INTENSIFYING STORM: Today's minor G1-class geomagnetic storm, caused by a CME impact (described below), has just intensified to category G2. This could produce auroras in northern-tier US states after nightfall on March 3rd *if* the storm persists for a few more hours. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
THE CME HAS ARRIVED: An overdue CME struck Earth's magnetic field on March 3rd (0930 UT). The impact sparked a G1-class geomagnetic storm with bright auroras around the Arctic Circle. Jan Eklind photographed the display from, the window seat of an AIRBUS A20N at 35,000 feet:
"I was flying from Oslo to Kirkenes on Scandinavian Airlines when the CME struck," says Eklind. "Auroras spread across the sky with twilight in the distance and city lights below."
The CME was hurled into space on Feb. 28th when a magnetic filament connected to sunspot AR3592 erupted. It was not aimed directly at Earth, and forecasters were unsure it would deliver even a glancing blow. Today's impact was stronger than expected. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
more images: from Zelda Gilbert aboard the Viking Venus on the Norwegian Sea; from Rick D of Wasilla, Alaska; from Dmitry Savin of Moscow, Russia; from Märt Varatu of Kiia küla, Estonia.
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
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
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
Realtime Comet Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter