WEEKEND AURORA OUTLOOK: Updated modeling by NOAA forecasters suggests that only one CME will pass near Earth in the days ahead. A single glancing blow is expected on Jan. 22nd or 23rd when a CME from the Jan. 18th M1.5-class solar flare arrives. The impact could spark bright auroras inside the Arctic Circle. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
POLAR STRATOSPHERIC CLOUDS VS. AURORAS: Auroras are supposed to be the most colorful forms in Arctic skies. Move over, auroras. The polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) have arrived:
Niklas Hjort took the picture from Abisko, Sweden, on Jan. 17th. "This is the first time I have captured auroras alongside polar stratospheric clouds and the full moon," says Hjort.
Polar stratospheric clouds are rare. Normally the stratosphere has no clouds at all. Only when the temperature drops below -85º C can widely-spaced water molecules in the stratosphere coalesce into icy clouds. Sunlight (or full moonlight) hitting ice crystals inside PSCs create pastel colors that rival auroras.
This week, Arctic sky watchers reported a major outbreak of PSCs. According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, there are now almost 12 million square kilometers of stratosphere inside the Arctic Circle where conditions are cold enough for PSCs to form. This is significantly above average for this time of year: data.
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VALENTINE'S SPACE PUP: You've heard of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Now let us introduce you to Aphrodoggy. This lovable puppy just traveled to the stratosphere onboard an Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray research balloon, and she makes a unique Valentine's gift:
You can have her for $109.95. The students are selling the plush pups to support their high-altitude ballooning program. Holding a red rose for Valentine's day, each pup comes with a greeting card showing the 9-inch tall canine in flight. The card also tells the story of her flight to the stratosphere and back again.
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