A CME IS COMING: Yesterday, a magnetic filament on the sun erupted and hurled a CME into space. NOAA forecasters say it will graze Earth on March 4th, potentially sparking a G1-class geomagnetic storm. High latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
BLUE GHOST HAS LANDED: The Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully touched down on the Moon this morning and is already beaming back images from within Mare Crisium. This image shows Earth overlooking the landing site, with Blue Ghost's shadow pointing home:
This mission is important to space weather because Blue Ghost carries an X-ray telescope named "LEXI," which will image Earth's magnetosphere from the lunar surface. Another exciting fact: Blue Ghost will witness the March 14th lunar eclipse from the lunar surface. Stay tuned for more information on both of these topics.
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MARCH IS THE BEST MONTH OF THE YEAR FOR AURORAS: Did you know that March is the best month of the year for auroras? It's true. A 75-year study by retired NASA solar physicist David Hathaway shows that March has more geomagnetically active days than any other month of the year. (October is a close second.)
According to historical records, geomagnetic disturbances are almost twice as likely in spring and fall vs. winter and summer. This is due to the Russell-McPherron effect. In short, cracks tend to form in Earth's magnetosphere during weeks around equinoxes, allowing solar wind to spark Northern Lights. Happy March! Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
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"ALWAYS & FOREVER" GOLDEN SAPPHIRE PENDANT: Are you looking for an unforgettable gift? Consider the Golden Sapphire Space Pendent. On Feb. 20, 2025, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched it to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $199.95. Engraved with the words "I love you always and forever", this 18K gold-plated sterling silver pendant features a heart-shaped sapphire crystal surrounded by a ring of glittering 5A cubic zirconia nuggets. It is a visually striking premium pendant that makes a once-in-a-lifetime anniversary or birthday gift.
The students are selling space pendants to pay the helium bill for their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each one comes with a greeting card showing the jewelry in flight and telling the story of its trip to the stratosphere and back again.
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