GEOMAGNETIC STORMS THIS WEEKEND: NOAA forecasters say that G2-class geomagnetic storms are likely on Nov. 8th, 9th and 10th as additional CMEs hit/graze Earth's magnetic field. The source of the storm clouds is active sunspot 4274. High-latitude sky watchers should remain alert for auroras mixed with moonlight. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
COMET 3I/ATLAS HAS SPROUTED AN UNUSUAL TAIL: After passing behind the sun in October, interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS is now visible from Earth again. Astronomers are photographing it in the pre-dawn sky.
Michael Jaeger of Austria has been tracking the comet since it re-appeared on Nov. 4th. "We have something unusual to report," he says. "3I/ATLAS showed a complex tail structure early this morning (Nov. 8th)."
"At the time of exposure, the comet was 7-10° above the horizon," he says. "At the end, twilight interfered with the observation, which took place under bright moonlight. We observed from a mountain location."
This image differs from other photos we've seen in recent days, which show a simple fuzzy blob with no obvious tail. Jaeger's exposure detected a spray of four or five tails, including a narrow jet pointing toward the sun. This might indicate a surge of activity stimulated by ATLAS's encounter with the hot sun.
Astronomers, confirmation is needed! Please photograph 3I/ATLAS in the mornings ahead and submit your images here.
more images: from Alberto Quijano Vodniza of Pasto, Colombia
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
NATURAL MOONSTONE CELTIC LOVE KNOT PENDANT: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Nothing says "I love you" like a natural moonstone from the edge of space. On June 12th, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus flew this one 111,877 feet above Earth's surface onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $139.95. The moonstone is wrapped in a sterling silver Celtic love knot and suspended from a matching 18-inch sterling silver chain. It spend more than two hours at the top of Earth's atmosphere before parachuting to a landing site in Death Valley National Park.
The students are selling space pendants to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each one comes with a greeting card showing the item in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter