PI DAY GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH: Minor G1-class geomagnetic storms are possiblecon March 14th (Pi Day) when a stream of solar wind is expected to hit Earth's magnetic field. The gaseous material is flowing from a long narrow hole in the sun's atmosphere. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
COMET VS STARLINK: Last month, astronomer Gerald Rhemann attempted to photograph Comet Wierzchoś (C/2024 E1) during its closest approach to Earth. The comet was outnumbered 10:1 by satellites:
"The video is made from 19 files, each one was exposed for 120 seconds," says Rhemann. During that time 10 ±1 satellites criss-crossed the field of view. (The uncertainly is because two of the streaks are very faint.) Most if not all were Starlinks.
Much can be seen in this busy image. "The dynamic of the comets ion tail is visible, and the comet is moving along the Sculptor dwarf galaxy," notes Rhemann. "Nevertheless, satellite interference is a growing challenge."
It's about to worsen. Right now, Earth is surrounded by almost 10,000 Starlinks with future plans calling for 42,000. Amazon’s Project Kuiper has begun launching its own planned 3,200-satellite broadband fleet, while China is building two more megaconstellations: Guowang (13,000 satellites) and "Qianfan" ("Thousand Sails", 15,000-plus). Together, they could eventually rival Starlink or even surpass it.
Because satellite megaconstellations are an increasingly important aspect of space weather and amateur astronomy, we've decided to track them--starting with Starlink. Look here. Every day we will update Starlink Statistics, eventually adding other megaconstellations when they become important.
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter
"ALWAYS AND FOREVER" SPACE PENDANT: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Consider the Always and Forever Space Pendent. The students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched it to the top of Earth's atmosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
It's yours for $299.95. Engraved with the words "I love you always and forever," this sterling silver pendant features a heart-shaped citrine crystal surrounded by a ring of glittering 5A cubic zirconia nuggets. It comes with a greeting card showing the jewelry in flight and telling the story of its journey to space.
Earth to Sky space 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 Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter