SOLAR WIND, INCOMING: A minor stream of solar wind is approaching Earth. Estimated time of arrival: March 30-31. Flowing from a southern hole in the sun's atmosphere, the incoming stream could spark springtime auroras around the Arctic Circle. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
HEAVENLY TRIANGLE: Last night, the Moon passed by Venus and the Pleiades, forming a heavenly triangle in the sunset sky. Marek Nikodem photographed the 3-way conjunction from the countryside near Szubin, Poland:
"The planet Venus shone like the brightest diamond in the sky; the Pleiades were more like tiny diamonds in a box," says Nikodem. "Despite the COVID-19 virus pandemic that was spreading across the world, it was an amazing and unforgettable evening."
The evenings ahead may be unforgettable, too. During the next week, Venus and the Pleiades will inch closer and closer together until, on April 3rd, Venus is actually inside the star cluster. For full effect, binoculars are recommmended.
Consider it a mixture of dissimilar things. The Pleiades are elusive. You rarely find them on purpose. They're best seen out of the corner of your eye, a pretty little surprise that pops out of the night sky when you're staring elsewhere. Venus is just the opposite. Bright enough to cast faint shadows, it beams down from the heavens and grabs you when you're not even looking.
This will be the best Venus-Pleiades conjunction of the 21st century, so far. Don't miss it! Sky maps: March 28, 29, 30, 31, April 1, 2, 3.
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FAR-OUT MOTHER'S DAY GIFT: It’s sterling silver and perfect for Mother’s Day! On March 5th, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus flew a cosmic ray balloon to the stratosphere, more than 94,000 feet above Earth's surface. This "Loving Hands" pendant went along for the ride:
You can have one for $129.95. The students are selling these pendants as a fund-raiser for their cosmic ray monitoring program. All proceeds support atmospheric radiation measurements and hands-on STEM education. Each pendant comes with a greeting card showing the jewelry in flight and telling the story of its journey to the stratosphere and back again.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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