NEAR-MISS CME SPARKS AURORAS: A CME passed closed to Earth on Aug. 17th. It didn't hit, but sparked auroras anyway. A G1-class geomagnetic storm developed as Earth grazed the CME's magnetized wake. Gregory Ash saw the display from Ely, Minnesota:
"In spite of distant wildfire smoke and an approaching storm, it was very peaceful watching the developing aurora reflection under the sparkling stars and Milky Way!" says Ash.
more images: from Jessica Fridrich of Binghamton, NY; from Diane Ellsworth of Gaylord, Michigan; from Henning Untiedt of Hauganes, Iceland; from Alan Dyer of Gleichen, Alberta
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
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OTHERWORLDLY SOLAR ECLIPSE: Last week's total eclipse of the sun was otherworldly. This image from Jordi Coy of Belchite, Spain, shows what we mean:
"I framed this photo of the solar eclipse during one of its most spectacular phases: the 'diamond ring.' For this unique and special moment, I wanted to give the image a different perspective, imagining what a solar eclipse might look like from another world," explains Coy.
"The highly realistic spacesuits, which are used in film productions, were kindly provided to me by Artefacto," he says. "The astronauts inside are my friends Ángeles and Juanjo."
"This single exposure is my attempt to transport the viewer to a future that, who knows, may one day cease to be science fiction," he says.
For more out-of-this-world photos, browse the eclipse gallery.
Realtime Solar Eclipse Photo Gallery
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RAINBOW DRAGONFLY EARRINGS: If you liked the Rainbow Dragonfly Pendant, you'll love the matching earrings. On July 7, 2026, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched them to the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon:
You can have a pair for $149.95. Made of stained glass with a sterling silver exoskeleton, each dragonfly has a wingspan of 0.8 inches and dangles from a matching sterling silver clasp. Your order comes with a full-color greeting card showing the earrings in flight and telling the story of their journey to the stratosphere and back.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
Realtime Aurora Photo Gallery
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Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
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