CME MINI-IMPACTS POSSIBLE THIS WEEK: The sun produced a flurry of CMEs on April 25th and 26th. None of them was Earth-directed, but one or two *might* deliver glancing blows to Earth's magnetic field later this week. The most likely date of impact would be April 30th. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
WATCH OUT FOR BLUE AURORAS: Auroras are usually green, sometimes red. Now is the time of year to be alert for a different color: blue. Matti Helin saw them over southern Finland on April 17th:
"It was a beautiful display--not particularly bright, but it sure was colorful," says Helin. "The blue top was especially striking."
Blue auroras are caused by solar wind particles raining down on ionized nitrogen molecules (N2+) in the upper atmosphere. Usually the blue is faint, practically invisible. At this time of year, however, blue gets a boost from the Arctic summer sun.
It's called "resonant scattering of sunlight." The ion N2+ naturally absorbs light at wavelengths of 391.4 and 427.8 nanometers--that is, blue and violet. Blue sunlight absorbed by N2+ is quickly re-emitted in all directions. When high altitude sunlight hits the top of the auroras, voilà!--extra blue. Bright moonlight can have the same effect.
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
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SUPER MOONSHOTS: This week's full Super Moon inspired a lot of photographers. Wioleta Zarzycka sends this report from Reykjavik, Iceland: "I was on a walk when I saw a man on a hill stealing the Moon," she says. "I quickly took a picture of the thief to have proof."
Her crimefighting photo worked. The Moon was recovered and seen by many others around the world. Browse the full Moon photo gallery for more great moonshots:
Realtime Full Moon Photo Gallery
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MOTHER'S DAY IS MAY 9TH: Are you looking for an out-of-this world Mother's Day gift? Consider this: Every time the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launch a cosmic ray balloon, they include something extra in the payload--something Mom will love:
Every item in the Earth to Sky Store has flown to the edge of space and comes with a greeting card showing the item in flight. The interior of the card tells the story of the gift's journey from launch to landing. Mom-satisfaction guaranteed!
Mother's Day Special: Use coupon code "SPACEMOM" at checkout for a 10% discount. Offer valid from now until Mother's Day (May 9, 2021) .
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
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