EXITING THE CME: An unexpected CME struck Earth on May 4th (1450 UTC), sparking G2-class geomagnetic storms and auroras. Two days later we are exiting the CME's wake. Minor G1-class storms are possible on May 6th as Earth's magnetosphere transitions back to a quiet state. Free: Space Weather Newsletter
SAVE THE FIREFLIES: This week, R.T. Smith of Stonville, North Carolina, saw a bright train of luminous streaks moving across the night sky. For a change, it wasn't SpaceX. It was Lampyridae:
Also known as "fireflies," these winged beetles appear in early summer, making their own light from a chemical reaction involving oxygen and the molecule luciferin. The bioluminescent display is a mating ritual conducted by males. If a female recognizes her specie's pattern from a male, she will light up her own lantern and beckon him over.
Readers of a certain age may remember swarms of fireflies criss-crossing the stars on long-ago summer evenings--but fewer now. While satellite megaconstellations are multiplying, the family Lampyridae is in sharp decline. Pesticides and light pollution (which interferes with reproductive signalling) are key threats.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is calling upon us to save the fireflies. They are the good streaks, after all.
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MOTHER'S DAY IS THIS SUNDAY: Are you looking for an out-of-this world Mother's Day gift? Consider this: Every time the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launch a cosmic ray balloon, they include something extra in the payload--something Mom will love:
Every item in the Earth to Sky Store has flown to the edge of space and comes with a greeting card showing the item in flight. The interior of the card tells the story of the gift's journey from launch to landing. Mom-satisfaction guaranteed!
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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