anjajavy Peninsula and Nosy Iranja for the best of them. Essentials Visit during the dry season from April to November and fly via Mauritius. Visas are available on arrival. See Sumatra, Indonesia Vital statistics The sixth-largest island on Earth, Sumatra is west of Java and south of the Malay Peninsula in Western Indonesia. They say 'Indonesia's lush island is rich in biodiversity, culture, and stunning landscapes. Embark on an adventure in Gunung Leuser National Park … visit Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in South-East Asia … head to Mentawai, a world-renowned surfing destination.' We say Sumatra is an island of extraordinary beauty. There are volcanoes within wild jungles where tigers, elephants and orangutans dwell. But it's all so fragile. Scientists call what's going on here 'ecocide' since more than half of Sumatra's old-growth rainforest has been lost in 30 years with those aforementioned creatures critically endangered. See + do There's just so much. Surfers and beach lovers should go to the tiny islands off the west coast for the best waves and beach culture (the Mentawis, the Banyaks). Go trekking through wild jungle searching for orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park, while Kerinci Seblat National Park offers the best chance of spotting a Sumatran tiger. The world's largest crater lake, Lake Toba, is well worth a look. Essentials The dry season is best, between May and September. There are no direct flights from Australia so fly to Medan or Pedang (for the west coast islands) from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta or Bangkok. See Newfoundland, Canada Vital statistics Newfoundland, the world's 16th-biggest island, is the easternmost province of Canada on the Atlantic Ocean. They say 'There's enough coastline … to stretch across Canada four times over. Whether you take a hike along ancient footpaths, pack a picnic and watch for whales, or head out to sea to hunt for icebergs, you'll find it all comes with an ocean view.' We say Perhaps you know this island best from the book-cum-film, The Shipping News. It's as quirky as portrayed in both. Locals sound a little like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean, and wow, they do love a chat. Throw in wilderness, fjords and wild creatures such as moose and polar bears beside a sea of icebergs and whales, and you've got one of the most underrated, uncrowded nature escapes. See + do Rent a car – there's a great highway network. Kayak through fjords and hike into the Earth's mantle at Gros Morne National Park. Explore the capital, St Johns, which has the highest concentration of bars per person in North America and colourful row-houses. Examine where the first Europeans lived in the Americas 400 years before Columbus at L'Anse aux Meadows. Essentials Spring and summer are best, but avoid July; fly to one of five airports from Calgary or Toronto. See Borneo (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei) Vital statistics The third-biggest island, Borneo, is shared by the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, Indonesia's Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei. They say 'Borneo is a popular destination known for its diverse culture, stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife with each [of the three nations that share it] offering various attractions for tourists to explore.' We say It's been a battle between Malaysia and Indonesia as to who can destroy the most rainforest – driven by logging, mining and agricultural expansion. But while the damage is obvious, there's still so much wildness to experience, and each state or country feels totally different from the other. See + do Indonesian Kalimantan feels the rawest. Trek to see orangutans in Tanjung Putting National Park then cool off snorkelling among reef and diverse marine life at the Derawan Archipelago. The bite-sized nation of Brunei offers a taste of Islamic culture and is mostly made up of its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Sabah and Sarawak offer everything from a walk up a 4000-metre-high mountain (Mount Kinabalu) to World War II historical sites and rainforest adventures including orangutan rehabilitation areas. And then there are the island resorts. Honshu Vital statistics Japan's largest island, the world's seventh-biggest, is located roughly in the middle portion of Japan. They say 'Honshu is Japan's largest island and contains most of the country's best-known cities and destinations. But its size and geographic diversity also mean there are hundreds of barely known spots, making getting off the beaten path easy and rewarding.' We say There's something for every traveller. Honshu has the most populous metropolitan area on the planet (Greater Tokyo is home to 37 million people), but where Tokyo feels futuristic, much of Honshu feels like you're time travelling backwards. It's that constant shift between history and modernity that makes it fascinating. Bullet trains, travelling at up to 320km/h, transport tourists between destinations. See + do Choose your own adventure. Skiers love the mountains that crisscross Honshu. It offers the world's deepest snow, ryokan accommodation options and onsens. Explore original fortresses such as Matsumoto Castle in Nagano and ancient villages and World Heritage religious sites in lesser-known Tohoku. The almost-4000-metre Mount Fuji is visible from Tokyo on a clear day. Essentials Snow lovers should visit in January or February. Summer can get sweaty so consider autumn or spring though bear in mind the spring cherry blossom season is tourist-heavy. There are direct flights to Tokyo. See Mindanao, Philippines Vital statistics The largest island in the Philippines and the world's 19th-biggest, Mindanao is located in the south of the country. They say 'Mindanao offers natural beauty – beaches, mountains and waterfalls – as well as a rich cultural heritage.' We say Long regarded as the Philippines' most volatile island, warnings advise Australians to avoid the central and western regions. But at 100,000 square kilometres, there's much to see, and it's rarely crowded with tourists, like some other parts of the Philippines. It's home to some of the country's best beaches, its tallest mountain and the country's most diverse culture. See + do There's plenty to see in Mindanao's north-eastern region, including Siargao Island, home to some of the world's best surf breaks plus Mindanao's best beaches and beach resorts. Go white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro and swim in the Enchanted River, a sapphire-coloured saltwater lagoon, on the east coast. Essentials Travel during the dry season from November to April. There are many airports to fly to from Manila – consider Sayak Airport on Siargao Island. See Iceland Vital statistics The 18th-largest island on Earth is just below the Arctic Circle, between North America and Europe. They say 'Iceland, a country of extreme contrasts and dramatic landscape, is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the world's most active volcanoes.' We say Iceland gets jammed with tourists every summer, and its prices go higher each year. But it's easy to hit the road to escape the crowds in its 100,000 square kilometres, though avoid July and August. You'll discover glaciers, volcanoes and fjords with no one near them, especially if you head to the east. See + do Iceland will be one of the best places to experience a total solar eclipse on August 12 next year; rent a car and drive along the Volcanic Way, a new 700-kilometre road trip through Iceland's southern volcanic landscape. Take a whale-watching boat trip from Husavik, Iceland's whale-watching capital, or hike among stunning waterfalls on the Waterfall Circle in the eastern highlands. Essentials Consider the shoulder season in May and September to mid-October, or in winter for the Northern Lights. Connect to Reykjavik by air from across Europe and the UK. See Java, Indonesia Vital statistics Java is the 13th-biggest island, located between Bali and Sumatra. They say 'Java is the cultural heart of Indonesia, discover the vibrant energy of modern cities and the timeless charm of world-renowned cultural heritage sites.' We say It's the world's most populated island, but it's easy to find an escape. The Australians who venture beyond Bali to Java, discover a wonderland of landscape and culture: from the world's largest Buddhist temple to blue-flamed volcanoes and the world's rarest mammals. It's probably best to avoid the packed and environmentally challenged capital, Jakarta. See + do Visit Borobudur Temple, the world's biggest Buddhist temple, which was built in the 8th and 9th centuries; head to the south-west tip to World Heritage-listed Ujung Kulon National Park for stunning beaches and pristine coral; check out Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia's coolest culture cities and discover Hindu temples dating back to the seventh century among volcanoes on the Dieng Plateau. Essentials Travel from May to October in the dry season; fly to Jakarta from Australia or Bali which has ferry connections to and from Java. See Big islands we know and love Great Britain Combining England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Great Britain is the world's ninth-largest island, attracting more than 40 million visitors a year. Beyond London, consider the wild coastline of southern Wales, including the port town of Tenby, Bath's Roman history or Northern Ireland's magical northern coast, including the Giant's Causeway. See South Island, New Zealand The 12th-largest island is one of the world's most stunning alpine wildernesses. But while we know the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, it's only the beginning. Discover wine regions such as Central Otago and Marlborough, explore the cities of Christchurch and Dunedin and hike the trails of World Heritage-listed national parks. See Loading North Island, New Zealand Two spots in size below its southern neighbour, the North Island may look entirely different, but it's stacked too with natural wonders, including its isolated golden beaches and islands and its under-visited 'winterless north'. Add to that the North Island's vibrant ties of Auckland and Wellington and the proud Maori culture, and you'll see it's worth including on your itinerary. See Cuba Holidaying on the 17th-largest island on Earth is like time-travelling; 1950s American cars cruise the streets of the capital, Havana, while the nation's beaches are a must. But it's no easy feat to get here. In 2021 Cuba was declared a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US State Department, meaning you'll lose your right to an ESTA to travel back to the US. You'll have to fly there through South America with LATAM, or through Canada with Air Canada. See Ireland Scraping in at No. 20 size-wise, Ireland offers everything to everybody. A diverse landscape of coastal cliffs, beaches and that famous green, green grass is interspersed with historic castles, churches and estates as well as towns full of friendly locals keen for a chat (and a drink). Really, there's barely an inch of Ireland that won't fascinate. See Big islands you may not have heard of Baffin Island, Canada The world's fifth-largest island with a population of only 13,000 is located east of Canada's mainland and offers an escape focused on adventure and wildlife viewing. In summer, when there's less ice, consider an expedition cruise to spot polar bears, beluga whales, narwhals and Baffin Island wolves. See Luzon, Philippines We know Manila is on Luzon – the world's 15th-largest island – but it is overshadowed by the Philippines' more famous islands, such as Boracay. Luzon offers everything: historic towns of Spanish colonial architecture, active volcanoes, World Heritage-listed rice terraces and stunning beaches. See Loading Victoria Island, Canada The planet's eighth-largest island is located to the west of Baffin Island within the Arctic Archipelago (flights do run from a little further south in the North-West Territories). It isn't easy to access so the best way to see the island is on an expedition ship, though you can book outdoor activities such as fishing, dog-sledding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling from its main settlement, Cambridge Bay, home to 2000 locals. See Sulawesi, Indonesia The world's 11th-largest island is north of Bali and you can fly via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Land in the capital, Makassar, and explore its karst landscape then escape to the beaches of Pantai Bira. Fly north for biodiversity – Bunaken Marine Park is a diver's dream. See
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Expro Wins Well Test Contract for Major UK CCS Project
ABERDEEN, Scotland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Energy services provider, Expro (NYSE: XPRO), has secured a key contract to deliver integrated well testing services for a high-profile carbon capture and storage (CCS) project offshore UK. This award follows soon after the industry's much anticipated December 2024 award of the first ever carbon storage permit by the UK Regulator, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), to the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) for the storage of carbon dioxide in the Endurance reservoir located off the North-East Coast of England. Expro has been commissioned by NEP to provide critical services that will be needed to appraise two wells in the Endurance reservoir for future CCS suitability. The production and injection testing of the Endurance aquifer will provide important information that will be used to characterize the reservoir as part of the East Coast Cluster field development plan. Expro will deliver operations using capabilities and technologies from its well testing, fluid sampling and analysis, and subsea business segments. To provide a fully integrated CCS appraisal solution, Expro has selected Baker Hughes to provide its electrical submersible pumps (ESP) and Metrol Technology for Drill Stem Testing (DST), Downhole Data Acquisition and Wireless Telemetry Services. The Endurance reservoir has the capacity to store up to 450m tonnes of CO 2. It is regarded as critical to achieving UK Government CCS targets of 20-30 million tonnes of CO 2 a year by 2030 and over 50 million tonnes a year by 2035. Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) is a joint venture between bp, TotalEnergies, and Equinor. It was formed in 2020 as the East Coast Cluster CO 2 transportation and storage provider, which will transport and store CO 2 emissions from the Teesside and the Humber industrial clusters. The contract is expected to safeguard local jobs in the North-East of Scotland, reinforcing Expro's long-standing presence in the region. The company's well test team will be based at its regional center of excellence in Aberdeen, ensuring operations are delivered utilizing local expertise. In its commitment to regional economic development, Expro will also prioritize engagement with UK-based suppliers, helping to strengthen and sustain the national energy supply chain. Expro has more than 20 years' experience in supporting CCS projects around the world, including the Northern Lights project in Norway. The company also has a 50-year-plus heritage of supporting the energy industry in the North Sea. Iain Farley, Regional Vice President for Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa at Expro said: 'Our success in securing this contract for the Northern Endurance Partnership demonstrates Expro's ability to use our reservoir appraisal and well test capabilities, that have traditionally been used for the development of oil and gas reservoirs, to help kick-off the carbon storage industry in the UK. Expro is proud of both playing a key role in helping to decarbonize the UK and in the confidence that the Northern Endurance Partnership has placed in Expro to successfully deliver this project. 'This contract win builds on the success of the integrated well testing services that Expro has also provided to Equinor for the Northern Lights CCS project in Norway. It also demonstrates our commitment to the UK's CCS program and the opportunities it is expected to create for local employment, economies, and supply chains.' Notes to Editors Working for clients across the well life cycle, Expro is a leading provider of energy services, offering cost-effective, innovative solutions and what the Company considers to be best-in-class safety and service quality. The Company's extensive portfolio of capabilities spans well construction, well flow management, subsea well access, and well intervention and integrity solutions. With roots dating to 1938, Expro has approximately 8,500 employees and provides services and solutions to leading exploration and production companies in both onshore and offshore environments in more than 50 countries. For more information, please visit and connect with Expro on Twitter @ExproGroup and LinkedIn @Expro. This press release, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company, may contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, the success, safety, efficiency and sustainability of the Company's tubular running services technologies, the Company's environmental, social and governance goals, targets and initiatives, and future growth, and are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "outlook," "estimate," "expect," "project," "believe," "envision," "goal," "target," "can," "will," and similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's expectations and judgments and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control. The factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to materially differ include, among others the risk factors identified in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, historical practice, or otherwise.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon announce The Trip's return with season five in the Northern Lights
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon have announced a new series of their much-loved travel programme The Trip, which was previously believed to be finished for good after the Greece-set fourth series in 2020. Series five of the show will see Coogan, 59, and Brydon, 60, trade the Mediterranean sunshine for the rugged beauty of Northern Europe as they journey through Scandinavia in search of 'fine food, wry conversation and a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights'. Across six episodes, directed again by Michael Winterbottom (This England, 24 Hour Party People), Coogan and Brydon will explore the wildest riches of Northern Europe, including sculptural Swedish hotels and remote Norwegian fishing huts. 'I'm delighted that Michael Winterbottom has managed to persuade me at the age of 59 to join Rob, aged 60, to squeeze the last few drops of comedy from a bottle that we both thought was pretty much empty,' Coogan said of the forthcoming series. Meanwhile, Brydon added of the project: 'I'm so pleased to be heading out on a Trip once again, this time to beautiful Scandinavia and how lovely to do it while Steve Coogan, Michael Winterbottom and I still have most of our faculties.' Coogan and Brydon were adamant that the fourth series of The Trip would be the end, stating in 2020: 'I was going to say quit while you're ahead but if that was the case we would have quit with three. 'But quit while you're not far behind. Jump before you're pushed. We made a joke about being repetitive in this one but I think making jokes about being repetitive about being repetitive gets a bit thin.' Yet, back in February, Coogan inadvertently announced The Trip season five when he plead in court to avoid a driving ban for speeding at almost 100mph. 'I have a series of important film commitments scheduled for 2025, many of which involve driving as a central component of the work,' he wrote in a letter addressed to Birmingham magistrates court. 'I am due to appear in a well-established TV series called The Trip (with Rob Brydon), which as the title suggests requires me to drive.' The six-part series will commence shooting later this year on location in Scandinavia. However, an air date is yet to be announced. Previous series of The Trip are available on Sky and NOW.
