QUIET WITH A CHANCE OF FLARES: Solar activity has been low for 48 hours. NOAA forecasters estimate a 45% chance that sunspot 4513 will break the quiet today with an M-class solar flare. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text.
LUNAR ECLIPSE THIS WEEK! Almost every American will be able to see it. On Thursday night, Aug. 27th, Earth's shadow will engulf the Moon for an almost-total eclipse. At maximum, 96% of the lunar disk will be covered, producing a coppery-red Moon with a bright sliver clinging to its northern edge.
More time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, Hawaii
Observers in the eastern and central USA can see the whole thing, start to finish. Along the West Coast, the Moon rises around the time the partial phase begins, so the early stages play out low in the evening twilight. But maximum eclipse will be visible from Coast to Coast. (In Hawaii, the Moon rises already near maximum eclipse.)
Solar eclipses and lunar eclipses come in pairs. This week's lunar eclipse bookends the total solar eclipse Europeans enjoyed on Aug. 12th. Europeans are not well-positioned to see the lunar climax, but North and South Americans have a front row seat.
Resources: Visibility Maps from TimeAndDate.com; Technical Description from Fred Espenak; Eclipse Graphics from ShadowAndSubstance.com
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CONSTELLATION CAT NIGHT LIGHT: It's the most far-out feline night light ever--The Constellation Cat. On April 23rd, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched it to the stratosphere onboard a giant helium balloon:
You can have it for $139.95. Outlined by stars in the style of an astronomical constellation, the laser-etched cat comes with an LED stand that produces a soothing glow for your bedside table. Also included: A unique greeting card shows the crystal ball in flight and tells the story of its journey to the edge of space.
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