CME IMPACT SPARKS GEOMAGNETIC STORM: As predicted, a CME struck Earth on Jan. 10th, sparking a G2-class geomagnetic storm. Earth's magnetic field is still reverberating from the impact. Minor G1-storms could continue through Jan. 12th. CME impact alerts: SMS Text
Shortly after the CME's impact on Jan. 10th, Eva Kristiansen recorded this outburst over Tromsø, Norway:
"The Northern Lights were spectacular as a G2-class geomagnetic storm struck Earth," says Kristiansen. "It was like something out of a fairly tale, slightly otherworldly."
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WE'RE GOING TO MISS THE ISS: Soon, one of the most familiar sights in the night sky will be gone. NASA plans to deorbit the International Space Station in early 2031. This picture taken by Charline Giroud reminds us--we're going to miss it:
Giroud caught the split-second transit on Jan. 3rd. It shows the station's winged silhouette passing over Tycho Crater on the Moon. "I used the ISS Transit Finder-- a tool that predicts where these brief alignments are visible," she says.
The station is on the chopping block because it's old and expensive. The ISS was designed for a service life of about 15 years. By the end of this decade it will be more than 30 years old. Key systems are experiencing metal fatigue, micrometeoroid damage, and air leaks, pushing the cost of operations to over $3 billion per year. NASA wants to redirect those resources toward the Moon and eventually Mars. Developed by SpaceX, the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle will guide the ISS into the South Pacific Ocean after operations cease at the end of 2030.
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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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