Actor Bernard Hill, of Titanic and Lord Of The Rings, has died at 79

In Titanic, Hill played Captain Edward Smith, one of the only characters based on a real person, and in the Lord Of The Rings franchise, he was Théoden, King of Rohan.

Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King and went down with the ship as the captain in Titanic, has died.

Hill, 79, died on Sunday (May 5) morning, his agent Lou Coulson said.

Hill joined the Lord Of The Rings franchise in the second film of the trilogy, 2002’s The Two Towers, as Théoden, King of Rohan. The following year, he reprised the role in Return Of The King, a movie that won 11 Oscars.

In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Hill’s character fires up his overmatched forces by delivering a battle cry on horseback that sends his troops thundering downhill towards the enemy and his own imminent death.

“Arise, arise, riders of Théoden!” Hill hollers. “Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now! Ride now! Ride! Ride for ruin and the world’s ending! Death! Death! Death!”

What to Know about the Stunning Northern Lights for Friday Night: Details

The breathtaking aurora borealis may be visible this Friday night across several US states. This is thanks to a recent space phenomenon.

A geomagnetic storm pushed the northern lights further south than usual this week. As a result, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (NWSSWPC) calculates another chance to see them at the right location on October 11, 2024, after many witnessed the event the previous day.

The NWSSWPC has been tracking the aurora’s activity and predicts a KP index of five for Friday night. This index, ranging from 0 to 9, indicates the intensity of the aurora.

A KP of 5 suggests a brighter and more active aurora, potentially visible further south than usual. The aurora typically appears as a green oval centered on Earth’s magnetic pole, but it can turn red during periods of heightened activity.

While often seen just after sunset or before sunrise, the aurora is not visible in daylight. Interestingly, it doesn’t have to be directly overhead to be seen; under ideal conditions, it can be observed from as far as 1,000 km (approximately 621 miles) away.

This celestial display isn’t just a visual wonder; it also serves as an indicator of geomagnetic storm conditions. These events can impact various technologies, including radio communication and GPS navigation

The NWSSWPC emphasizes the aurora borealis as an exceptional opportunity for many to personally experience the wonders of space weather. It is a captivating nighttime display that entices people to journey to Arctic regions simply to witness its beauty.

To see this event, the NWSSWPC suggests finding a location with minimal light pollution and an unobstructed view to the north. A higher vantage point, like a hill, can further enhance your viewing experience. Additionally, the optimal time to watch is usually within an hour or two of midnight, between 10 PM and 2 AM local time.

So, which states are most likely to catch this dazzling display? According to the view line calculated by the NWSSWPC, Alaska and northern parts of Washington have a higher chance of seeing it. Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are also in this range.

Other states, including Montana, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, also have a possibility, though the likelihood is lower

Areas in the rest of the world may also see them. For example, the Meteorological Office predicts that cloudy skies will limit vision for most of the UK, except for Scotland.

This week’s stunning aurora borealis displays weren’t a surprise. The NWSSWPC issued a G4 storm watch on October 9th, 2024, following a coronal mass ejection from the Sun on October 8th.

This powerful solar event had the potential to cause significant disruptions to crucial infrastructure. “There is potential to reach G4 (Severe) upon arrival of this CME and throughout its passage,” the NWSSWPC warned. Eventually, the storm got stronger than initial predictions.

Therefore, this Friday night aurora borealis promises a captivating spectacle for those lucky enough to witness it. However, remember, these predictions can change depending on local weather conditions. Also, the unpredictable nature of this space phenomenon also factors into any chance of viewing.

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