GEOMAGNETIC STORM UPDATE: Minor (G1) to strong (G3) geomagnetic storms are underway on Jan. 20th as Earth moves through the wake of a super-fast CME that struck on Jan. 19th. Peak storm levels on Jan. 19th almost reached category G5 (extreme), and there have been several episodes of G4 (severe) since the CME arrived. High-latitude sky watchers should remain alert for auroras during the night of Jan. 20-21. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
BIG AURORAS--ESPECIALLY IN EUROPE (UPDATED): Yesterday's CME impact was perfectly timed for Europe. The severe (G4) geomagnetic storm began just after nightfall in the EU, while the New Moon provided dark skies for long-exposure photography. This photo from Brittany, France, sums it up:
"A fantastic show--unbelievable in France!" says photographer Alexandre Croisier, who positioned his camera on the beach near the Lighthouse of Pontusval. "The auroras were visible to the naked eye with nice green and red colors."
There was a good show in Germany, too. "You could almost read a newspaper. The landscape was incredibly bright!" says Heiko Ulbricht, who sends this picture from Landberg Hill in Saxony:
"Extremely bright, green bands stretched all the way across the zenith," he says. "It was incredible."
The light show was also seen in Spain, Austria, Romania, Belgium, Poland, Switzerland, Latvia, Croatia, Norway, Ireland, Denmark, England, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Iceland and the North Sea.
After the show ended in Europe, it continued in the USA with auroras descending as far south as Alabama, Georgia, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Stay tuned for a recap.
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
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
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter