GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (G2-CLASS): A CME is heading for Earth, propelled by the unexpected eruption of dead sunspot AR2987. NOAA forecasters say that G2-class geomagnetic storms are possible when the CME arrives midday on April 14th. During such storms, auroras can seen as far south as, e.g., New York and Idaho (geomagnetic latitude 55 degrees). Aurora alerts: SMS Text
FARSIDE EXPLOSION TARGETS MERCURY: A coronal mass ejection (CME) flew away from the farside of the sun during the late hours of April 11th. A new NASA model shows it is going to hit Mercury. Note the orange dot in this forecast animation:
If the CME overwhelms Mercury's relatively weak magnetic field, it could scour material off the planet's surface creating a temporary atmosphere and adding material to Mercury's comet-like tail.
The farside of the sun has been active this week, with more than one significant CME. Helioseismic soundings of the farside reveal a large region of intense magnetism--probably a complex sunspot group. It will rotate over the sun's eastern limb about a week from now. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
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OCEAN BLUE CRYSTAL DOLPHIN PENDANT: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Consider the Ocean Blue Crystal Dolphin Pendant. It flew to the stratosphere on April 8th onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $172.95. The students of Earth to Sky Calculus are selling these crystal cetaceans to support their cosmic ray monitoring program.
The dolphin is wrapped in a sterling silver wave and suspended from a matching 18-inch chain. It contains no nickel, no lead, no cadmium; the pendant is totally hypoallergenic. Each pendant comes with a greeting card showing the dolphin in flight, and telling the story of its trip to the edge of space and back again.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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