WEEKEND GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH: A geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for Sept. 2nd and 3rd when one and perhaps two CMEs (described below) hit Earth's magnetic field. Neither impact will be major, but added together they could spark G1 to G2-class geomagnetic storms. Depending on the timing of the impacts and other factors, auroras could appear in northern-tier US states such as New York, Minnesota, and Washington. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
TWO CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS EN ROUTE: One CME is definitely heading for Earth, and there might be two. The first CME left the sun on Aug. 30th following a "canyon of fire" magnetic filament eruption. Although the CME is faint, there is no question it is heading our way. The second CME is less certain to hit Earth, but more potent:
SOHO coronagraphs watched this bright fast CME leaving the sun on Sept. 1st following a long-duration M1-class solar flare from sunspot AR3413. Although it is not heading directly for Earth, the CME's flank is likely to graze our planet, according to a NASA model.
The one-two punch of these two CMEs arriving consecutively on Sept. 2nd and 3rd could spark geomagnetic storms as strong as category G2. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
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STERLING SILVER STARCAT: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Introducing the Sterling SIlver StarCat Pendant. On July 14th, it hitched a ride to the stratosphere onboard an Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $169.95. The silver feline form is wrapped around a genuine moonstone with a matching 18 inch Italian sterling silver chain. It is 100% hypoallergenic.
The students of Earth to Sky are selling space pendants to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each one 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
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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