PROTONS ARE RAINING DOWN ON EARTH: Yesterday's long-duration solar flare from sunspot 4492 accelerated a stream of energetic protons toward Earth. They are striking our atmosphere now. This is called a "solar radiation storm." Current storm levels are minor (S1-class), which means the protons pose no significant threat to astronauts or air travelers. However, the storm is causing a shortwave radio blackout inside the Arctic Circle. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text.
A BIG CME JUST LEFT THE SUN: And it might hit Earth. NOAA's CCOR-1 coronagraph recorded the CME on July 30th:
The CME was launched by an M1.9-class solar flare from sunspot 4492 (movie). Technically, the flare's peak was not very strong (only M1.9), but the explosion lasted for hours, long enough to lift a significant CME out of the sun's atmosphere.
A NASA model suggests this CME will graze Earth on Aug. 2nd--and a new NOAA model agrees. The glancing blow could spark a G2-class geomagnetic storm with high-latitude auroras. CME impact alerts: SMS Text.
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
Free: Space Weather Newsletter
ALPHA CAPRICORNID FIREBALLS: The alpha Capricornid meteor shower is underway. Last night in New York, Brian Mcdonough observed a classic alpha Cap fireball:
"The fireball splintered into a number of smaller pieces," says Mcdonough. "It took over 3 seconds to cross the sky and was brighter than Vega. One of the most amazing meteors I've ever seen."
Although this shower produces only a handful of meteors per hour, many are fireballs. Look for them tonight between midnight and dawn. The alpha Capricornids peak on July 30-31.
Realtime Alpha Capricornid Photo Gallery
Free: Space Weather Newsletter
STERLING SILVER HANGING CAT: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Consider the Sterling Silver Hanging Cat Pendant. On July 22nd, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched it to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have it for $139.95. This feline astronaut is made of genuine sterling silver and hangs from a matching 18-inch sterling silver chain. It is a purrfect birthday, anniversary or belated graduation gift.
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
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
Free: Spaceweather.com Newsletter