THE GEMINIDS ARE COMING: Earth is entering a stream of debris from rock comet 3200 Phaethon, source of the annual Geminid meteor shower. Last night, NASA's network of all-sky meteor cameras detected 8 Geminid fireballs over the USA--a number that will sharply increase in the nights ahead. Forecasters expect more than 60 meteors per hour when the shower peaks on the night of Dec. 13/14: sky map.
THE STORM HAS FIZZLED: As predicted, a CME (pictured below) hit Earth's magnetic field during the early hours of Dec. 10th (1:30 UT), but the impact did not cause a geomagnetic storm. Mid-latitude auroras are not likely tonight.
Why didn't the CME cause a storm? Every CME brings with it some magnetic field from the sun. If that magnetic field points south, it opens cracks in Earth's magnetic field, allowing solar wind to flow inside and fuel auroras. On the other hand, if the CME's magnetic field points north, it seals cracks in Earth's magnetic field, blocking the solar wind and quenching storms.
This CME brought a storm-killing north magnetic field. So, even though the velocity of the solar wind in the CME's wake flirted with a high value of 600 km/s, it was ineffective in causing geomagnetic storms and auroras.
Maybe next time. Solar activity is picking up with the onset of new Solar Cycle 25. This is just the first of many CMEs likely to head our way in the months ahead. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
Realtime Spaceweather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
"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
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter