GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (G2): Moderate (G2) geomagnetic storms are possible on April 22-23 when a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) is expected to hit Earth. CIRs are transition zones between fast- and slow-moving streams of solar wind; they contain enhanced magnetic fields akin to those of CMEs. If the storm materializes, it could spark auroras in northern Europe, Canada, and northern-tier US states from Maine to Washington. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
AFTERGLOW OF A CANNIBAL CME: A Cannibal CME hit Earth on April 15th. Three days later, the magnetosphere was still glowing. Guy Kimola photographed the display on April 18th from Fraser Lake, B.C., Canada:
"I didn't actually see the auroras," he says. "I set the camera to take 40 shots for a startrails picture and went to bed. This is what I found in the morning."
Cannibal CMEs are pile-ups of two or more CMEs. They contain shock waves and extra-intense magnetic fields that do a good job sparking geomagnetic storms and auroras. The Cannibal CME that struck on April 15th was a combination of two closely-spaced eruptions on the sun. It caused a severe geomagnetic storm on April 16th with a persistent afterglow long after the storm subsided.
more afterglow images: from Harlan Thomas of Calgary, Canada; from Geir T Birkeland Øye of Ørsta, Norway
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CONSTELLATION CAT CRYSTAL NIGHT LIGHT: It's the most far-out feline night light ever--the Constellation Cat. On March 21, 2025, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched it to the stratosphere onboard a giant helium balloon.
You can have it for $119.95. Outlined by stars in the style of an astronomical constellation, the laser-etched cat comes with an LED stand that produces a soothing glow for your bedside table. Also included: A unique greeting card shows the cat in flight and tells the story of its journey to the edge of space.
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