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| 12/03/03
11/20/03
11/19/03 |
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CRACKS IN EARTH'S MAGNETIC SHIELD
- California-sized cracks in our planet's magnetic field can remain
open for hours, allowing the solar wind to gush through and power
stormy space weather -- this according to new observations from
Earth-orbiting satellites.
For the full story visit:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/03dec_magneticcracks.htm?list953609
SUN REVS UP AGAIN - The solar
regions that produced dramatic space weather activity in late October
and early November returned to the visible side of the sun, according
to the NOAA Space Environment Center. The area known as NOAA Region
501 already produced a moderate radio blackout, R2 on the NOAA space
weather scales, and spawned a sever, or G4, geomagnetic storm, which
began Thursday.
For the full story visit:
http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n0311/20sun/
SUN SHEDS SKIN AND FLIPS - Research
with the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft has
revealed the process that may implement the reversal in the direction
of the Sun's magnetic field that is known to occur every 11 years.
See the NASA Press Release for details. |
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| 11/14/03 |
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RETURNING SUNSPOTS - Using a
technique called helioseismic holography, astronomers can do something
amazing: look through the sun to find sunspots on the far side of our
star. On Nov. 11th and 12th their holographic maps revealed giant
sunspots 486 and 488--the same active regions that caused so much
intense space weather a few weeks ago.
These spots are still active. Explosions from their vicinity have been
hurling clouds of gas over the sun's limb in recent days. The sun's
27-day rotation will soon carry the pair around to the Earth-facing
side of the sun. More solar storms are possible when they reappear on
or about Nov. 19th.
Meanwhile, another one of last month's giant sunspots has already
reappeared. Active region 484 is peeking over the sun's eastern limb.
The sunspot looks smaller than it did in late October, but it too
remains active--hurling a bright coronal mass ejection into space on
Nov. 13th.Visit
http://spaceweather.com archives
for more information and images by selecting this date on the left of
the page. |
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| 11/13/03 |
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OVERVIEW OF THE UNSEASONAL SOLAR
ACTIVITY - Just like snow in July in California, the large
sunspots, flare, and CME activity on the sun in October and early
November was an unexpected surprise. Sunspots show up on the sun
more frequently during Solar Max, which occurs approximately every 11
years. But these sunspots came at a time in the Sun's cycle when
we do not expect such active and large spots.
See the Full Story at:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/12nov_haywire.htm?list953609 |
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| 11/04/03 |
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SUN SPEWS SPECTACULAR SOLAR STORM -
The NOAA Space Environment Center in Boulder, Colo., reports that an
intense explosion occurred on the sun Tuesday at 2:29 p.m. EST. The
violent eruption saturated X-ray detectors on NOAA’s GOES satellite,
which monitors the sun and produces a new image every minute.
See
Full Story at
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2003/s2116.htm |
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| 11/03/03 |
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SOLAR STORMS CONTINUE TO PUMMEL EARTH -
The series of solar storms that have pummeled Earth continues as
forecasters at the NOAA Space Environment Center in Boulder, Colo.,
observed three more explosions on the sun during the past 24 hours.
The largest flare produced a coronal mass ejection, CME, that could
strike Earth's magnetic field by midday Monday.
See Full Story at
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2003/s2114.htm |
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| 11/02/03 |
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NASA probe captures 'sound' of solar
storm - Although no major electrical problems have yet resulted
from the current series of solar flares bombarding the Earth,
University of Iowa Professor and Space Physicist Don Gurnett, recently
used NASA's Cassini spacecraft to record the sound of one of the
largest solar flares seen in decades as it moved outward from the sun.
Full story at
http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n0311/02flaresound/
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| 11/02/03 |
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Another remarkable solar flare has erupted
from giant sunspot 486--an X8-class blast at 1725 UT on Nov. 2nd.
Because the sunspot is nearing the sun's western limb, this explosion
was not aimed squarely at Earth. Even so, a coronal mass ejection (CME)
is heading our way. Auroras could appear on Nov. 3rd or 4th when the
fast-moving cloud delivers a glancing blow to Earth's magnetic field.
Visit
http://spaceweather.com archives
for more information and images by selecting this date on the left of
the page.
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| 10/30/03 |
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A severe geomagnetic storm is in progress
on Oct. 30th. It began at approximately 1700 UT when a coronal mass
ejection (CME) struck our planet's magnetic field--the second such
impact in as many days. The CME was hurled toward Earth yesterday by
an X10-class explosion from giant sunspot 486. Sky watchers at all
latitudes should be alert for auroras after local nightfall.
Visit
http://spaceweather.com archives for more
information and updates by selecting this date on the left of the page. |
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| 10/30/03 |
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Sun Hurls Another Flare at the Earth -
Just when we thought it was over, the Sun blasted another gigantic
X-class flare directly at the Earth. The flare was detected by the
GOES satellite on October 29 at 2037 GMT (3:37 pm EST), and it peaked
about 10 minutes later.
For the full story see:
http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/sun_hurls_another_flare.html
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| 10/29/03 |
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POWERFUL SOLAR STORM REACHES EARTH -
Forecasters at the NOAA Space Environment Center in Boulder,
Colo., said that a powerful geomagnetic storm emitted from the sun
sped though space at 5 million mph and reached Earth Wednesday 1:13
a.m. EST.
For the full story see:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2003/s2110.htm |
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10/29/03 |
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(CNN) --
An electrified gas cloud hurled by a
monster solar flare struck Earth on Wednesday, triggering a major
geomagnetic storm that sparked bright auroras and jolted satellites
and power grids.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/10/29/solar.storm/index.html
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| 10/28/03 |
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One of the most powerful solar flares ever
recorded erupted this morning near giant sunspot 486. The explosion
hurled a coronal mass ejection (CME) directly toward Earth. Bright
auroras could appear when the fast-moving cloud sweeps past our
planet--perhaps as early as tonight. High-latitude sites such as New
Zealand, Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada and US northern border states
from Maine to Washington are favored, as usual, but auroras could
descend to lower latitudes, too.
Not all CMEs trigger auroras. Several, for instance, have swept
past Earth in recent days without causing widespread displays. It all
depends on the orientation of tangled magnetic fields within the
electrified cloud of gas. This CME is no exception. It might cause
auroras, or it might not. We will find out when it arrives.
Visit the
archives for this date at
http://spaceweather.com archives to browse a gallery
of their images. |
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| 10/27/03 |
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Giant sunspots 484 and 486 remain visible on
the sun, posing a continued threat for X-class solar explosions.
Indeed, on Sunday, Oct. 26th, there were two such blasts--one from
each sunspot. The explosions hurled coronal mass ejections (CMEs) into
space and somewhat toward Earth.
Because of these events, sky watchers should be
alert for auroras during the nights ahead. High-latitude sites such as
Alaska, Canada and US northern border states from Maine to Washington
are favored, as usual, but auroras could descend to lower latitudes as
well. Forecasters estimate a 25% chance of severe geomagnetic storming
when the incoming CMEs sweep past Earth and deliver (probably
glancing) blows to our planet's magnetic field.
Visit the
archives for this date at
http://spaceweather.com archives to browse a gallery
of their images. |
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| 10/24/03 |
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(CNN) -- Satellites, pagers, cell phones and
electrical grids could be affected Friday afternoon by a powerful
stream of energized gas and particles from the sun.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/10/24/solar.forecast/index.html |
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| 10/23/03 |
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NASA SCIENTIST DIVES INTO PERFECT SPACE STORM:
Newly uncovered scientific data of recorded history's most massive
space storm is helping a NASA scientist investigate its intensity and
the probability that what occurred on Earth and in the heavens almost
a century-and-a-half ago could happen again. See full story at
http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n0310/23spacestorm/ |
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| 10/22/03 |
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Sunspot 484, which first appeared this past
weekend, has grown into one of the biggest sunspots in years. Now
about the size of the planet Jupiter, it's easy to see. But never look
directly at the sun! Visit
Spaceweather.com Safe Sunspot Viewing for safe solar observing tips.
Meanwhile, say
forecasters, another big sunspot could soon appear near the sun's
southeastern limb. The active region is not yet directly visible, but
the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) has seen material being
blasted over the sun's limb from the approaching spot.
Major eruptions are
possible from these active regions as they rotate across the face of
the sun over the next two weeks. |
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| 10/19/03 |
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An X-class solar flare erupted today near
sunspot 484--a remarkably fast growing active region near the sun's
northeastern limb. Yesterday the spot was barely visible; now it is
about 7 times wider than Earth. Because of its location near the
suns's limb, today's blast was probably not Earth-directed. Sunspot
484 is, however, moving into position where it could aim solar flares
and coronal mass ejections our way later this week--if solar activity
continues high.
Visit the archives for this date at
http://spaceweather.com archives to browse a gallery of their images. |
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| 10/05/03 |
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AURORA WATCH: Earth is heading for a solar wind
stream flowing from a coronal hole on the Sun. First contact with the
stream is possible on Oct. 6th or 7th. High-latitude sky watchers--e.g.,
people in Canada, Alaska and US northern-border states like Michigan
and Wisconsin--should be alert for auroras.
Visit the archives
for this date at
http://spaceweather.com archives to browse a gallery
of their images. |
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| 9/27/03 |
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SPRAWLING SUNSPOT: There's a remarkable spot on
the sun this weekend. The active region, called sunspot 464, is about
as wide as fifteen planet Earths lined up in a row. This means it's
easy to see, but never look directly at the sun without suitable eye
protection. Visit
http://spaceweather.com archives
for observing tips and pictures for this date.
WATCH OUT FOR ZODIACAL LIGHTS: This is a good
time of year for people in the northern hemisphere to look for
early-morning Zodiacal Lights. Also known as the "false dawn" because
they resemble a hint of sunrise, Zodiacal Lights appear an hour or so
before true dawn--a pale luminous triangle jutting upward from the
eastern horizon. Look for them on dark mornings after a new moon (the
next few days are ideal); rural areas with clear skies offer the best
view.
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| 9/19/03 |
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SOLAR WIND: Earth is inside a high-speed solar
wind stream flowing from a coronal hole on the sun. Northern Lights
have appeared as far south as Michigan this week. More auroras are
possible this weekend, especially at high latitudes.
Visit the archives
for this date at
http://spaceweather.com archives to browse a gallery
of their images. |
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| 9/12/03 |
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Solar flares that scorch Earth's atmosphere are
commonplace. But scientists have discovered a few each year that are
not like the others: they come from stars thousands of light years
away.
FULL STORY
at
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/12sep_magnetars.htm?list953609 |
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| 9/10/03 |
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Electrons Surfing on a Solar Wind -
New research indicates that electrons
may surf on magnetic waves driven by the solar wind, and get
accelerated to the point they can cause some serious damage to
spacecraft orbiting the Earth. The process is a result of the
interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and fluctuations in the
density of the solar wind. As the density of the solar wind changes,
it causes waves in the magnetic field to ripple back to the Earth.
Electrons can be caught in these ripples and surf back to the Earth so
fast they can damage delicate electronics in space. |
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| 06/28/03
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SUNSPOT WATCH: Earlier this month a large
sunspot ("active region 375") crossed the Earth-facing side of the sun
and unleashed several powerful solar flares. For the past two weeks it
has been out of sight on the far side of our star, but now sunspot 375
is back. It reappeared this weekend near the sun's northeastern limb.
The active region, which is about 10 times wider
than our entire planet, is still an impressive sight through
properly-filtered telescopes. Visit spaceweather.com for safe solar
observing tips and to see recent images of the emerging spot.
For more information, see the archives for
this date at
http://spaceweather.com archives.
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| 06/10/03 |
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SOLAR ACTIVITY: Solar activity is high. Giant
sunspot 375 unleashed a series of strong solar flares on June 9th and
10th. Although several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have billowed
away from the sun, it's possible that none were Earth-directed. Sky
watchers should be alert for auroras, however, in case some of these
CMEs do reach our planet. This could happen as early as June 11th. The
best observing sites would be at high latitudes--e.g. southern parts
of New Zealand and Australia, Canada, and northern U.S. states like
Wisconsin and Michigan.
For more
information, visit
http://spaceweather.com archives.
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| 05/28/03 |
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SOLAR ACTIVITY: Big sunspot 365 unleashed a
series of powerful X-class solar flares on May 27th and 28th. At least
one coronal mass ejection (CME) appears to be heading toward Earth.
The CME could trigger auroras when it sweeps by our planet later this
week. The sunspot itself is big and impressive; you can see it using
safe solar projection techniques.
HOT
COMETS: A pair of comets swung perilously close to the Sun on May 23rd
and 24th. A new SOHO movie shows what happened:
Find out more at
http://spaceweather.com archives.
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| 07/13/03 |
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A strong geomagnetic storm erupted on July 12th
when Earth entered a high-speed solar wind stream flowing from a
coronal hole on the sun. "We were treated to an extraordinary show of
Northern Lights," reports one observer in Wisconsin. "The lights were
dancing wildly for about an hour and a half." Sky watchers in
Minnesota, North Dakota and parts of Canada saw the display, too, in
spite of the glare from a nearly-full moon.
Visit the archives for
this date at
http://spaceweather.com archives to browse a gallery
of their images.
Earth is exiting the solar wind now and the
chances for more such auroras this weekend are low. |
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| 06/18/03 |
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Last week Earth's magnetic field was buffeted
by a high-speed solar wind stream, which triggered a geomagnetic
storm. High above out planet, International Space Station science
office Ed Lu saw vivid green auroras dancing outside the window, and
he captured a new movie of Southern Lights from the ISS.
To see this movie, go
to:
http://science.nasa.gov/ppod/y2003/12jun_auroras.htm?list953609 |
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| 06/12/03 |
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Last week Earth's magnetic field was buffeted
by a high-speed solar wind stream, which triggered a geomagnetic
storm. High above out planet, International Space Station science
office Ed Lu saw vivid green auroras dancing outside the window, and
he captured a new movie of Southern Lights from the ISS.
To see this movie, go
to:
http://science.nasa.gov/ppod/y2003/12jun_auroras.htm?list953609 |
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| 06/07/03 |
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BIG SUNSPOT: Sunspot 375 has grown impressively
during the past 24 hours. It now stretches nearly 10 Earth-diameters
from side to side and has developed a twisted "beta-gamma-delta"
magnetic field, which poses a threat for X-class solar flares. Any
explosions from its vicinity during the next few days would likely be
Earth-directed. This large spot is easy to see, but never stare at the
sun! Use safe solar projection techniques.
For more information,
visit the archives for this date at
http://spaceweather.com archives.
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| 05/28/03 |
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The NASA mission, RHESSI, observed
an intense amount of polarization associated with a gamma ray
burst, indicating that the largest explosions in our Solar
System are driven by magnetic fields. For more
information, see
NASA's press release. See the
RHESSI mission
page to learn more about the RHESSI mission and the
RHESSI Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) page to learn
more about RHESSI E/PO activities. |
