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MAJOR FLARE WATCH: Don't be surprised if there is an X-flare today. New sunspot 4473, just arrived from the farside of the sun, is crackling with solar flares. The strongest so far almost crossed the threshold into category X:
This M7 flare on June 21st caused a brief shortwave radio blackout over the western USA. Ham radio operators may have noticed loss of signal at frequencies below 20 MHz around 1915 UTC.
Flares from this sunspot have been increasingly intense over the past 48 hours. If current trends continue, an X-flare is likely on June 22-23. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
LARGE FARSIDE SUNSPOT: Another farside sunspot is coming, and it's a big one. Europe's Solar Orbiter photographed the behemoth on June 21st:
This sunspot is growing rapidly. Only a few days ago it was small and unremarkable. Since June 16th, Solar Orbiter has watched it multiply in size more than 10-fold. The sunspot will reach the Earthside of the sun a few days from now, not far behind active region 4473. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text
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18K GOLD SUNFLOWER PENDANT: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Consider the 18K Gold Sunflower Pendant. On June 3rd, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched it to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $169.95. This 18k gold-plated pendant is inscribed with the words: "You are my sunshine." The sunflower's "eye" is a genuine citrine crystal, which sparkles in sunlight even at sea level.
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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