THE CME HAS ARRIVED: Arriving a few hours later than predicted, a CME hit Earth on Oct 3rd at 0251 UTC. This is not a major CME. Nevertheless, it is capable of sparking a G1-class geomagnetic storm with high-latitude auroras in the hours ahead. CME Impact Alerts: SMS Text
THE BEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR TO SEE SATURN: In the eyepiece of a telescope, Saturn will take your breath away. That's not hyperbole. The ringed planet really is that beautiful, and tonight is the best night of the year to see it. Look east after sunset just below the Great Square of Pegasus:
It looks like a yellow star twice as bright as first magnitude. Even a small telescope will show its magnificent rings. Saturn looks like a little Christmas ornament floating in space.
Tonight is special because Saturn is making its closest approach to Earth. Astronomers say "Saturn is at opposition" because it is opposite the sun in the sky. It rises in the east at sunset and stays up all night long. If you can stay up until midnight, you'll see it high in the sky facing south.
Enjoy the show, and if you take a picture, please submit it here.
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THE EASTER ISLAND CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT: You can't buy this on Amazon. Only the Earth to Sky Store has the Easter Island Christmas Ornament from space. Here it is floating at the top of Earth's atmosphere on July 16, 2026:
You can have it for $98.95. Modeled after the iconic stone heads of Easter Island, known as Moai, this ornament adds an element of mystery to any Christmas Tree. For 3 hours, it floated through the stratosphere onboard a cosmic ray research balloon, then parachuted back to Earth, landing near Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park.
The ornament comes with a full-color gift card showing the Moai in flight. The interior of the card tells the story of its journey to the edge of space and back again.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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