GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH: Minor G1-class geomagnetic storms are possible on Jan. 4th when a slow-moving CME is expected to hit Earth's magnetic field. It was hurled in our direction by an M3.7-class solar flare (movie) in the magnetic canopy of sunspot AR3176 on Dec. 30th. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
SUNSPOT COUNTS HIT 7 YEAR HIGH: 2022 ended with the highest monthly sunspot number in 7 years. This plot from NOAA shows the ascending progression of Solar Cycle 25:
For the 35th month in a row, Solar Cycle 25 is outperforming the official forecast. Conclusion: Solar Maximum will either happen sooner or be stronger than expected--possibly both. The next few years should have plenty of sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs. Happy New Year!
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THE FIRST AURORAS OF 2023: Earth's magnetic field was mostly quiet on Jan. 1st. Emphasis on "mostly." A brief magnetic substorm erupted over Finland, producing the first auroras of 2023:
"The real New Year's fireworks happened last night--the first northern lights of the year," says photographer Thomas Kast of Enontekiö, Finland. "Lots of shapes, colors and fast-moving auroras; I can't wait for more in the nights ahead!"
It won't be long. The second auroras of 2023 are due no later than Jan. 4th when a CME is expected to graze Earth's magnetic field. G1-class storms could produce bright lights around the Arctic Circle. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
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A BLACK PEARL IN THE STRATOSPHERE: It came from Tahiti--and now it's been to the edge of space. This genuine Black Tahitian South Sea Cultured Pearl flew to the stratosphere onboard an Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray balloon, soaring more than 100,000 feet above the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California:
You can have it for $229.95. The students are selling exotic space pearls to fund their cosmic ray monitoring program. Measuring 10 mm in diameter, the pearl has an 18K white gold clasp and is suspended from a matching 925 Sterling Silver chain. Each pearl comes with a greeting card showing the pendant in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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