GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH: Minor G1-class geomagnetic storms are possible on Jan. 14-15 in response to glancing blows from one or more CMEs. The storm clouds were hurled into space by the collective activity of many flares earlier this week. None of the CMEs is squarely Earth directed and, in fact, all might miss. This is a low probability forecast. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
EMERGING SUNSPOT ALERT: A phalanx of large sunspots is emerging over the sun's eastern limb. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded more than half a dozen dark cores during the early hours of Jan. 13th:
We knew they were coming. Their approach was heralded by strong helioseismic echoes from the farside of the sun shown on Spaceweather.com a few days ago. Plumes of debris hurled over the edge of the sun yesterday and the day before suggest that these new regions are active and could soon pose a threat for geoeffective flares. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text.
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COMET ZTF AT PERIHELION: Comet ZTF (C/2022 E3) hasn't been this hot in 50,000 years. On Jan. 12th, the comet made its closest approach to the sun (perihelion) only 1.1 AU away. Solar heat has turned it into an easy target for backyard telescopes:
Amateur astrnomer Michael Jaeger took the picture yesterday from his backyard observatory in Weißenkirchen Wachau, Austria. "The comet's narrow ion tail extends far beyond the edge of the image," he says. "Take a look."
Discovered in March 2022 by the Zwicky Transient Facility, Comet ZTF has been falling toward the sun for more than 50,000 years. Now is its moment to shine. Proximity to the sun has brightened the comet to magnitude 6.5, almost visible to the unaided eye.
Soon, strike "almost." After perihelion, Comet ZTF heads toward Earth for a close approach on Feb. 1st (0.28 AU). This will brighten the comet even more to a projected peak magnitude of +5, visible to the naked eye, binoculars, and small telescopes. Between now and then, look for Comet ZTF before sunrise in the constellation Corona Borealis--and submit your images here.
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VALENTINE'S CRYSTAL BEAR AND ROSE: Valentine's Day is coming. Looking for a far-out gift? This Crystal Bear and Rose flew to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon on Dec. 17th:
You can have it for $129.95. The students of Earth to Sky Calculus are selling space bears to support their high-altitude ballooning program. Each one comes with a greeting card showing the ursine astronaut in flight and telling the story of its journey 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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