SOMETHING FLARE-Y THIS WAY COMES: For the second time in a week, a significant CME has billowed away from the farside of the sun. The latest appeared during the early hours of Jan.12th following an M3.3-class flare just behind the sun's eastern limb. These events are connected. An actively flaring sunspot group is about to emerge as the sun's rotation turns it to face Earth later this week. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
CME IMPACT SPARKS GEOMAGNETIC STORM: As predicted, a CME struck Earth on Jan. 10th (20:30 UTC). In fact, it may have been a "Cannibal CME," consisting of two CMEs tangled together. The impact sparked a G2-class geomagnetic storm with bright auroras inside the Arctic Circle:
"The Northern Lights were otherworldly--like something out of a fairly tale," says Eva Kristiansen, who photographed the outburst over Tromsø, Norway.
Earth's magnetic field is still reverberating from the strike. Minor G1-storms could continue through Jan. 12th. CME impact alerts: SMS Text
more images: from Ian Carstairs of Harleston, Norfolk, UK
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VALENTINE'S CRYSTAL BEAR CRUSH: Valentine’s Day is coming. Do you have a truly far-out gift? Consider the Crystal Bear Crush. On Jan. 2nd, it flew to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $129.95. The two bears, plus heart and flower, are made of genuine high-quality K9 crystal, which shines beautifully in high-altitude sunlight. You'll also receive a unique keepsake card showing the bears at the top of Earth's atmosphere. Inside, the card tells the story of the flight and certifies that the item 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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