NEW YEAR'S AURORA FORECAST: A minor stream of solar wind flowing from a southern hole in the sun's atmosphere could graze Earth's magnetic field on Jan. 1st. Geomagnetic storms are not expected. However, the impact could spark the first polar auroras of 2020. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.

MOON-VENUS CONJUNCTION: Last night, the crescent Moon passed by Venus less than 2 degrees away. Tavi Greiner photographed the conjunction from Shallotte, North Carolina:

"What a beautiful way to wind down the year - Venus and the crescent Moon with Earthshine!" says Greiner.

Venus and the Moon are the two brightest objects in the night sky, so when they get together like this they naturally attract attention. Mike O'Leary saw them over the city lights of St George, Utah:

"It was an amazing conjunction," says O'Leary.

Did you miss the show? Good news. A similar conjunction is less than one month away. On Jan. 27 and 28, the crescent Moon will pass by Venus again, producing the first backyard sky show of 2020. Sky maps: Jan. 27, 28.

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ZEN ASTRONAUT AT THE EDGE OF SPACE: Are the holidays stressing you out? Find your zen ... at the edge of space. On Dec. 2nd, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched a cosmic ray balloon to the stratosphere. This meditating spaceman pendant went along for the ride:

You can have one for $79.95. They make great gifts for space fans and are guaranteed to soothe holiday stress. Each premium stainless steel pendant comes with a greeting card showing the astronaut in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space and back again.

Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education

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