[SOC] Fw: Auroras and a Comet

Sun, 17 Mar 2002 15:53:55 +0000

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From: "SpaceWeather.com" <[email protected]>

Space Weather News for March 17, 2002
http://www.spaceweather.com

AURORA WARNING: An explosion on the Sun hurled a coronal mass ejection
toward Earth late on Friday, March 15th. The CME could sweep past Earth as
early as Sunday night and trigger auroras. High-latitude sky watchers --
e.g., those in northern Europe, Canada, and the northern tier of US states
-- should remain alert for Northern Lights after sunset on Sunday and
perhaps again on Monday. It's possible that auroras might extend to lower
latitudes as well; the crescent Moon will not overwhelm faint auroras. No
matter where you live, the best times to watch will be during the hours
around local midnight.  Stay tuned to SpaceWeather.com for updates.

PHOTOGENIC COMET: In recent weeks star gazers have enjoyed watching Comet
Ikeya-Zhang, whose faint blue color and turbulent tail have made it one of
the most photogenic comets in years. On March 18th the comet's orbit will
bring it only 0.5 AU from the Sun -- its closest approach to our star in
nearly four centuries. Solar heating could further brighten the comet,
which glows now like a 4th magnitude star, and cause more dusty debris to
evaporate from its icy nucleus.  March 18th will be a good day to look as
the comet lines up in the western sky with 3 planets and a crescent Moon.

Visit SpaceWeather.com for details....
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72/73/oo
Rob, kc0bom
ARRL, fpqrp #330, IA Qrp #143, Live Wire #442, SOC #497, QRPp-I #19

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