GEOMAGNETIC STORM IN PROGRESS: As predicted, a G1-class geomagnetic storm is in progress on Oct 7th as Earth enters a fast-moving stream of solar wind. The gaseous material is flowing from a large canyon-shaped hole in the sun's atmosphere. Arctic sky watchers should be alert for auroras after nightfall. There is also a chance the storm could intensify to category G2. If so, auroras could appear in the USA as far south as, e.g., Maine, Michigan and Washington. Free: Aurora alerts.
First contact with the solar wind stream produced a bright outburst of green auroras over northern Sweden. "Massive auroras danced across the sky above Abisko National Park," reports Chad Blakley of Lights over Lapland, whose automated webcam captured the display:
"We are happy to announce that TWO aurora webcams are capturing the show," says Blakley. "Our second webcam was just installed today and expands our coverage to a nearly 180-degree view of the sky. It looks like our timing could not have been better as powerful auroras started dancing overhead even before the sky was completely dark. Watch the show all season long."
FLY ME TO THE MOONSTONE: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Nothing says "I love you" like a moonstone from the edge of space. On Jan 27th, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus flew this moonstone wrapped in a hand-crafted sterling silver Celtic love knot 35.1 km (115,158 feet) above Earth's surface:
You can have it for $179.95. The students are selling these pendants to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each one comes with a greeting card showing the item in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space. All sales support the Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray ballooning program and hands-on STEM research.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education