CHANCE OF FLARES TODAY: Although it has been mostly quiet for the past 24 hours, sunspot AR3615 poses a continued threat for strong solar flares. The giant active region an unstable delta-class magnetic field that harbors potential energy for significant eruptions. NOAA forecasters say there is a 85% chance of M-class flares and a 25% chance of X-flares on March 26th. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
A SHARP REDUCTION IN COSMIC RAYS: Astronauts on the International Space Station got a break from their daily dose of cosmic rays on March 24th when radiation levels suddenly dropped more than 14%. What happened? A coronal mass ejection (CME) swept the radiation aside:
This is called a "Forbush decrease," named after American physicist Scott Forbush who studied cosmic rays in the early 20th century. It happens when a CME sweeps past Earth and pushes galactic cosmic rays away from our planet. Radiation from deep space that would normally pepper space stations, satellites, and Earth’s upper atmosphere is briefly wiped out.
In the graph, above, the Forbush decrease is shown as a downward spike in neutron counts recorded at the Sodankyla Geophysical Observatory in Oulu, Finland. Neutrons are a well-known proxy for cosmic rays. When cosmic rays strike Earth's upper atmosphere, they produce a spray of neutrons that reach the ground below. Sensors in Oulu count these "secondary cosmic rays" to monitor activity in space.
This week's Forbush decrease is the biggest of Solar Cycle 25 (so far), exceeding the previous record-holder on Nov. 3-4, 2021 when a potent Cannibal CME dropped neutron counts by 11%.
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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.
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