ARCTIC AURORA WATCH: NOAA forecasters say that a CME launched on Dec. 20th might pass close to Earth on Dec. 24th. If it does, ripples in the solar wind could spark Arctic auroras on Christmas Eve. Travel tip: If you're flying on a high-latitude route this week, pick the window seat. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
RED AIRGLOW FILLS DEATH VALLEY LAKE: Death Valley has a lake? It does now. In November, extinct Lake Manly came back to life after an atmospheric river passed over California. On Dec.11th, Chris Cook photographed its shallow water reflecting the red sky overhead:
"Located 282ft below sea level, Lake Manly is an ancient lake that fills Badwater Basin only after very heavy rains," says Cook. "It is a rare event."
The red light is airglow, an aurora-like phenomenon caused by chemical reactions in Earth's upper atmosphere. Red airglow comes from hydroxyl (OH). These neutral molecules exist in a thin layer of air 85 km high where gravity waves can create a dramatic rippling structure. Indeed, those ripples are visible in Cook's photo.
Another major atmospheric river is scheduled to pass over Death Valley this Christmas, refilling Lake Manly again. Photo-op!
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CHRISTMAS GIFTS FROM THE STRATOSPHERE: Christmas is coming. Are you looking for a far-out gift? Check out the Earth to Sky Store. It's filled with items that have visited the edge of space onboard cosmic ray research balloons:
Earth to Sky gifts have flown above 99.7% of Earth's atmosphere, experiencing space-like blasts of cosmic rays, extreme cold, and a wild ride parachuting back to Earth after the balloon explodes. Even Amazon doesn't carry items this far out.
Don't forget to enter coupon code "BLACKCAT" at checkout for a 10% holiday discount.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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