CAN BIRDS SEE SPACE WEATHER? Researchers have long suspected that birds can see magnetic fields. Now, two new studies (one examining zebra finches and the other looking at European robins) have identified a specific protein that gives them this uncanny sense. Both single out Cry4, a light-sensitive protein found in the retina. This raises the interesting possibility that birds can see geomagnetic storms--not only by watching auroras as humans do, but also by witnessing the underlying unrest of Earth's magnetic field. Learn more about this research from ScienceNews.
ICE PYRAMIDS MAKE RARE MOON HALO: Anyone who spends enough time watching the Moon in the night sky will eventually see an icy cloud drift by, and a ring of light surround the lunar disk. Moonlight shining through ice crystals creates the display. Usually these "ice halos" are 22 degrees in radius. On April 3rd, Tomasz Adam of Kraków, Poland, saw that halo and another one inside it--a rare 9 degree ring:
This inner halo is formed by unusual ice crystals shaped like tiny pyramids (inset), which, for reasons no one fully understands, sometimes fill cold clouds. Usually, ice crystals in clouds are shaped like pencils and flat plates, and they are responsible for routine halos such as the outer 22 degree ring.
"It was such a treat to see this 9 degree ring," says Adam, a veteran observer of ice halos. "I was lucky to find this cloud full of little pyramids."
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
MOTHER'S DAY IS ONLY 5 WEEKS AWAY: Nothing says "I Love You" like a heart-shaped pendant from the edge of space. On March 17, 2018, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus flew an array of cosmic ray sensors to the stratosphere onboard a giant helium balloon. This pendant went along for the ride:
You can have it for $99.95. The students are selling these pendants as a fund-raiser for their cosmic ray monitoring program--and they make great Mother's Day gifts. All proceeds support atmospheric radiation measurements and hands-on STEM education.
Each pendant comes with a greeting card showing the jewelry in flight and telling the story of its journey to the stratosphere and back again. Mom-satisfaction guaranteed.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All proceeds support hands-on STEM education
AURORAS VS. TWILIGHT: As northern spring unfolds, long Arctic nights are coming to an end. With this transition comes a rare mixture of colors: twilight blue and aurora green. A tour guide with Explore the Arctic photographed the combination last night in Tromsö, Norway:
"It was great to see the auroras at sunset," he says. "The twilight tells us that aurora season is coming to an end--but it's not over yet!"
Soon, the Arctic circle will be awash with almost-constant sunlight, commencing summer vacation for Northern Lights. Fortunately, we still have Antarctica.