SOLAR WIND APPROACHES EARTH: NOAA forecasters say that a stream of solar wind could hit Earth's magnetic field during the late hours of April 19th. We think April 20th is more likely. Either way, polar magnetic unrest is possible in the next 24-48 hours. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras. Free: Aurora Alerts
AURORA SEASON IS NOT FINISHED: As northern spring unfolds, the Midnight Sun is coming to the Arctic Circle. Nevertheless, auroras are still visible. Sacha Layos photographed this display over Fairbanks, Alaska, on April 18th:
"I didn't expect much last night, so I went to sleep like a normal person," says Layos, who spends most winter nights taking pictures under the stars of Alaska. "I happily woke up from a dream to this sky around 2:30 a.m.!"
What happened? A crack opened in Earth's magnetic field--something that occurs often during weeks around equinoxes. Ambient solar wind poured in to fuel the unexpected display.
The green in her photos shows that northern aurora season is not yet over. However, the blue in her photos shows that the end is near. Enjoy it while you can.
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
MOTHER'S DAY IS JUST 3 WEEKS AWAY: On March 5, 2018, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched an array of cosmic ray sensors to the stratosphere onboard a helium balloon. This Mother's Day 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