SUNSPOT GENESIS: A new sunspot is materializing in the sun's southern hemisphere. The unusual ring-shaped 'spot has increased 10-fold in size since yesterday and it could soon pose a threat for Earth-directed solar flares. Watch the movie from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text.
SOLAR CYCLE UPDATE: March was another strong month for Solar Cycle 25. According to NOAA, the average sunspot number was among the highest of the past 10 years:
Originally, forecasters thought Solar Cycle 25 would be about the same as Solar Cycle 24, one of the weakest solar cycles in a century. March's sunspot numbers are the latest sign that Solar Cycle 25 will exceed predictions. In fact, Solar Cycle 25 has outperformed the official forecast for more than 24 months in a row.
Solar Maximum is not expected until 2024 or 2025, so the solar cycle has plenty of time to strengthen, bringing more X-flares, geomagnetic storms and auroras. You can follow the progression here. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text.
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30 STATES AND COUNTING: We've been keeping track of all the US states where auroras were sighted during the severe geomagnetic storm of March 23-24--a tally based on pictures submitted to Spaceweather.com. "Let's add Maryland to the list!" says Eric Hoffmann who photographed the storm's red glow behind clouds over Fair Hill:
"I had been tracking the outbreak of auroras and had my camera ready when a break in the clouds allowed just a few exposures," says Hoffmann. "I couldn't see auroras with the naked eye, but the faint glow in the northern sky showed up in my pictures. Next time I will use different exposure settings (higher ISO). Hopefully there will be more to come this solar cycle." (Editor's note: There will.)
Adding Maryland to the list brings the total to 30. This map shows the distribution of aurora photos color coded by their dominant hue:
By now many readers know why the colors are divided. Auroras are like a layer cake with red on top and green on the bottom. This picture is a great example of the altitude structure. Green is usually brighter, so green dominates most photos taken where the full display can be seen. However, people in the south can't see the full display. The northern horizon blocks their view of the low-hanging greens, leaving only red to color the sky.
Is your state missing from this map? Send us an aurora photo and we will add it to the list. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
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"I LOVE YOU MORE" MOONSTONE PENDANT: Are you looking for a romantic gift? Nothing says "I love you" like a moonstone from space. This sterling silver infinity-wrapped moonstone pendant hitched a ride on an Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray research balloon, flying 112,201 feet above the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California:
You can have it for $162.95. The students are selling these pendants to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Engraved with "I Love You More," it makes a great anniversary, birthday or (never too early!) Christmas gift. Each pendant comes with a greeting card showing the moonstone in flight and telling the story of its trip to the stratosphere and back again.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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