THE SOLAR WIND HAS ARRIVED: Earth is entering a stream of solar wind flowing from a hole in the sun's atmosphere. It's not a very fast stream, but at this time of year it could be enough to ignite Arctic auroras. Equinox cracks in Earth's magnetic field are lowering our planet's defenses against the solar wind, setting the stage for Northern Lights. Free: Aurora Alerts
GIGANTIC JETS IN THE CARIBBEAN: Last Saturday, Sept. 15th, Tropical Storm Isaac dissipated in the Caribbean. Just before the storm died, it fired off a barrage of Gigantic Jets. Frankie Lucena video recorded the display as the storm passed south of his home in Puerto Rico:
Gigantic jets are related to sprites--strange forms of upward-directed lightning that shoot out of highly-charged storm systems. Think of Gigantic Jets as sprites on steroids, much more powerful and rare. Before 2017, Gigantic Jet sightings numbered in the dozens. Tropical Storm Isaac produced at least 8 Gigantic Jets in a single night.
"The storm may have been decaying, but it was still a prolific source of upward-directed lightning," notes Lucena. "The last time I saw so many Gigantic Jets in a single night was back in 2017 when Tropical Storm Harvey passed Puerto Rico."
Gigantic Jet activity could be intensifying. Some researchers believe that cosmic rays help charge up storm systems, setting the stage for outbursts of lightning. In recent years, space weather balloons have observed a steady increase in cosmic rays. This is largely due to the decline of the solar cycle. Flagging solar wind pressure and weakening sunspot magnetic fields allow more cosmic rays into the solar system. This trend, which is expected to continue for years to come, could add up to even more Gigantic Jets in the future. Stay tuned.
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