WEAK IMPACT: A coronal mass ejection (CME) hit Earth's magnetic field on March 24th (2151 UT). The impact was weak and it did not spark a geomagnetic storm as was expected. Lesser geomagnetic unrest is possible on March 25th as Earth passes through the CME's turbulent wake. Arctic sky watchers should remain alert for auroras. Aurora alerts: SMS text, email.
HOLES IN THE SUN'S ATMOSPHERE: No CME? No problem. Auroras may still be in the offing. A network of holes in the sun's atmosphere is facing Earth, spewing a filamentary stream of solar wind in our direction:
The gaseous material could arrive as early as March 26th, although March 27-28 is more likely. The approaching stream is not as potent as a CME, but it could be geoeffective anyway. At this time of year, cracks are opening Earth's magnetic field--a phenomenon known as the "Russell-McPherron effect." Even gentle gusts of solar wind can ignite bright auroras around the Arctic Circle.
A GIFT FROM THE EDGE OF SPACE: Last month, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched the starship Enterprise to the stratosphere. Riding onboard a high-altitude cosmic ray balloon, the laser-etched crystal spaceship traveled 34.7 km (113,845 feet) above Earth's surface:
You can have it for $149.95. The students are selling the Enterprise to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each starship comes with a greeting card showing the item in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space. Also included is a multi-colored LED illuminated stand (shown in the picture above). This creates a colorful visual effect and allows the Enterprise to be used as a far-out night light.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery