SIGNIFICANT SUNSET SKY SHOW: Planets are gathering in the sunset sky. During the third week of November, Venus and Jupiter will converge for a beautiful conjunction--only 1.4 degrees apart on Nov. 24th. Then, a whisper-thin crescent Moon will join them, forming a celestial triangle on Nov. 27th and 28th. Don't miss it! Sky maps: Nov. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.
SOLAR WIND, INCOMING: A stream of solar wind is approaching Earth. Estimated time of arrival: Nov. 16-17. The gaseous material is flowing from a southern hole in the sun's atmosphere:
We've seen this hole before. It has been spinning around with the sun, strobing Earth with solar wind once every ~26 days for the past 6 months. Based on past experience, this coronal hole will not cause a geomagnetic storm. The solar wind flowing from it is traveling 450 km/s to 500 km/s--that's fast, but not extreme. The arrival of the solar wind will, however, cause minor geomagnetic unrest and probably bright auroras around the Arctic Circle. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
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ANNIE JUMP CANNON IN THE STRATOSPHERE: Pioneering astronomer Annie Jump Cannon invented the modern system of stellar classification. To honor her, the US Mint has created a $1 American Innovation coin featuring Cannon's silhouette and a spray of stars. On Nov. 11th, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus flew some to the stratosphere, 111,221 feet above the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California:
You can have a roll of 25 for $149.95. The students are selling the coins to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each roll contains 25 one dollar coins with uncirculated finishes. Cannon is shown on one side and the Statue of Liberty on the other. Individual coins make great Christmas stocking stuffers for young scientists--or give the whole roll as a special gift. Your order comes with a greeting card showing the coins in flight.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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