GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (G2): Earth's magnetic field is about to receive a double blow. First, on Dec. 4th, a high-speed stream of solar wind flowing from a coronal hole will arrive. Then, on Dec. 5th, an off-target CME could deliver a glancing blow. Their combined effect could cause G1 (Minor) to G2-class (Moderate) geomagnetic storms with photographic auroras at mid-latitudes. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
A HOLE IN THE SUN'S ATMOSPHERE: A huge hole has opened in the sun's atmosphere, and it spewing a stream of solar wind directly toward Earth. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory photographed the structure, which stretches almost 800,00 km along its long axis:
This is a coronal hole--a region in the sun's atmosphere where magnetic fields have opened up, allowing solar wind to escape. The hole looks dark because hot glowing gas normally contained there is missing. The gaseous material is on its way to Earth.
The solar wind is due to arrive Dec. 4th or 5th. Together with a glancing-blow CME, it could spark G1 (Minor) to G2-class (Moderate) geomagnetic storms. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
"BUZZ'S BOOTPRINT" APOLLO 11 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT: This is a must-have Christmas ornament for space fans: Buzz's Bootprint. On Nov. 28, 2023, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched it to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $99.95. On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronaut Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin photographed his footprint in lunar soil as part of an experiment to study the nature of moondust. The image has since become one of the enduring symbols of the first visit to the Moon.
The students are selling space ornaments to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each one comes with a greeting card showing the ornament in flight plus a red ribbon for hanging on your tree. Shop Now.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM educatio
Realtime Comet Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter