GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH: Earth's magnetic field is about to get jolted by a pair of CMEs. Estimated time of arrival: Sept. 1-2. NOAA forecasters expect geomagnetic storms as strong as category G2. That means people as far south as Idaho and New York (geomagnetic latitude 55 deg.) could see auroras. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
THIS IS WHAT'S HEADING OUR WAY: Two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are heading for Earth. The first was hurled in our direction on Aug. 28th when sunspot AR2860 exploded. Later the same day, this happened:
A massive filament of magnetism erupted, producing a second CME. Together, they are proceding in tandem toward our planet.
NOAA forecasters expect the CMEs to deliver a double blow separated by hours. The first CME could spark a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm late on Sept. 1st. The second CME could intensify the storm, boosting it to a moderately strong G2-class event on Sept. 2nd.
Storms like these do no damage to power grids or satellites. They can, however, produce beautiful auroras at high latitudes. A light show is possible in Scandinavia, Iceland, Canada, and even some northern-tier US states. Got photos? Submit them here.
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
STERLING SILVER HUMMINGBIRD: This hummingbird has touched space. The sterling silver pendant hitched a ride to the stratosphere onboard an Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray research balloon. At the apex of the flight, it floated 111,202 feet above the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California:
You can have it for $142.95. The students are selling hummingbird pendants to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each one comes with a greeting card showing the hummingbird in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space. It makes an out-of-this-world birthday, anniversary, or Christmas gift!
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter