GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (G1): NOAA forecasters say there is a chance of G1-class geomagnetic storms on Feb. 10-11 when a stream of solar wind is expecte to hit Earth's magnetic field. The gaseous material is flowing from a crescent-shaped hole in the sun's atmosphere. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
ASTEROID 2024 YR4 UPDATE: It's not scary yet, but it's heading in that direction. Asteroid 2024 YR4 now has a 2.2% chance of hitting Earth on Dec. 22, 2032, almost double the odds from a month and a half ago when it was first discovered. Current probabilities are based on 343 observations spanning 45 days, a growing number which is improving our knowledge of the asteroid's orbit.
Click to view and play with an interactive orbit of asteroid 2024 YR4
Even if the odds eventually grow to 100%, 2024 YR4 won't wipe us out. This asteroid is no dino-killer. With an estimated diameter of 40 to 70 meters, it is only a few times larger than the Chelyabinsk meteor that hit Russia in 2013. That space rock exploded in the atmosphere, creating shock waves that shattered glass windows and injured hundreds of people (mainly from broken glass). An impact from 2024 YR4 might be more like the Tunguska event, which leveled a forest in Russia in 1908. You wouldn't want to be at ground zero, but Earth will survive.
The recent uptick in impact probability could be temporary. Astronomers are carefully tracking 2024 YR4 with multiple observations every night. More data will tighten the error bars and alter the odds. Up or down? Stay tuned for updates.
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VALENTINE'S GIFTS FROM THE EDGE OF SPACE: Does your sweetheart love space? Shop the Earth to Sky Store for their perfect Valentine's gift. All items have flown to the stratosphere on board cosmic ray research balloons--and from now until Feb. 14th, everything is 10% off:
Each purchase comes with a greeting card showing the item in flight and telling the story of its journey to the stratosphere and back again. Don't forget to enter the coupon code "FAROUT" for your Valentine's discount!
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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