THE BIG SUNSPOTS HAVE ARRIVED: An active sunspot group is emerging over the sun's northeastern limb. There are at least two dark cores larger than Earth, with a possibility of more spots trailing behind. This sunspot group has been very active, hurling CMEs and plumes of plasma over the edge of the sun. Future explosions may be Earth-directed. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
MORNING PLANETS: Something big is about to happen in the pre-dawn sky. Right now, the brightest planets in the Solar System are aligning ahead of a dazzling conjunction between Venus and Jupiter at the end this month. Paolo Bardelli photographed the planetary sprawl before sunrise on April 16th from Sumirago, Italy:
"The four planets were aligned almost perfectly," says Bardelli. "Jupiter is still immersed in the mist, but visible, despite its low height above the horizon."
This arrangement will change rapidly in the mornings ahead. Jupiter will lift itself out of the mist as it converges with Venus for the finest conjunction of 2022. On April 30th and May 1st, the two planets will be only 0.2 degrees apart. Visually, they may seem to merge into a single bright object. Only a few days earlier, on April 27th, the crescent Moon will join the planets to form a magnificent triangle in the pre-dawn sky. Set your alarm and enjoy the show!
Sky maps: April 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, May 1.
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OCEAN BLUE CRYSTAL DOLPHIN PENDANT: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Consider the Ocean Blue Crystal Dolphin Pendant. On April 8th, it flew to the stratosphere 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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