REBUILD THE ARECIBO OBSERVATORY: Fans of the Arecibo Observatory are petitioning the US Government to rebuild the iconic dish, which collapsed this month when a support cable snapped. Arecibo was unmatched in its ability to detect Earth-threatening asteroids, to time millisecond pulsars, to listen for signals from extraterrestrial intelligences, and so much more. The petition has already collected enough signatures to require a response from the White House. Adding more names might produce a positive response. The staff of Spaceweather.com have signed; will you join us? SIGN HERE.
SOLSTICE AURORAS: Dec. 21st was the longest night of the year. "But it seemed to fly by thanks to a beautiful light show," reports Graeme Whipps of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. "I created a time lapse video, which shows a strong burst of auroras with active rayed bands."
The lights appeared in response to a crack in Earth's magnetic field. "It stayed open for two hours," says Whipps. Solar wind poured in to fuel the display.
More auroras are in the offing. NOAA forecasters say there is a chance of minor G1-class geomagnetic storms on Christmas Eve because of a solar wind stream, now buffeting Earth. Santa's sleigh might be outlined in green as it crosses the Arctic Circle tonight. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
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SUNSPOT GENESIS: A new sunspot is growing near the sun's southeastern limb. This 24-hour movie from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory shows sunspot genesis in action:
The new 'spot, numbered AR2795, has increased 10-fold in size since yesterday. It is currently crackling with minor B-class solar flares. Stronger flares are possible if the expansion continues apace. Stay tuned for updates. Instant solar flare alerts: SMS Text
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GIFTS FROM THE EDGE OF SPACE: Christmas is tomorrow. Are you looking for a far-out gift? Check out the Earth to Sky Store. It's filled with unique items that have flown to the edge of space onboard cosmic ray research balloons. From now until Christmas, all gifts are 10% off:
Carried aloft by giant helium balloons, these unique gifts have flown above 99.7% of Earth's atmosphere, experiencing space-like blasts of cosmic rays, extreme cold, and a wild ride parachuting back to Earth after the balloon explodes. Even Amazon doesn't carry items this far out.
All items come with a greeting card showing the gifts in flight, and telling the story of their journey to the edge of space and back again. Don't forget to enter coupon code "SPACESANTA" at checkout for a 10% holiday discount!
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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