GEOMAGNETIC STORM UPDATE: 2025 is off to a good start. On Jan. 1st, auroras spilled across the Arctic Circle, spreading as far south as Mexico, Colorado and Arizona during an intense geomagnetic storm. For a while, storm levels reached category G4, which is severe. The storm is subsiding now, but sky watchers should remain alert for auroras as geomagnetic activity flickers between category G1 (Minor) and G3 (Strong) for the next 12 to 24 hours. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
Layton Findlater just witnessed a spectacular outburst over Invercargill, New Zealand:
"The display started off slow, but by 2am (Jan. 2nd here in New Zealand) it went completely crazy!" says Findlater.
The cause of the storm is a CME that struck Earth's magnetic field on Dec. 31st. As often happens with CME strikes, the initial impact looked like a dud. The situation changed as Earth moved deeper into the CME's wake. Magnetic fields from the sun, pulled to Earth by the CME, linked to our planet's magnetosphere and pried it open. Solar wind poured through the gap to power a severe G4-class geomagnetic storm.
Jan. 1st: So far so good. Happy New Year!
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
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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
Realtime Comet Photo Gallery
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Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter