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SLIGHT CHANCE OF STORMS: NOAA forecasters estimate a 15% of polar geomagnetic storms on Feb. 12th when a solar wind stream is expected to brush against Earth's magnetic field. Debris from a magnetic filament that erupted on the sun a few days ago might also arrive, further boosting the odds of auroras around the Arctic Circle. Aurora alerts: text, voice.
GREATEST JOB IN THE WORLD? Chad Blakley insists he has "the greatest job in the world." He might be right. Blakely is an aurora tour guide in Sweden's Abisko National Park, and here is a sample of what he showed to his customers last night, Feb. 11th:
"We were all VERY impressed," says Blakley. "A large green band showed up around 8:00 PM and developed into curtains, spirals, coronas and quickly moving streams of light. I can honestly say that tonight was the best night of 2013. On nights like this I feel like I have the best job in the world!"
Moreover, he says, "it seems like the next few nights may be even better." He might be right about that, too. A solar wind stream is expected to brush against Earth's magnetic field on Feb. 12-13, possibly energizing more lights over Abisko. Aurora alerts: text, voice.
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SUNDOGS: How many dogs can you count in this picture? Hint: Don't forget the sundogs. Scroll down past the sled for a total:
Answer: Six, four huskies plus two parhelia--a.k.a. "sundogs." They are bright splashes of light to the left and right of the sun caused by sunlight shining through ice crystals in the air.
"They appeared to result from snowmobiles and dogs kicking snowdust up into the Artic air," says Ian Collins, who took the picture on February 9, 2013 from Jukkasjarvi, Sweden.
With northern winter entering its coldest, snow-dustiest phase, now is a great time to be alert for the phenomenon. The Iditarod is coming in March. Can you say photo-op?
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