GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (G1): Earlier today, sunspot 4465 launched a halo CME in the general direction of Earth. Both NASA and NOAA models predict it will reach our planet early on June 13th (0600 - 0900 UTC). The CME was propelled by a C6-class explosion, which is not very strong. Nevertheless, the CME is fast and well-aimed. Its impact could spark a G1-class geomagnetic storm this weekend. CME Impact alerts: SMS Text.
MERCURY RISING TO JOIN VENUS AND JUPITER: Around the world this week, people have been watching Venus and Jupiter converge in the evening sky. Mercury is about to join them. The first planet is rising out of the sunset, as shown in this photo from Eric G. David of King George, Virginia:
The best nights to see Mercury begin on June 15th when it reaches its greatest elongation (apparent angular distance) from the sun. The Moon joins the show on June 16th and 17th, forming a sublime quartet of heavenly bodies in the evening twilight sky.
Between now and then, watch Mercury climb out of the sunset, and submit your pictures here. Sky maps: June 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.
more images: from Bob Beal of St. George, Utah; from Víctor R. Ruiz of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands; from James Perez-Rogers of Saugerties, NY; from Zlatko Pasko of Stara Pazova, Serbia; from S. Sabet of Alborz, Karaj, Iran;
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FATHER-SON IRON SCULPTURE: Father’s Day is coming. Are you looking for a far-out gift? Consider the Father-Son Iron Sculpture. Last month, it flew to the stratosphere on board an Earth toSky Calculus cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $149.95. Handcrafted from iron, the sculpture celebrates the special relationship between dads and their sons. There's a statue for father's and daughters, too!
The students are selling Father's Day Gifts 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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