THE LAST AURORAS OF 2020: A stream of solar wind is heading for Earth. Estimated time of arrival: Dec. 29th. The minor jet of gas flowing from a small hole in the sun's atmosphere might be enough to spark the last auroras of 2020 around the Arctic Circle. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
A MAGNETIC CANYON THE SIZE OF MARS: Sunspot AR2795 is splitting apart. A magnetic canyon as wide as Mars has formed in the sunspot's leading core, shown here in a composite image from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory:
Sunspots are islands of magnetism floating on the surface of the sun. AR2795 looks a bit like Hawaii. SDO's magnetic map reveals a deep fissure in the "Big Island." This could be a sign of intensifying turbulence in the magnetic dynamo deep beneath the sunspot. If so, more fractures may be in the offing.
Amateur astronomers with safely-filtered solar telescopes are encouraged to monitor developments.
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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.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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