GEOMAGNETIC STORM PREDICTED: NOAA forecasters say that polar geomagnetic storms are possible on May 17th when a stream of solar wind engulfs Earth. The gaseous material is flowing from a hole in the sun's atmosphere. Previous encounters with solar wind from this hole suggest that storm levels could reach category G2. Free: Aurora Alerts.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY FROM ANTARCTICA: This morning, May 13th, the heavens turned green over India's Bharati Research Base Station in Antarctica. Apparently, the ground did, too. "These auroras were so bright the icy terrain around the research station turned colorful green," reports B. Sudarsan Patro, one of the station's engineers. "The white ground reflected the colors of the sky above."
The Bharati research base is located in the Larsemann Hills of East Antarctica where a variety of landforms come together in one place. "We are really lucky to have such wonderful view of auroras over the frozen sea, rocky hills and massive ice bergs," says Patro.
This display was caused by the tail end of a solar wind stream that Earth is now leaving. Another solar wind stream is on its way. Estimated time of arrival: May 17th. Patro and his colleagues can expect more green skies--and green ice--at that time. Stay tuned.
P.S. "Happy Mother's Day to all!" says Patro.
3D GLOWING MOON GLOBE: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Consider this: In January, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus flew a glowing 3D printed Moon globe to the stratosphere:
You can have it for $149.95. The students are selling these unique globes as a fundraiser for their cosmic ray monitoring program.
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 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. All proceeds support Earth to Sky Calculus and hands-on STEM research.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All proceeds support hands-on STEM education