MID-LATITUDE AURORAS: During yesterday's strong geomagnetic storm, auroras descended to unusually low latitudes including Albany, Missouri (+40N); Fort Collins, Colorado (+40.6N); West Oak, Nebraska (+41N); and La Grande, Oregon (+45N). For some of these displays, the colors were not visible to the naked eye; only the camera saw them. But not all: "Red pillars and a green band were visible to the naked eye just north of Fort Collins for nearly an hour around local midnight on Feb 26/27," says photoghrapher Michael Charnick. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
ANOHER STRONG SOLAR FLARE: Sunspot AR3234 exploded today, Feb. 28th at 1750 UTC, producing an M8.6-class solar flare, percentage points below X-class. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the extreme ultraviolet flash:
An impulsive burst of X-rays ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere, causing a shortwave radio blackout over the Americas. Aviators and ham radio operators may have noticed loss of signal below 30 MHz for a half hour or more after the flare. Stay tuned for updates about a possible CME. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text.
STRONG GEOMAGNETIC STORMS: One and perhaps two CMEs hit Earth's magnetic field on Feb. 26th and 27th, sparking a series of strong G3-class geomagnetic storms with auroras in both hemispheres. Alexandre Croisier witnessed the light show over Mont Saint-Michel in France:
"The Northern Lights were really impressive, with a fantastic red color," says Croisier. "It was a short moment, only about 1 minute with such bright auroras, but truly wonderful to see from one of the most beautiful places in Europe."
Mont Saint-Michel is a small island located off the coast of Normandy. It is home to a stunning medieval abbey that rises majestically above the surrounding landscape. The island has a rich history dating back to the 8th century when it was first used as a religious retreat. Over the years, it has been a fortress, a prison, a place of pilgrimage--and now, the centerpiece of a fantastic auroral display.
Meanwhile on the other side of the world, Ian Griffin photographed the display from New Zealand:
"What an epic night!" says Griffin. "There was an absolutely amazing display of Southern Lights over Hoopers Inlet on the Otago Peninsula. A clear sky and no wind made for simply beautiful reflections. I've just got home after being up all night with the biggest grin ever on my face!"
Did you miss the storm? Next time get a text alert. Subscribers to the Space Weather Alert Service receive instant text messages when CMEs arrive and geomagnetic storms are underway.
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EDGE OF SPACE BUTTERFLY PENDANT: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Consider the Edge of Space Butterfly. On June 26, 2022, this crystal pendant hitched a ride onboard an Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $172.95. The inner yellow citrine crystal is surrounded by a "spread your wings" lattice of sparkling zirconia. A rich layer of rhodium plating ensures the longevity of the pendant and its 18-inch chain.
The Edge of Space Butterfly makes a great anniversary, Christmas, or birthday gift. It comes with a greeting card showing the pendant in flight and telling the story of its trip to the stratosphere and back again.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
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