WAITING FOR THE SOLAR STORMS: Updated NOAA forecast models continue to predict multiple CME impacts between March 19th and 21st. As many as three CMEs may be involved, all launched by Earth-facing sunspot 4392. Although the CMEs are minor, they will get a boost from the Russell-McPherron effect, potentially causing G2-class geomagnetic storms with bright equinox auroras. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
GREEN AIRGLOW IN THE HEAT DOME: A record-setting ridge of high pressure has set up over the US west, creating a heat dome that meteorologists are calling "absurd" and "otherworldly." It might be partly responsible for last night's display of green airglow over Colorado:
"I've heard that airglow loves high pressure," says Aaron Watson, who photographed the all-sky glow from the West Elk Mountains. "I was hoping to see the auroras, but was treated to this green glow instead."
Airglow is produced by photochemistry in Earth's upper atmosphere. For instance, there is a thin layer of air 95 km high where oxygen atoms (O) and oxygen molecules (O2) mix together. When O bumps into O2, the collision creates a spark of green light--airglow. Other reactions contribute, too.
High pressure can accelerate these reactions. Pressure gradients and powerful mountain winds associated with extreme ridging events drive intense atmospheric gravity waves into the mesosphere, boosting the intensity of airglow.
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THE METEOR CRATER PENDANT: Have you heard of Moissanite? It's a very rare mineral discovered by 19th-century chemist Henri Moissan in Arizona's Meteor Crater. At first, he thought it was diamond, but later realized it was even more rare. It's a diamond lookalike that, until the 1950s, was found naturally only in meteorites.
On Aug. 2, 2025, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched this Moissanite pendant to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $169.95. Engraved with the words "I love you always and forever," the sterling silver frame bends around the Moissanite in a heart-shaped curve--all highlighted by glittering 5A cubic zirconia nuggets.
The students are selling space pendants to pay the helium bill for their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each one comes with a greeting card showing the jewelry in flight and telling the story of its trip to the stratosphere and back again.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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