A coronal mass ejection -or CME- is currently speeding towards Earth, and will most likely cause some extra Aurora activity for those near the Arctic Circle. This is a relatively common event. What make’s this particular occurrence interesting is how the mass was initially ejected.
Late September 10th, a magnetic filament on the surface of the sun erupted, sending that CME earth-bound. Sounding almost biblical, many have called this event the “Parting of the Red Sea.” See that fiery-red fissure open up? That’s a common occurrence after explosions on the surface of the sun. Hot plasma creates a light-show resembling a fissure as it slides down the magnetic loops formed in the aftermath of those explosions.
While we are certainly not located near the Arctic Circle, some of our northern-most viewers with a very dark sky may just be able to detect a slight increase in that Aurora activity tonight. If you have the chance, and you happen to catch a quick break in the clouds, head outside tonight and look north-you just may see the end result of that above-mentioned CME!
For more versions of fissure video, and further space weather information, please go to Spaceweather.com.
