SOLAR MINIMUM ISN'T OVER YET: Solar Cycle 25 is showing signs of life. In the past month it has produced the strongest solar flare in years (M1-class), and a sunspot that lasted for two whole weeks (AR2765). Now the sun is blank and quiet again. This is a sign that, while Solar Minimum may be loosening its grip, it isn't over yet. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
LUNAR OCCULTATION OF VENUS: Tomorrow morning, June 19th, Venus and the crescent Moon are going to have a close encounter. Very close. In some parts of the world, the Moon will completely eclipse or "occult" the second planet. Amateur astronomer Odd Trondal of Oslo, Norway, filmed an almost identical lunar occultation of Venus 16 years ago, and this is what it looked like:
"Don't forget to look again this Friday morning, if you can," urges Trondal.
In Europe, Friday's occultation takes place in broad daylight. Venus disappears at approximately 0800 UT and reappears an hour later. Exact times vary with location. Framed by blue sky, the occultation can be seen using binoculars or a small telescope. Both objects will be thin crescents, the Moon being 4% sunlit and Venus 8%, adding to the beauty of the event.
In Canada and the USA, some people can see the occultation just before sunrise. New England and the Canadian Maritimes are favored. As the Moon rises in the east-northeast, it will be hiding Venus behind it. Minutes later, Venus will emerge dramatically from behind the Moon's dark limb. A map from Sky&Telescope shows the prime occultation zone.
In western parts of North America, the event will be a near miss--no occultation, but a beautiful view nevertheless. "Way back in 1987, I witnessed a lunar occultation of Venus," recalls Victor C. Rogus, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. "It was, to this day one of the most memorable astronomical events I have ever witnessed!
Set your alarm for dawn and enjoy the show!
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
FAR-OUT FATHER'S DAY GIFTS: What do you get for the dad who has everything? Something from the edge of space! Father's Day is this Sunday and everything in the Earth to Sky Store is 10% off:
Almost every week, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launch a helium balloon to the stratosphere to measure cosmic radiation. Items in the Earth to Sky Store went along for the ride, accompanying radiation sensors to the edge of space. All sales support the students' ballooning program. Dad-satisfaction guarenteed!
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter