CHANCE OF STORMS, DOWNGRADED: NOAA analysts have determined that a CME launched by yesterday's "inky explosion" (described below) will sail east of the sun-Earth line, missing our planet. Another CME might still deliver a weak blow on Aug. 26-27. Overall, the chance of magnetic storms is less than before, albeit not zero. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
INKY EXPLOSION ON THE SUN (UPDATED): Not everything on the sun is bright. Yesterday, dark plasma billowed away from sunspot AR2859 in the aftermath of a B9-class solar flare. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the inky explosion:
The swirling mass looks dark because it is relatively dense and cool. In fact, if you took that material and held it up in the midnight sky, it would shine more brightly than a full Moon. On the sun, even "cool" material is really hot.
Update: The explosion hurled a CME into space. NOAA computer models predict the cloud will miss Earth, sailing east of the sun-Earth line. Near-miss effects (such as solar wind plasma shoved toward Earth by the passing CME) might still be observatble on Aug. 27th, but no geomagnetic storms are expected. Instant solar flare alerts: SMS Text.
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APOLLO 11 PROOF SILVER DOLLAR (COLLECTOR'S ITEM): Are you looking for a far-out gift? Consider this: On July 20, 2019 (the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing), the students of Earth to Sky Calculus flew this rare proof silver dollar to the stratosphere:
The US Mint created the coins to celebrate the first Moon landing--but you can no longer buy them from the Mint. You can, however, get one from Earth to Sky Calculus. The students are selling the collector's item for $229.95 to support their cosmic ray ballooning program.
The silver dollar is curved and reproduces the helmet of astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Reflected in Buzz's visor are Neil Armstrong, the United States flag, and the lunar lander. The opposite side of the coin shows Neil's iconic footprint on the Moon. Included is a greeting card showing the coin in flight and a certificate of authenticity.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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