A HOLE IN THE SUN'S ATMOSPHERE: A complex network of holes has opened in the sun's atmosphere, and it is spewing solar wind into space. The ensemble of gaps, shown here in an image from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, is now facing Earth:
NOAA forecasters say there is a 55% chance of G1-class geomagnetic storms when the gaseous material reaches our planet. This could happen as early as March 22nd.
The approaching stream will arrive just after the onset of northern spring. With "equinox cracks" opening in Earth's magnetic field, the solar wind will likely penetrate our planet's defenses and spark bright auroras around the Arctic Circle. Stay tuned for a light show. Free: Aurora Alerts
SOLAR ECLIPSE IN THE STRATOSPHERE (KANSAS EDITION): On Aug. 21, 2017, Spaceweather.com and the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched 11 cosmic ray balloons from the path of totality of the Great American Solar Eclipse. Our cameras recorded the eclipse from the edge of space above 6 US states. This just-released footage shows how the team in Kansas had to deal with stormy weather to get their balloon off the ground:
No one at the launch site witnessed the eclipse, which was itself eclipsed by rainclouds. Nevertheless, they managed to record a unique video of the Moon's inky-black shadow racing across the cloudtops. Congratuations to the students and educators for their work on this project!
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
WILD RIDE OF THE EASTERNAUTS: : Easter is coming early this year: April 1, 2018--hence the flight of the Easternauts. To support their cosmic ray ballooning program, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus have launched a payload full of bunnies to the edge of space:
You can have one for $49.95. (Space helmet included!) They make great Easter gifts for young scientists, and all proceeds support STEM education. Each bunny comes with a greeting card showing the Easternaut in flight and telling the story of its journey to the stratosphere and back again.