REVERSED-POLARITY SUNSPOTS: Solar Cycle 25 really is coming. On Christmas Eve, two reversed-polarity sunspots appeared on the sun. These "backwards sunspots" belong to the next solar cycle, Solar Cycle 25. Their appearance does not immediately end Solar Minimum, but they do signal the approach of a new Solar Max years from now: Full story.
'RING OF FIRE' SOLAR ECLIPSE: It's about to begin. On Dec. 26th--just hours from now--millions of people on the Indian-Asian side of Earth will witness a "ring of fire" solar eclipse. This movie created by space artist Larry Koehn shows how the eclipse will unfold:
This is an annular solar eclipse, not a total one. The Moon is in a distant part of its orbit that makes it just a little too small to cover the entire solar disk. At maximum, only 97% of the sun's surface will be eclipsed, leaving a bright annulus visible around the edge of the Moon--that is, the ring of fire.
The action begins at 02:30 UT on Dec. 26th (09:30 pm EST on Dec. 25th). Stay tuned for photos from the eclipse zone. Live webcasts: #1, #2, #3.
Realtime Spaceweather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FROM THE EDGE OF SPACE: So far in 2019, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus have launched 41 space weather balloons to the stratosphere, measuring cosmic rays over 2 continents and 6 different US states. You can help them pay their helium bill by purchasing a Christmas gift from the edge of space:
Every item in the Earth to Sky Store has flown to the stratosphere alongside an array of cosmic ray sensors. Carried aloft by giant helium balloons, these unique gifts travel above 99.7% of Earth's atmosphere, experiencing space-like blasts of cosmic rays, extreme cold, and a wild ride parachuting back to Earth after the balloon explodes. Even Amazon doesn't carry items this far out.
Don't forget to enter coupon code "XMASRAYS" at checkout for a 10% holiday discount.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter