THE GRINCH STOLE MY GEOMAGNETIC STORM: Arctic sky watchers hoping for a geomagnetic storm were disappointed on Christmas when a CME did *not* hit Earth's magnetic field. The incoming storm cloud either missed or it is moving much more slowly than NOAA forecast models predicted. Either way, a storm is now unlikely this weekend. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
BIG SUNSPOT TURNS TOWARD EARTH: This weekend, sunspot AR2916 has quadruped in size, turning into one of the largest spots of Solar Cycle 25. This 48-hour movie from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory shows the active region growing and turning toward Earth:
AR2916 has an unstable 'delta-class' magnetic field that harbors energy for powerful X-class solar flares. If such an explosion occurs today, it would be Earth-directed, potentially causing shortwave radio blackouts and radiation storms. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text.
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
CHRISTMAS COMET LEONARD: If you love comets, Merry Christmas. Comet Leonard (C/2021 A1) has turned into a real gift. "What's going on today is simply breathtaking," reports Michael Jaeger, who photographed the comet using an 8-inch telescope in Namibia:
Photo credit: Michael Jaeger and Lukas Demetz from skygems.namibia
Comet Leonard's magnificent tail is braided with multiple filaments of gas and dust. These were created by a series of outbursts that began on Dec. 15th. Two and perhaps three explosions in the comet's core sent streamers of debris billowing down the tail.
The same outbursts boosted the comet's brightness. It is now shining like a 4th magnitude star in the constellation Microscopium, an easy target for small telescopes in the southern hemisphere.
More outbursts are 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 and maybe even blow away huge chunks of ice and rock. Stay tuned!
Realtime Comet Leonard Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
GIFTS FROM THE EDGE OF SPACE: 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 Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter