[MIham] Fw: Equinox Sunspots

[Frank]

Space Weather News for Sept. 22, 2009
http://spaceweather.com

NEW SUNSPOTS: In a year when the sun has been utterly blank 80% of the time, 
the sudden emergence of two large sunspots in a single day is a noteworthy 
event. Today is such a day.  NASA satellites and amateur astronomers are 
monitoring a pair of growing sunspots, both apparently members of 
long-overdue Solar Cycle 24.   The emergence of these active regions is not 
enough to end the deepest solar minimum in nearly a hundred years, but they 
do represent a significant uptick in solar activity.  Check 
http://spaceweather.com for images and updates.

SEPT. EQUINOX:  Today, Sept. 22nd at 2118 UT (5:18 pm EDT), the sun crosses 
the celestial equator. This event marks the beginning of autumn in the 
northern hemisphere and spring in the southern hemisphere. It's also the 
beginning of aurora season around the poles. Happy equinox!




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