A CME IS COMING: But it's not a big one. A minor CME is expected to strike Earth during the late hours of July 1st, according to a NASA model. The impact could spark G1-class geomagnetic storms with high-latitude auroras on July 2nd. CME impact alerts: SMS Text
A MAJOR OUTBREAK OF NOCTILUCENT CLOUDS: The night sky over Canada and Europe turned electric blue on June 29-30 during a major outbreak of noctilucent clouds (NLCs). "I captured two panoramas of the great display," says Alan Dyer of Gleichen, Alberta. Here is a fraction of what he observed:
Click here and here for the full-sized panoramas. They show the clouds' broad sweep and multiple colors, including rare reds described below.
NLCs are Earth's highest clouds (altitude 83 km). They appear every June when summertime wisps of water vapor rise to the edge of space and form rimes of ice around the ash of burned-up meteors.Fine ripples and a blue glow distinguish them from ordinary clouds.
Blue wasn't the only color Dyer saw. Red was there, too:
What makes NLCs red? First, let's understand what makes them blue. Spoiler alert: It's ozone.
Research in the 1970s established that sunlight hitting noctilucent clouds first travels through Earth's ozone layer. Ozone absorbs red light, while allowing blue to pass--hence the usual color of the clouds. On rare occasions, however, strong refraction bends red light from the sunset upward from the lower atmosphere. This light is so intense, not even ozone can stop it from painting the tops of the clouds red.
This was the biggest outbreak of the year with bright ripples visible as far south as Paris, France. Anyone living at mid-latitudes or above should be alert for NLCs. The best time to look is after sunset when geometry favors their visibility.
Realtime Noctilucent Cloud Photo Gallery
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CONSTELLATION CAT NIGHT LIGHT: 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.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
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Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
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Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
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