CME TO STRIKE VENUS: A CME launched into space by yesterday's X-flare won't strike Earth, however, it will hit Venus according to a NASA model. The strike on Venus (Feb. 18th) will probably erode a small amount of Venus's upper atmosphere. CMEs do not erode Earth's atmosphere because, unlike Venus, our planet is protected by a global magnetic field. CME impact alerts: SMS Text
A RARE ERUPTION FROM THE SOUTH POLE: Most explosions on the sun happen near the equator where sunspots tend to cluster. Today, however, something blew up 90 degrees away near the sun's south pole:
The polar blast propelled a bright CME straight down, out of the plane of the solar system. No planet will be struck. Although if a comet is below the sun (comets can go there) it could have its tail ripped off by the solar storm cloud.
This rare eruption appears to be linked to an unstable polar crown filament--a twisted strand of magnetism circling the sun's south pole. Solar astronomers have known about these circular filaments for more than a century. Long-term studies show that they shrink in size near Solar Maximum, forming ever tighter circles around their respective poles.
Indeed, that's why these rare eruptions happen most often around Solar Max. Intense magnetic fields crowded together in tight spaces love to erupt. Solar Max is coming soon, so stay tuned for more polar blasts in the months ahead. CME impact alerts: SMS Text
more images: from the National Solar Observatory
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18K GOLD "LOVE YOU TO THE MOON" LOCKET: This is a very special locket. It's heart-shaped, plated with 18K gold, and we will fly it again during this year's total eclipse of the sun. Keep reading...
On Jan. 26, 2024, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched this locket to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon. At the apex of the flight, it floated 111,535 feet above the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California:
Buy it now for $149.95, and we'll fly it again--FOR FREE--during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The students will be launching multiple balloons from the path of totality in Texas. Your pendant will go along for the ride, touching the shadow of the Moon at the edge of space. (Simply type "FLY IT AGAIN" in the comments box at checkout.)
The locket, which opens to hold a personal photo or other small item, comes with a greeting card showing the jewelry in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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