GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (G1): A CME might graze Earth on Nov. 1st, sparking a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm. The CME was hurled into space by an erupting filament of magnetism on Oct. 29th. A NASA model shows the CME barely touching Earth, so this is a low probability forecast. CME impact alerts: SMS Text
ANOTHER X-CLASS SOLAR FLARE: Active sunspot AR3878 erupted again today (Oct. 31st @ 2120 UTC), producing an X2-class solar flare. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a spray of hot plasma emerging from the blast site:
A pulse of extreme ultraviolet radiation from the flare ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere, causing a shortwave radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean. Ham radio operators may have noticed loss of signal below 25 MHz for as much as 45 minutes after the flare.
We don't yet know if the explosion produced a CME. Initial guess: No. The flare was not accompanied by Type II radio bursts, which are usually produced by plasma instabilities in the leading edges of significant CMEs. However, we won't be sure until images from SOHO coronagraphs arrive. Stay tuned. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
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THE GEOMAGNETIC MOONCAT: This cat has experienced a geomagnetic storm. Multiple CMEs hit Earth's magnetic field during the weekend of August 10-11. Students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched a cosmic ray balloon into the resulting severe geomagnetic storm. The Geomagnetic Mooncat went along for the ride:
You can have it for $199.95. Supported by a sterling silver frame, the black cat is curled around a genuine blue moonstone. It floated through the stratosphere for almost 3 hours during the storm, gathering radiation data for the students' monitoring program. The Mooncat comes with a greeting card showing the pendant in flight and explaining the radiation experiment.
The students of Earth to Sky Calculus are selling space jewelry to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Don't wait for Christmas--get yours now!
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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