CO-ROTATING INTERACTION REGION: Minor G1-class geomagnetic storms are possible on Feb. 14th when a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) is expected to hit Earth. CIRs are transition zones between fast- and slow-moving streams of solar wind. They contain shock waves and enhanced magnetic fields that do a good job sparking Arctic auroras. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
CRYOVOLCANIC ERUPTION ON COMET 29P: The British Astronomical Association (BAA) is reporting a new outburst of cryovolcanic comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann. On Feb. 10th, the comet’s nucleus abruptly brightened by more than 5 magnitudes–a sign that a major eruption is underway. The outburst is centered in this image from amateur astronomer Eliot Hermann:
''This is one of the top five eruptions observed in last 24 years," says Hermann. "It should produce a nice expanding shell."
Dr. Richard Miles of the BAA believes that 29P is not an ordinary comet. In a seminal paper published 10 years ago, he describes how 29P may have "ice volcanos" that erupt dozens of times a year. The "magma" consists of cold liquid hydrocarbons (e.g., CH4, C2H4, C2H6 and C3H8) carbonated by dissolved CO2. Major eruptions like this one often come in pairs, triples, and even quintuplets.
"So, all observers, please watch out for more strong events in the coming hours and days," says Miles.
29P is currently in the constellaton Leo and visible through mid-sized backyard telecopes (magnitude +12). Point your optics here.
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THE LOVE PUZZLE FOR VALENTINE'S DAY: Valentine’s Day this weekend. Do you have a truly far-out gift? Consider the the Love Puzzle. On Jan. 15th, it flew to the stratosphere onboard an Earth to Sky cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $91.95. This acrylic puzzle piece is a love note: "Thank you for being such an important piece of my life," the inscription says. It's a durable reminder that you fit together. The Love Puzzle comes with a unique gift card showing the keepsake at the top of Earth's atmosphere.
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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