MEDICAL EMERGENCY IN ORBIT: NASA has ordered the early return of four astronauts from the ISS after one crewmember developed a "serious medical condition." In a press conference, Administrator Jared Isaacman said the decision was made because the ISS lacks the capability to properly treat the condition. It marks the first emergency medical return in the station’s 25-year history. [more]
THE ARCTIC STRATOSPHERE IS GETTING COLD: Very cold. NASA climate models say the current temperature is -80 C, typical of winter months inside the Arctic Circle. This means it is now cold enough for Type I Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs):
Normally the stratosphere contains no clouds at all. At these low temperatures, widely-spaced atoms can stick together to form compounds such as water (H2O), nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). These can be seen as a glowing gauzy haze in the Arctic twilight.
Type I PSCs are sometimes called 'acid clouds.' Their abundant nitric-acid particles unlock ozone-destroying reactions. During extended periods of extreme cold, Type I PSCs can cause Arctic ozone holes.
Now for the good news: If the temperature drops to -85 C, these clouds will transform themselves into harmless Type II PSCs composed mainly of pure water ice crystals. Type II PSCs are the most beautiful clouds on Earth, and we look forward to sightings in the near future.
Realtime Polar Stratospheric Cloud Photo Gallery
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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
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
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Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
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