[MIham] Spacecraft to Study Mysterious Night-shining Clouds

[Frank]

Space Weather News for April 25, 2007
http://spaceweather.com

NIGHT-SHINING CLOUDS:  NASA's AIM spacecraft left Earth Wednesday on a
two-year mission to study mysterious noctilucent (night-shining) clouds.
Hovering at the edge of space, these clouds were first noticed in the 19th
century; they are remarkable for their electric-blue color and sharp, wavy
ripples. In recent years noctilucent clouds have been growing brighter and
spreading. What causes them? Theories range from space dust to global
warming. For the next two years, AIM will scrutinize the clouds from Earth
orbit to learn what they may be telling us about our planet.  Visit
http://spaceweather.com for more information about the AIM mission, pictures
of noctilucent clouds and observing tips.

SOLAR ACTIVITY:  After a month of uninterrupted quiet, solar activity may be
on the rise.  A new sunspot is emerging and it appears to be a big one. The
spot's potential for flares will become clear as the region turns toward
Earth in the days ahead. Check http://spaceweather.com for updates.
            --... ...--  ..-. .-. .- -. -.-   -. ---.. ..- ...- ..


          Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all.

                                                                        --Jo
hn F. Kennedy--







       Checkout My Place on the Web @ http://www.qsl.net/n8uvi