GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (G1): A coronal mass ejection (CME) might graze Earth today. It was hurled into space by a strong solar flare (M6.8-class) on Jan. 29th. Although most of the CME will miss our planet, a NASA model suggests that its flank could deliver a glancing blow on Jan. 31st. If so, the impact could spark a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
AFTERGLOW OF A SOLAR FLARE: When this week's powerful M6.8-class solar flare was finished, it left something behind. Argentine astronomer Eduardo Schaberger Poupeau photographed the "post-flare loops":
Glowing arches like these appear after many strong solar flares. Astronomers have studied them for decades, yet there is still some controversy about what they are. Superficially, they appear to be giant magnetic tubes filled with plasma super-heated by the explosion that just happened. But that might not be right. Some observations seem to show gas condensing from the sun's hot corona into these structures. If that's what's happening, it means the flare not only blows material away from the sunspot, but also sucks it in!
We still have a lot to learn about solar flares. Fortunately for researchers, Solar Maximum is coming later this year, and there should be many more strong explosions to study. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
more images: from Efrain Morales Rivera of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
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STERLING SILVER SNOOPY & WOODSTOCK PENDANT: Are you looking for a far-out Valentine's gift? Consider the Snoopy and Woodstock pendant. On Jan. 26th, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched it to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $149.95. Framed by sterling silver, the pendant shows Snoopy handing Woodstock a miniature ruby heart, expressing a joyous affection that will delight any Peanuts fan.
The students are selling space pendants to pay the helium bill for their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each one comes with a greeting card showing the jewelry 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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