GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (UPDATED): A CME is heading for Earth. The faint storm cloud left the sun on Dec. 20th (1136 UT), propelled by an M1.9-class solar flare in the magnetic canopy of sunspot AR2908. NOAA forecasters expect a glancing blow to Earth's magnetic field on Dec. 24th, possibly sparking a G1-class geomagnetic storm. Christmas Lights, anyone? Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
THE SENSATIONAL TAIL OF COMET LEONARD: Telescopes around the world are swiveling to catch Comet Leonard (C/2021 A1), which experienced an explosive outburst on Dec. 20th. Last night, Gerald Rhemann photographed knots and swirls of debris flowing down the comet's sensational tail:
"I took the picture using a remote-controlled telescope in Farm Hakos, Namibia," says Rhemann.
"A small telescope reveals a very complex and dynamic tail," adds Daniele Gasparri, who photographed the comet from the Atacama desert in Chile. "It is a rare beauty of the sky."
"Long exposure times are useless, the comet's tail is moving so rapidly," says astrophotographer Michael Jaeger. "The shapes are sensational."
More disturbances may be in the offing. The comet is heading for its closest approach to the sun (0.61 AU) on Jan. 3rd. Increasing heat could liberate new jets of gas and dust from the comet's core or even blow away huge chunks of ice and rock. Astronomers in the southern hemisphere will have the best view as Comet Leonard climbs higher in the austral summer sky (coordinates). Got a picture? Submit it here.
Realtime Comet Leonard Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
AURORAS SPRINKLED WITH DIAMOND DUST: "Last night I went out to photograph the auroras, and I came back with something extra" says Markus Varik of Tromsø, Norway. The auroras were sprinkled with diamond dust:
The luminous arcs, rings and 'dogs in Varik's photo are caused by moonlight shining through "diamond dust"--jewel-like ice crystals of exceptional purity that form in cold Arctic environments. Indeed, some of the sparkles in the sky are not stars; they are actual specks of diamond dust.
more images: from Rayann Elzein of Utsjoki, Finland; from Andrei Andritcu of Tromsø, Norway.
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
GIFTS FROM THE EDGE OF SPACE: Christmas is coming. 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.
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.
Don't forget to enter coupon code "SPACESANTA" at checkout for a 10% Extended Black Friday discount.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter