A geomagnetic storm triggered by a flare of solar energy hit Earth yesterday, making the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, light up the sky at lower latitudes than usual.

More people will be able to see the dazzling display, with auroras visible in Scotland and the north of England and as far south as New York, Wisconsin and Washington states, according to United States and United Kingdom authorities.

The effects are expected to continue over the next few days, according to the UK's Met Office, which said there could be a "rather active period of geomagnetic activity.

READ MORE: Australia to build lunar rover for NASA mission to the Moon

"Geomagnetic storms are large disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field caused by changes in the solar wind and the structure of the interplanetary magnetic field.

This latest storm was triggered on Saturday by a strong coronal mass ejection – a hugely energetic explosion of light, solar material and energy from the Sun.

READ MORE: Researchers find our planet isn't as bright as it once was

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center said this geomagnetic storm was a "moderate" one, calling it a "G2" event on its 1 to 5 scale.

The US agency also noted that the storm's impact would be felt above 55 degrees latitude, and it was possible that power grid fluctuations could occur.

The Northern Lights are driven primarily by solar winds – particles emitted from the sun that flow out through space and tear through Earth's magnetosphere, creating a colorful light show.

An Australian-made lunar rover will be sent to the Moon in a new deal struck with NASA to build the $50 million vehicle for a future mission.

The semi-autonomous rover will collect lunar soil that contains oxides, and using separate equipment, NASA will aim to extract oxygen from the soil.

The government says it is a key step towards establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon and supporting future missions to Mars.

READ MORE: Southeast Queensland smashed by a month's worth of rain in 24 hours

Up to $50 million in funding will be available to Australian teams developing the rover through the government's Trailblazer program, and will form one component of the $150 million Moon to Mars initiative.

No Australian has ever step foot on the Moon.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was just one step towards Australia innovating in the "space economy".

"This is an incredible opportunity for Australia to succeed in the global space sector, and is central to our government's vision to secure more jobs and a larger share of the growing space economy," Mr Morrison said in a statement.

"By 2030, we want to triple the size of our space sector — adding $12 billion to our economy and creating up to 20,000 new, high-skilled jobs — providing more opportunities for Australians and industries.

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"Our government has invested more than $700 million in the civil space sector since July 2018, supporting core industries including manufacturing, robotics, engineering, mining and resources.

"This mission to the Moon is just one exciting way that we can create opportunity and jobs for the future, and our government will ensure Australians reap the benefits."

The rover and its deployment system must weigh 20 kilograms or less and perform its task "with a high level of autonomy".

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the partnership with Australian teams was a continuation of a friendship that stretches back more than 50 years.

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"This agreement will serve to strengthen the long-time relationship between the United States and Australia in areas related to space exploration – a relationship that goes back more than half a century to the days of the Apollo program," Mr Nelson said.

"By working together with the Australian Space Agency and our partners around the world, NASA will uncover more discoveries and accomplish more research through the Artemis program."

Under the agreement, NASA will fly the rover to the Moon as early as 2026, provided it meets a range of conditions during its development.

Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency, said world-leading skills were drawn from expertise in the resources and mining sector.

"Australia is at the cutting-edge of robotics technology and systems for remote operations, which are going to be central to setting up a sustainable presence on the Moon and eventually supporting human exploration of Mars," Mr Palermo said.

An anti-vaxxer's unprovoked attack on a Sydney café over its COVID-safe signage has spectacularly backfired and instead saw the business flooded with support.

In a video shared online, a man filmed himself yelling at a barista at the Cafe Dzajko in Tempe yesterday afternoon.

The café was displaying the same NSW Government signage seen in stores across the state which asks customers to check-in and show their proof of vaccination.

READ MORE: Tradies urged not to delay return to work amid major labour shortages

"What make you think that I am going to hand over my medical and private information of whether I am vaccinated or not vaccinated just to buy a cup of coffee," the man in the video can be heard saying.

He then accused the café of "discrimination and putrid attempt to segregate".

Barista Andressa Kist kept her cool despite being terrified as she made coffee yesterday afternoon.

"I am a little bit scared and frustrated because I was just following the rules," she told 9News.

READ MORE: Southeast Queensland smashed by a month's worth of rain in 24 hours

Owner Diche Dzajko described the man as "faceless" and accused him of "going around attacking people for no reason".

However, the attempt to shame the café backfired with people across Sydney and beyond pledging their support.

Mr Dzajko said people had been giving them extra money with their coffees, and even writing on their Facebook page.

"Best wishes from Canberra. Will grab a brew when I visit next," one person wrote.

"I'm going out of my way to get coffee from you next time I'm in Sydney," another said.

Southeast Queensland has copped a drenching in the day with more than 70mm of rain falling overnight, and more expected this evening.

The region is expected to be hit with a further month's worth of rain in coming days with a chance of a thunderstorm in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast this morning.

"It was a very wet night last night," Dean Narramore from the Bureau of Meteorology told Today.

"We saw 25-45mm pretty much from the Sunshine Coast all the way to the NSW border and well inland towards Toowoomba and out into the Darling Downs as well."

READ MORE: Increased flooding risk for Australia's east and north

Another round of rain is expected to move in from the west later today, and some areas could see up to 50mm of rainfall with storms, Mr Narramore said.

Mr Narramore said the bureau was not expecting any major flooding as a result of the rain given the weather had been fairly dry over the last few months.

READ MORE: NSW already closing in on next 'freedom day'

Queensland is heading towards cyclone season, which begins in November and lasts through to April.

"We normally average 11 cyclones in our area of responsibility which is a huge part of ocean from west to east across Australia," Mr Narramore said.

"There's always a risk every year particularly towards November through to April where could see a crossing cyclone on the Queensland coast.

"It's good to be prepared in the coming months."

A miniature Pomeranian has been reunited with her family after surviving a tornado in Meadow Flats in New South Wales Central West late last month.

Scott and Anne Beecroft thought Pom Pom had been killed after the freak tornado hit their home.

"We couldn't believe it, could not believe it, it was unbelievable," Mr Becroft told WIN News.

READ MORE: Southeast Queensland smashed by a month's worth of rain in 24 hours

"We thought she was gone, went looking for her little body, went down to the paddock, 300 meters away and she was alive."

The small dog, who only weighs just over one kg, lost her tooth and dislocated her jaw.

The family said she was also suffering shock but has slowly been returning to her normal, happy self.

Mr Beecroft said he is glad Pom Pom was able to survive the harsh conditions.

"We thought she was definitely gone for sure, especially when you've got fifteen tonne trees getting picked up and dumped like rag dolls," he said.

READ MORE: Tradies urged not to delay return to work amid major labour shortages

Mr Beecroft was also injured in the tornado. His arm was nearly dragged out the kitchen window when the storms smashed into the house. 

"I had to grab hold of the bench just here, hanging onto the bench with one arm then next thing me feet are flinging up, foot was in the bench just here," said Mr Beecroft.

The couple is continuing to clean up and rebuild their 100-year-old home after the tornado.

"It ripped the roof off, ripped everything out in here, just shredded everything," Mr Beecroft said.

Recent torrential rain has also caused the ground to turn into pools of mud, which has made the recovery difficult for the family.

But despite the wreckage, the Beecrofts said they were glad to have their dog back safe and sound.

A Northland tyre company is believed to have been visited on Saturday by an Auckland truck driver who has since tested positive for Covid-19.In a Facebook post, the owners of Steve Taylor Tyres in Whangārei said a person who…

A sinkhole in the Asheville neighbourhood of Montford in North Carolina that has nearly doubled in size is causing concern for residents.

"This has been a constant source of stress for two months," Nat Dickinson, who lives next door to the sinkhole, said.

Mr Dickinson said he first noticed the hole along Montford Avenue back in July.

READ MORE: Southeast Queensland smashed by a month's worth of rain in 24 hours

"Then we had those two big rainstorms in August, and that really opened it up much more," he said.

Mr Dickinson also said it's blocking storm culverts, forcing stormwater into nearby homes, like his own.

"The water came rushing down the driveway, and the backyard was flooded," he said.

"My basement was flooded as well."

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Mr Dickinson said he fears what could happen next as the sinkhole has grown to his property line.

"No homeowners insurance covers neither the sinkhole for these folks or if it damages our property or even if our house is condemned," he said.

"Nor does it cover surface cover runoff."

Mr Dickinson said he contacted the City of Asheville back in July but has received little help.

READ MORE: Tradies urged not to delay return to work amid major labour shortages

"That's been really disappointing," he said.

"Disappointing that no one called me back until yesterday. We are 77 days in. Yesterday was the first time I had a conversation on the phone with somebody."

Mr Dickinson said an unresponsive rental company owns the property.

READ MORE: Next freedoms could come early for Sydney if vaccine rates keep up

"I've got no recourse," he said.

"I don't even know these people at all."

Now Mr Dickinson is calling on the city for help.

"Whatever happens, if you have disengaged homeowners, at some point, the city needs to step in," he said.

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A spokesperson for the City of Asheville said the sinkhole is on private property, so it's up to the property owner to fill the hole.

The city also said the owners are working with a private engineer firm to resolve the issue.

A timeline for the fix was not listed.

"It's at the fence line now," Mr Dickinson said.

"It's at the property line, and once it affects my property, you know."

He's drawing a line in the sand.

"Your only recourse is to sue them," he said.

"Sue their liability insurance."

Sophie Zhang, who said she felt like she had "blood on her hands" after working at Facebook, is willing to testify before Congress about her former employer, she told CNN Sunday.

She said she had also passed on documentation about the social media giant to a US law enforcement agency.

Ms Zhang, who worked as a data scientist at the company for almost three years, wrote a lengthy memo when she was fired by Facebook last year detailing how she believed the company was not doing enough to tackle hate and misinformation, particularly in smaller and developing countries.

READ MORE: Facebook unveils new controls for kids using its platforms

Ms Zhang said the company told her she was fired because of performance issues.

The memo was first reported last year by BuzzFeed News and later formed the basis of a series of reports by The Guardian newspaper.

Speaking to CNN at her home in the Bay Area on Sunday, Ms Zhang said she was encouraged that there appeared to be bipartisan support for action relating to the protection of children online following Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen's testimony to a Senate subcommittee last week.

READ MORE: Facebook's stock plummets as Zuckerberg loses $8b

Ms Zhang said she has brought information about Facebook to authorities.

"I provided detailed documentation regarding potential criminal violations to a US law enforcement agency. My understanding is that the investigation is still ongoing," she tweeted on Sunday.

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She declined to share when asked by CNN what information she had provided or to which agency.

An FBI spokesperson declined to comment Monday, adding, "the FBI does not generally confirm, deny, or otherwise comment on information or tips we may receive from the public."

Central to Ms Zhang's allegations about Facebook is that it doesn't do enough to tackle abuse of its platform in countries outside of the United States.

Roughly 90 per cent of Facebook's monthly active users are outside the US and Canada, according to its most recent quarterly filing.

A Facebook spokesperson pushed back on that charge Monday, saying the company had invested billions in safety and security in recent years.

"We have also taken down over 150 networks seeking to manipulate public debate since 2017, and they have originated in over 50 countries, with the majority coming from or focused outside of the US," the spokesperson said.

"Our track record shows that we crack down on abuse abroad with the same intensity that we apply in the US."

A young woman has been hit and killed by a van while crossing the road in Sydney's inner west.

The pedestrian walked onto the road with her headphones on when she was struck just after 10am today.

She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

READ MORE: Tradies urged not to delay return to work amid major labour shortages

"It was a very sombre scene for our paramedics and bystanders here this morning," Inspector Karl Cronan from NSW Ambulance said.

"The bystanders who attempted to assist the patient before we arrived on scene are to be highly commended, it was a heart-breaking scene.

"As the state begins to open up this will mean more vehicles and pedestrians on and around the roads, we have to look out for each other, especially in these difficult weather conditions."

READ MORE: Southeast Queensland smashed by a month's worth of rain in 24 hours

The woman is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged 43, NSW Police said.

The 43-year-old male driver of the truck was not injured and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Officers attached to Leichhardt Police Area Command established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic police.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

After months of being locked into our homes, Sydneysiders are driving an unprecedented surge in demand for holidays.

But it has also created the perfect opportunity for savvy families to make money from their existing assets, which in turn can be used to fund their own holidays further afield.

The post-lockdown frenzy has created a shortage of accommodation and activities, with many areas booked out until next year, and a significant increase in prices.

READ MORE: Tradies urged not to delay return to work amid major labour shortages

This means Sydneysiders prepared to rent out their home, car or caravan, boat or even driveway will likely get their new listings snapped up at peak season prices.

New research by Airbnb reveals Australians who started listing their properties between July last year and June this year and welcomed at least one guest earned an average of $24,880.

And with Sydney ranked the fourth most searched for summer destinations in NSW, it's not just obvious locations like Bondi or the Blue Mountains that are getting snapped up.

"What we find is two things: one a lot of people use us to go and visit their relatives and friends or family, which means they are looking for places absolutely everywhere," Susan Wheeldon, country manager for Airbnb told 9News.

"And number two is, if you started searching for somewhere and it's booked out or there's not anything you can find, then people are branching out into further and further suburbs.

"We are seeing a lot of searches coming back into Sydney and we think that's because people are just looking to get into a different neighbourhood and see something a bit different from where they have been locked down in recent months."

READ MORE: Southeast Queensland smashed by a month's worth of rain in 24 hours

Matthew Lloyd, co-founder and managing director of Book My Boat, has seen a significant increase in bookings on his peer-to-peer platform for boats, ranging from little tinnies to house boats and charter boats, in the lead up to lockdown lifting.

"Boats are an expensive item but they also yield a great return," he said.

"Someone with a small tinnie that does under 10 knots, they're going for around $200 to $250 a day.

"Demand has gone crazy – everyone can see Freedom Day and bookings are coming in thick and fast. We actually need new boats, we have got too many customers.

"Booking you boat out is a great way to generate a bit of extra income, a bit of a side hustle."

Similarly, people can make money on the side from renting out their cars on platforms like Car Next Door and their parking space, garage, carport or driveway on Parkhound.

"I think for a lot of people it's an opportunity to make use of an underutilised asset… instead of spending $8000 a year maybe keeping your car parked on the street," Andrew Bieber from Car Next Door said.

Megan Murphy, a primary school teacher, and Fran Coxworth, head of an IT department at Westpac, have a studio in the back of their home in Newport on Sydney's Northern Beaches listed on Airbnb.

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"The set up was very easy, it's pretty low maintenance and we've found all the guests really tidy and pretty clean," Megan said.

"It allows us a bit of extra money to travel and experience other Airbnb's both in Australia and all over the world."

They're planning to use money they earn from Airbnb to travel to the UK to see family and for some regional long weekend breaks in NSW.

"As the restrictions have eased, inquiries have certainly ramped up," Megan added.

"Before we had a lot of international guests coming to stay to spend time with family in the area and now it's a holiday from across the bridge so a lot of people from the other side of Sydney, a lot of locals in general.

"You'd be surprised by how many people are looking for accommodation that's not a hotel but something a bit more personal – it's definitely worth a go."

Caravans, boats, converted trains and yurts are also among popular properties on Airbnb.

Airbnb has a 'What's My Place Worth Tool' which calculates the average monthly income for a Host in most destinations across Australia.