fr/spaceweather.com
SUNDIVING COMET: A comet just discovered by amateur astronomer Sergey Shurpakov is diving past the sun today, and it will probably not survive. Click here to view a movie of the death plunge recorded by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory–and check back for updates in the hours ahead.
(AP) – 1 day ago
ISHINOMAKI, Japan (AP) — When water begins to trickle down the streets of her coastal neighborhood, Yoshiko Takahashi knows it is time to hurry home.
Twice a day, the flow steadily increases until it is knee-deep, carrying fish and debris by her front door and trapping people in their homes. Those still on the streets slosh through the sea water in rubber boots or on bicycle.
“I look out the window, and it’s like our houses are in the middle of the ocean,” says Takahashi, who moved in three years ago.
The March 11 earthquake that hit eastern Japan was so powerful it pulled the entire country out and down into the sea. The mostly devastated coastal communities now face regular flooding, because of their lower elevation and damage to sea walls from the massive tsunamis triggered by the quake.
In port cities such as Onagawa and Kesennuma, the tide flows in and out among crumpled homes and warehouses along now uninhabited streets.
A cluster of neighborhoods in Ishinomaki city is rare in that it escaped tsunami damage through fortuitous geography. So, many residents still live in their homes, and they now face a daily trial: The area floods at high tide, and the normally sleepy streets turn frantic as residents rush home before the water rises too high.
“I just try to get all my shopping and chores done by 3 p.m.,” says Takuya Kondo, 32, who lives with his family in his childhood home.
Most houses sit above the water’s reach, but travel by car becomes impossible and the sewage system swamps, rendering toilets unusable.
Scientists say the new conditions are permanent.
To read more and view images, go to:
fr/spaceweather.com
APPROACHING ACTIVE REGION: A sunspot located just behind the sun’s eastern limb erupted during the waning hours of May 9th, hurling a spectacular coronal mass ejection into space: movie. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory photographed hot magnetic loops towering over the edge of the sun in the aftermath of the explosion: must-see. Earth was not in the line of fire this time, but the active region is approaching the Earthside of the sun, so future blasts could be geoeffective.
(fr.2009, but still interesting and of note)
January 21, 2009: Did you know a solar flare can make your toilet stop working?
That’s the surprising conclusion of a NASA-funded study by the National Academy of Sciences entitled Severe Space Weather Events—Understanding Societal and Economic Impacts. In the 132-page report, experts detailed what might happen to our modern, high-tech society in the event of a “super solar flare” followed by an extreme geomagnetic storm. They found that almost nothing is immune from space weather—not even the water in your bathroom.
Right: Auroras over Blair, Nebraska, during a geomagnetic storm in May 2005. Photo credit: Mike Hollingshead/Spaceweather.com.
The problem begins with the electric power grid. “Electric power is modern society’s cornerstone technology on which virtually all other infrastructures and services depend,” the report notes. Yet it is particularly vulnerable to bad space weather. Ground currents induced during geomagnetic storms can actually melt the copper windings of transformers at the heart of many power distribution systems. Sprawling power lines act like antennas, picking up the currents and spreading the problem over a wide area. The most famous geomagnetic power outage happened during a space storm in March 1989 when six million people in Quebec lost power for 9 hours: image.
According to the report, power grids may be more vulnerable than ever. The problem is interconnectedness. In recent years, utilities have joined grids together to allow long-distance transmission of low-cost power to areas of sudden demand. On a hot summer day in California, for instance, people in Los Angeles might be running their air conditioners on power routed from Oregon. It makes economic sense—but not necessarily geomagnetic sense. Interconnectedness makes the system susceptible to wide-ranging “cascade failures.”To estimate the scale of such a failure, report co-author John Kappenmann of the Metatech Corporation looked at the great geomagnetic storm of May 1921, which produced ground currents as much as ten times stronger than the 1989 Quebec storm, and modeled its effect on the modern power grid. He found more than 350 transformers at risk of permanent damage and 130 million people without power. The loss of electricity would ripple across the social infrastructure with “water distribution affected within several hours; perishable foods and medications lost in 12-24 hours; loss of heating/air conditioning, sewage disposal, phone service, fuel re-supply and so on.”
“The concept of interdependency,” the report notes, “is evident in the unavailability of water due to long-term outage of electric power–and the inability to restart an electric generator without water on site.”
Above: What if the May 1921 superstorm occurred today? A US map of vulnerable transformers with areas of probable system collapse encircled. A state-by-state map of transformer vulnerability is also available: click here. Credit: National Academy of Sciences.
to read more, go to:http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2009/21jan_severespaceweather/
Overall Color of the Week: Bright Blue
For all of those who are ” waiting for their real lives to begin”, it is time to realize that not only have your real lives begun, they are in process. It is time to take hold of your life and your destiny. This means evaluating everything and everyone that come your way in terms of what they mean to YOU. What YOU think about them. How they can fit in YOUR life. Stop trying to adjust your wishes, wants, beliefs, and desires to the others out there. They ultimately are not that concerned about you. When they get up in the morning, the face they see in the mirror is their own. And they are going to adjust that face to fit their own personal agendas. You must do the same. If you go down, it is always best to know that it was on your own terms because then you can learn the lessons and move on, Additionally, you will find that those who have been blind to and oblivious of the changes that are happening all around will become even more so as time goes by. They need the semblance of normalcy to remain in this energy and to continue in their daily round. This is not a time to attempt to change others. This is a time to be centered in who you are, be open to your intuition, trust the thrust of Universal Consciousness, and act in accordance with the wisdom of your heart.
This week will try you on many levels, and while it may seem easier to give in, this is not the time to do so. You know that which is right and proper for you, and it is your true destiny to be part of that. It takes bravery on your part, however you will find that with each act of personal courage, your power will grow as will our confidence and your sense of destiny. This is not a time to give in, although it is difficult. Trust your heart’s knowing and go there when you are faced with difficult decisions. This is your life, not that of any other person., and you must in all cases please yourself. That truly is the path to honoring WHO you are.
On a larger scale, you will see more and more coming out about politicians, repression, greed, and the ways in which those in power have attempted to control people. This will be paralleled by a rise in the stock market, as that organization begins to take a very turbulent and unpredictable trajectory, confusing and confounding those who thought they had it all under control. Gas prices will be coming down. There is a sense within the grass roots movements that their power and influence are growing. You will see this in little outbursts around the globe. There is an incident involving Tibet that is fomenting. Watch the volcanoes for they are the next natural force to be making their presence known, as the rest of the atmospheric powers take a bit of an hiatus during the week, although earth movements continue. Meanwhile, there will be things happening in space that will be hinted at in the news. The Sun is beginning a new phase this week.
Sunday, May 8: Silky White
Mother’s Day: There is a lot of smoothness in the air. Like everything else, there are positive and not so positive effects that can come from that. Things can flow easily, without complications, if you will let them. Be present in what is going on, and much can become clearer. There are secrets and stories that want to be told, and the energy of the day is conducive to that. This is a day for understanding and compassion. Listen carefully, however to the words that people are saying. There is a lot of schmoozing going on. Know where you stand in relation to the people around you. And be centered and aware of your power.
Crystal Energy: Purpurite—The energy of this mineral is discriminatory and revelatory. It is in tune with the crown chakra and can bring knowledge of past events. It has an Atlantean resonance.
Monday, May 9: Yellow Orange
As the morning begins, you might feel yourself somewhat out of sorts. There were dream events that have lingered into the day time. You will encounter some bouts of deja vu which will bring a kind of clarity to the earlier uncertainty that you were feeling. And then keep your senses alert for the synchronicity that will happen all around you, so much so that you might think that things are not quite real. They are real, and there is a lightness and a joy to the afternoon and evening. It is a good idea just to enjoy. Take some time also for a bit of meditation, journaling, or any other kind of centering activity you like. There are messages that need to come your way.
Crystal Energy: Arsenopyrite—The vibration of this mineral deals with clarity, community, and support. It is discriminatory and sees through illusion, fear, and guilt. First Chakra.
Tuesday, May 10: Frosty White
There is not a lot of clarity around today, so if there are decisions for you to make or important deals to be undertaken, it is a good idea to get all the facts straight, cover all your bases, and ask as many questions as you need. There are those out there with information that they do not wish to share with you. They are fearing that their positions are in jeopardy and that secrecy is the only thing that will guarantee them. You have had some ideas that you were wishing to get out there. Today might be a good day to do so as people are distracted with their own stuff and therefore, they will be more likely to let things go.
Crystal Energy: Aquamarine—This stone assists with healing on all levels. It resonates with water energies, and the body is largely water. It also acts as a good communicator with the higher realms.
Wednesday, May 11: Orange Flame
This is a day for beginnings, so take time and know what it is that you need to change and create in your life. The energy is pervasive and persuasive, so if you are true and dedicated to that one thing, focus, and know that there is nothing that will stand in your way except yourself. Trust your intuition. It can take you to the places you have dreamed of,but despaired to encounter. There is a kind of wild magic in the air today. Grab it if you dare or let it go if you wish.
Crystal Energy: Blue/Green Smithsonite—The energy of this mineral works with the person to center and relate to others of like mind. There is a warning and a caution here, but those who align with this mineral are aware. Heart and Throat Chakras.
Thursday, May 12: Deep Salmon Red
Swimming upstream. That is what today is all about. You have a purpose, you have a goal. There is something you are wanting to get done today, but the waters will be rough, and the way not clearly marked. This is a day that can test your mettle, your desire, and your resolve. There will be times when you can back down. There will be those around you who will suggest that you just give up, tell you that whatever you are working on is not that important. You must decide. The energies call for one to be strong in WHO you are. And if your choice is to do what others want you to, then know that is okay too. It is your choice., There is no blame. There is no judgement. Just be aware.
Crystal Energy:: Tunnelite—-This mineral enhances connection and connectivity on all levels. It can bring through messages that are needed to be heard. 5th through 9th Chakras.
Friday, May 13: Bright Orange
Friday the 13th: There will be things coming up and coming out, but many will not be noticed as there is so much stuff in your face this day. That makes it imperative that you analyze situations and events and words and actions in terms of their nuances. The importance of these things will not be readily apparent, but with time, you will gain clarity. In personal and financial situations, things can be heating up. You may find yourself tending towards panic, but let that go. Take the time to look at things more closely. Review your options. You have a much better grip on your world than you are giving yourself credit for. The problem is one of perspective. This is a day for getting perspective and reminding yourself that things are all within your power to get done to your satisfaction.
Crystal Energy: Brachiopod—-This fossil assists with survival issues, particularly in adapting to new environments.
Saturday, May14: Full Blue
Get ready for some surprising things to happen today. A few of them might actually be life changing. This is a time in which revelations are coming out in all areas, moreover the energy favors relatively grand ones. As a result, you may find yourself off center and confused, as though some of the very foundations of your life have been shaken. This is a chance to regroup, reestablish, and reevaluate. The energy of the day will allow you to meet these challenges on a firm footing as long as you are centered in in WHO you are. This is important to remember as when crises arise, the tendency is to react from panic, and this takes you out of your power. Stay away from fear. Take everything as it comes. Approach events with the true knowing of the heart, and this day can be life changing.
Crystal Energy: Datolite—-This mineral is attuned to shamanic energies. It assists in processes for making life changes. It resonates withall the chakras.
Cosmic rays crashing into the Earth over the South Pole appear to be coming from particular locations, rather than being distributed uniformly across the sky. Similar cosmic ray “hotspots” have been seen in the northern skies too, yet we know of no source close enough to produce this pattern.
“We don’t know where they are coming from,” says Stefan Westerhoff of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Westerhoff and colleagues used the IceCube neutrino observatory at the South Pole to create the most comprehensive map to date of the arrival direction of cosmic rays in the southern skies. IceCube detects muons produced by neutrinos striking ice, but it also detects muons created by cosmic rays hitting Earth’s atmosphere. These cosmic ray muons can be used to figure out the direction of the original cosmic ray particle.
to read more go to:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20436-strange-cosmic-ray-hotspots-stalk-southern-skies.html
by TAMMY PLOTNER on APRIL 30, 2011
Comet Halley Courtesy of Halley Multicolor Camera Team, Giotto Project, ESA
Are you ready for the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower? While the peak activity will be on the night of May 5/6, the offspring of Comet Halley are already beginning to make their appearance known. No matter where you live or what time zone you observe from, the best time to look for “shooting stars” is over the next week or so during the hours just before dawn.
Somewhere in the outer reaches of our solar system beyond the orbit of Jupiter, Comet Halley continues on its track – far away from its 1986 debris trail. However, now isn’t the only time we encounter this famous comet’s leftovers. Three times a year the Earth cruises through the dusty trail causing the Eta Aquarids, the Beta Aquarids (both in May) and the Orionids (during October). When a piece of this debris enters our atmosphere, it is traveling about 66 kilometers per second and can shine as brightly as the stars (3rd magnitude) in the constellation from which it appears to originate. Encountering a dense paticle stream may spark activity of up to 70 meteors per hour for lucky observers in the southern hemisphere, but don’t count yourself out if you live in the north! Because the constellation of Aquarius is relatively low for northern observers, this means we have at least a better chance of spotting those breathtaking Earth grazers!
To read more go to:
