GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (G2): A CME might hit Earth today. It was hurled into space May 3rd by an X1.6-class solar flare from active sunspot AR3663. NASA and NOAA models agree that the bulk of the CME should pass north of our planet, with its southern flank glancing Earth late on May 5th. Moderately strong G2-class geomagnetic storms are possible when the CME arrives. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
THE MOST ACTIVE SUNSPOT IN YEARS: Fast-growing sunspot AR3663 has quickly become the most active sunspot of Solar Cycle 25. Today alone it has unleashed two X-flares and six M-class flares. This interest-compressed movie from the Solar Dynamics Observatory shows 12 hours of crackling action:
Each of these flares has created a brief but deep radio blackout on Earth, causing loss of signal at frequencies below 30 MHz. These are events easily noticed by ham radio operators, aviators and mariners using shortwave to communicate.
The flares are expected to continue. AR3663 has a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field where mixed polarities are bumping together in explosive proximity. NOAA forecasters estimate a 75% chance of additional M-class flares and a 25% chance of more X-flares on May 5th. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
TAHITIAN BLACK SOLAR ECLIPSE PEARL: It came from Tahiti, and now it has touched the shadow of the Moon. On April 8, 2024, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched this black pearl into a total eclipse of the sun over Texas. Riding on a cosmic ray research balloon, the pearl was 86,564 feet high when lunar darkness swallowed it for 3 minutes 45 seconds:
You can have it for $299.95. Measuring 9 mm in diameter, this genuine Tahitian pearl has an 18K rose gold clasp and is suspended from a matching 925 Sterling Silver chain. It comes with a greeting card showing the pearl in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space during the 2024 total eclipse.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
Realtime Comet Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter