DATE SET FOR ISS MEDICAL EVACUATION: An astronaut onboard the ISS needs to come home for medical treatment, so NASA is bringing the entirety of Crew 11 back to Earth. NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 5 p.m. EST, Wednesday, Jan. 14, for undocking of the return capsule. This marks the first emergency medical return in the station's 25-year history. [more]
UPDATE: The CME described below has just hit Earth. The impact appears strong enough to cause G1/G2-class geomagnetic storms.
A CME MIGHT HIT EARTH TODAY: A long duration C5.5-class solar flare on Jan. 8th hurled a CME almost directly toward Earth. NOAA forecasters expect it to arrive on Jan. 10th, sparking G1-class geomagnetic storms. Here's what the CME looks like:
This CME might be more potent than it looks. A NOAA model shows it merging with another minor CME also launched on Jan. 8th. If the two CMEs really do merge, they would form a Cannibal CME--a type of storm cloud that punches above its weight. Cannibal CMEs contain enhanced shock waves that do a good job igniting geomagnetic storms.
High latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras during the night of Jan. 10-11. CME impact alerts: SMS Text
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VALENTINE'S LOVE LOCKET: Valentine’s Day is coming. Do you have a truly far-out gift? Consider the Valentine's Love Locket. On Jan. 2nd, it flew to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $107.95. The locket is openable, lockable, and can hold small items inside. You'll also receive a unique keepsake card showing the jewelry 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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