GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (STRONG): A fusillade of solar activity on Dec. 29-30 hurled two CMEs toward Earth. Their arrival on Dec. 31-Jan 1 could spark moderate (G2) to strong (G3) geomagnetic storms. If a strong storm materializes, Northern Lights could descend to mid-latitudes in the USA and Europe, competing with fireworks displays to start the New Year. CME impact alerts: SMS Text
Above: A NOAA forecast model shows two CMEs heading for Earth. [animation]
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STRONG SOLAR ACTIVITY RESUMES: The quiet has broken. During the past 36 hours, sunspot 3936 has produced two X-class solar flares (X1.1 and X1.5) and a score of lesser M-flares. This morning's X1.5-class eruption (0414 UTC) was so strong it triggered a secondary blast in sunspot 3932 more than 200,000 km away:
This is actually a double X-flare. Both explosions pictured above crossed the X1 threshold. Extreme ultraviolet radiation from the flares ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere, causing a shortwave radio blackout approximately centered on Australia. Ham radio operators in the area may have lost signal below 20 MHz for as much as an hour around 0430 UTC.
More flares are in the offing. There are currently five sunspots on the solar disk with mixed-polarity magnetic fields capable of producing M-class to X-class solar flares. NOAA forecasters estimate a 30% chance of X-class explosions on Dec. 30th and the same on Dec. 31st. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
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GIFTS FROM THE EDGE OF SPACE: A New Year of balloon launches is about to begin, and we need to buy helium! You can help by puchasing a gift from the Earth to Sky Store. It's filled with unique items that have flown to the edge of space onboard cosmic ray research balloons.
These unique gifts have flown above 99.7% of Earth's atmosphere, experiencing space-like blasts of cosmic rays, extreme cold, and a wild ride parachuting back to Earth after the balloon explodes. Even Amazon doesn't carry items this far out.
Don't forget to enter coupon code "SOLARMAX2025" at checkout for a 15% holiday discount. All profits support STEM space weather research.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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