UPDATED STORM FORCAST: A CME is coming and it could hit Earth's magnetic field within the next ~12 hours. New modeling by NOAA focuses attention on Dec. 10th as the date of greatest geomagnetic activity--specifically between the hours of 2100 UT and 23:59 UT when storm levels could reach category G3. These are unfortunately daylight hours in the USA (1:00 PM - 3:59 PM PST), but prime time for aurora viewing in Europe. Activity could continue through the night of Dec. 10-11, giving North Americans north of latitude 45 or 50 degrees a chance to see auroras. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
THE GREAT CONJUNCTION OF JUPITER AND SATURN: Jupiter and Saturn are converging for a rare Great Conjunction. At closest approach on Dec. 21st, they'll be just a tenth of a degree apart--so close that some people may perceive them as a single star. Here is how they look right now:
"The two planets were easy to see over the western horizon at sunset," says Hazarry Ali Ahmad of Kampong Keriam, Brunei, who took the picture on Dec. 9th. "I am looking forward to the evenings ahead when they get super close!"
Jupiter and Saturn have a close encounter every 20 years, but usually the conjunction is difficult to see because it happens so close to the sun. 2020 is different. The giant planets are drawing together in plain view during evening twilight. The last time they were super-close and easy to see was in the year 1226, so this is a rare event, indeed.
Dates of special interest during the Great Conjunction of 2020 include Dec. 16-17, when the crescent Moon passes the planets, and Dec. 21st, when Saturn will be as close to Jupiter as some of Jupiter's moons. Enjoy the show! Sky maps: Dec. 16, 17, 21.
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"SO LONG, AND THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH": This is a great gift for fans of Douglas Adams and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. On Nov. 28, 2020, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched a pod of laser-etched dolphins to the stratosphere. Riding onboard a cosmic ray research balloon, they traveled 34.7 km (113,845 feet) above Earth's surface:
You can have them for $99.95. The students are selling this and other edge of space gifts to support their cosmic ray monitoring program.The crystal sphere comes with a unique gift card showing the dolphins in flight and telling the story of their journey to the edge of space. Also included is a multi-colored LED illuminated stand. This creates a colorful visual effect and allows the orb to be used as a far-out night light.
Don't forget to enter coupon code "BLACKPEARL" at checkout for an extended 15% Black Friday discount.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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