GEOMAGNETIC OUTLOOK: Earth's magnetic field is expected to be mostly undisturbed for the first three days of March. Geomagnetic activity might increase, however, on March 4th when solar wind flowing from a northern hole in the sun's atmosphere grazes our planet. Arctic sky watchers should be alert for auroras at that time. Free: Aurora Alerts
VENUS-MERCURY CONJUNCTION: Returning to the evening sky after a nearly 11 month absence, Venus is once again beaming through the twilight, low in the western sky after sunset. This weekend, Mercury is there, too. Eliot Herman photographed the two planets converging over Tucson, Arizona:
"Last night, I made this test exposure of Mercury and Venus after sunset," says Herman. "The two planets are converging for a close encounter on Saturday."
On March 3rd, Venus and Mercury will be just 1.1 degrees apart, and nearly as close on March 4th. To see them you will need an absolutely clear view of the western horizon, and even then only brilliant Venus may be visible to the naked eye. Mercury will show up in alongside, however, in digital cameras set for twilight exposures. Monitor the photo gallery for sightings.
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
CROWD-FUNDING SPACE WEATHER RESEARCH: Did you know that cosmic rays in Earth's atmosphere are intensifying? It's true, and we are monitoring the phenomenon with regular space weather balloon flights to the stratosphere. This student science program is not supported by any government grant or corporate sponsorship. Instead, we raise our research funds by selling these:
On Jan. 4, 2018, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus flew this 3D printed Moon globe to the stratosphere--and you can have it for $149.95.
The surface of the sphere is an accurate topo-map of lunar terrain, tracing every major crater and mountain range. It is also a night light. A built-in USB-rechargeable battery provides up to 20 hours of romantic illumination.
Each glowing orb comes with a greeting card showing the Moon in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space. Sales support the Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray ballooning program and hands-on STEM research.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All proceeds support hands-on STEM education