I Watched the Sky Glow. My Data Stayed Dark

The northern lights are supposed to be visible tonight. Eighteen states, maybe more, if the solar wind keeps pushing. I keep refreshing the forecast, like it’ll change something—like I’ll catch a sign that means this is all worth it. I should be excited. Instead, I’m in the lab, rerunning the same protocol, hoping for a result that doesn’t hate me. Outside, people are waiting for the sky to light up. Inside, I’m staring at numbers that refuse to glow, no matter how many times I try. They say auroras are fickle. So is data. Sometimes you do everything right and nothing shows up. Sometimes you’re just left in the dark, wondering if you missed your only chance. #ScienceFatigue #LabBurnout #StillTrying #Science