A CME IS COMING (UPDATED): Yesterday's almost-X-class solar flare (see below) hurled a CME into space. NOAA analysts believe it will graze Earth on June 18th. The glancing blow could spark a G1-class geomagnetic storm. CME impact alerts: SMS Text
AS PREDICTED, A STRONG SOLAR FLARE: We thought sunspot 4114 might flare, and it did. On June 15th at 1806 UTC, the growing active region erupted with an M8.3-class solar flare (almost X-class). NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the extreme ultraviolet flash:
Radiation from the flare caused a shortwave radio blackout over North America. Ham radio operators may have noticed loss of signal at frequencies below 20 MHz.
The explosion also hurled a CME into space. Most of the CME will miss Earth, sailing north of our planet; most, but not all. The CME's flank should strike Earth on or about June 18th, bringing a chance of geomagnetic storms. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
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CONSTELLATION CAT NIGHT LIGHT (CRYSTAL BALL): It's the most far-out feline night light ever--the Constellation Cat Crystal Ball. On April 23, 2025, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched it to the stratosphere onboard a giant helium balloon.
You can have it for $139.95. 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 crystal ball in flight and tells the story of its journey to the edge of space.
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