GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH--CONTINUED: Another CME is expected to hit Earth today, Aug. 1st. NOAA forecasters say it could spark a G1 or G2-class geomagnetic storm. During such storms, naked-eye auroras may be seen in northern-tier US states and central Europe. CME Impact alerts: SMS Text
AURORAS IN THE USA: Two more CMEs hit Earth on July 31st. Each impact was weak, but collectively they sparked a G1-class geomagnetic storm with auroras over Minnesota:
"My grandson is a huge space weather enthusiast and he was thrilled to watch the beautiful Northern Lights with me tonight," says photographer Greg Ash of Ely, MN. While Ash's family watched the display from Minnesota, photographic red auroras descended as far south as Nebraska.
Minor storming is expected to continue as Earth moves through the magnetized wake of these CMEs. Storm levels could jump to category G2 if another CME arrives on Aug. 1st, as expected. CME Impact alerts: SMS Text
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THE SUN IS LITERALLY CRACKLING WITH FLARES: Seldom is the sun peppered with so many unstable sunspots. Today, there are at least 7 active regions capable of producing strong Earth-directed solar flares. This time-compressed movie shows the past 24 hours of explosions:
All of these are strong M-class solar flares. An even stronger X-flare may be in the offing with radio blackouts and perhaps a CME. Stay tuned! Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
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SILK SPACE ROSE: This rose will last forever, and it has been to the edge of space. On Jan. 4th, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched it onboard a cosmic ray research balloon. At the apex of the flight it floated 111,424 feet above the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California:
You can have it for $126.65. The students are selling space roses to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each silk bloom comes with a greeting card showing the rose in flight and telling the story of its journey to the stratosphere and back again. Also included are the glass dome, wooden base, and an LED light kit to make your rose glisten like the stars.
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Realtime Noctilucent Cloud Photo Gallery
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