A HOLE IN THE SUN'S ATMOSPHERE: A jagged hole in the sun's atmosphere is facing Earth and spewing a stream of solar wind toward our planet. Estimated time of arrival: Sept. 17th. Because the gaseous material will reach Earth only a few days before the onset of northern autumn, it may be extra-effective at sparking auroras--a result of "equinox cracks" in the geomagnetic field. Free: Aurora Alerts
PINK AURORAS OVER YELLOWKNIFE: On Sept. 14th, a gust of solar wind hit Earth's magnetic field. As the onrushing wind accelerated to 600+ km/s second, a bright band of pink auroras appeared over Yellowknife Canada. Martin Male photographed the display:
"It was outstanding," says Male. "The pink color was striking!"
Pink is a sign of nitrogen. Most auroras are green--a verdant glow caused by energetic particles from space hitting oxygen atoms 100 km to 300 km above Earth's surface. Pink appears when energetic particles descend lower than usual, striking nitrogen molecules at the 100 km level and below.
Equinox cracks in Earth's magnetic field may have helped the solar wind penetrate deeper than usual. If so, more nitrogen auroras could be in the offing. The actual equinox is less than a week away, and a new stream of solar wind is approaching Earth. ETA: Sept. 17-18. Stay tuned for pink. Free: Aurora Alerts
A JEDI IN THE STRATOSPHERE: "When 100,000 feet you reach, look as good you will not." –Yoda, 2018. Yoda has flown to the stratosphere. On Aug. 30, 2018, he hitched a ride on board an Earth to Sky Calculus helium balloon, traveling more than 101,362 feet above Earth's surface:
The students are selling these Jedi Christmas ornaments to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. You can have one for $97.95.
Each ornament comes with a unique gift card showing Yoda floating at the top of Earth's atmosphere. The interior of the card tells the story of the flight and confirms that the Jedi master has been to the edge of space and back again.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education