DON'T EXPECT A FLARE TODAY: Today's sun has plenty of spots--six sunspot groups in total. However, they all have stable magnetic fields unlikely to explode. Strong flares are not expected on Jan. 6th. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
SUPERIOR CONJUNCTION OF VENUS AND MARS: You may not be able to see them, but Venus and Mars are easy to find. Just point toward the sun. Today, the two planets are clustered within a degree of the solar disk, shown here in a SOHO coronagraph image from the early hours of Jan. 6th:
Both Mars and Venus are on the farside of the sun. Astronomers call this kind of alignment a "superior solar conjunction." Simultaneous superior conjunctions of these two planets happen about once every 6 years. So it's rare, but not *very* rare.
The inevitable question: Will this alignment cause special tides? Yes and no. Yes, Earth is feeling the "Spring Tide" of a double solar conjunction. No, the tide is not significant. Even working together in this way, Venus and Mars exert a tidal force on Earth that is only one ten-millionth (10⁻⁷) the strength of typical lunar tides.
more images: from Joerg Schoppmeyer of Abama, Tenerife, Spain
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IRON HEART VALENTINE'S GIFT: Valentine’s Day is coming. Do you have a truly far-out gift? The Iron Heart Valentine’s Swing celebrates a love that is strong, steady, and enduring. On Nov. 13, 2025, it flew to the edge of space, floating 100,895 feet above the Sierra Nevada Mountains of central California:
You can have it for $159.95. The gift-boxed swing includes a unique keepsake card featuring the Iron Heart at the top of Earth's atmosphere. Inside, the card tells the story of the flight and certifies that this swing has been to the edge of space.
Earth to Sky Valentine's 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. And, best of all, all sales support student science projects and STEM education.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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