SUNSPOTS ARE BACK: After 3 days of blank suns last week, solar activity has returned to normal with multiple sunspot groups crossing the solar disk. Solar Cycle 25 has some life left, after all. NOAA forecasters estimate a 25% chance of M-class flares and a 5% chance of X-flares on March 3rd. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON: Photos are pouring in from around the world documenting today's total lunar eclipse. This rare shot comes from the Great Wall of China:
"It’s a breathtaking moment to capture!" says photographer Jeff Dai. "Simatai Great Wall is a world-famous section of the Great Wall, a world heritage site renowned for its steep cliffs, unique architecture, and Ming-era authenticity."
The Moon looks red during an eclipse because it is inside Earth's shadow--a cone of sunset-colored light that juts into space behind our planet. Not all "shadows" are completely dark!
The eclipse was visible in the Americas, the Pacific Ocean, Australia and much of Asia: visibility map. If you were in the eclipse zone, submit your photos here.
Realtime Eclipse Photo Gallery
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THE RAINBOW ROSE FROM SPACE: This is no ordinary rose. It shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow, and it has been to the edge of space:
You can have it for $127.95. The rainbow rose flew through the stratosphere on Jan. 24th carried by an Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray research balloon. The artificial bloom comes with a greeting card showing the rose in flight, and telling the story of its journey to the top of Earth's atmosphere. It makes a great birthday, anniversary, or (coming soon!) Mother's Day gift.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
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Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter