A mysterious phenomenon detected by space probes has finally been explained, thanks to a massive computer simulation that was able to precisely align with details of spacecraft observations. The finding could not only solve an astrophysical puzzle, but might also lead to a better ability to predict high-energy charged particles which affects Earth.
A good example of what appears to be a shift in the understanding of the Sun-Earth connection. On Feb. 27th, the Earth experienced a geomagnetic storm. But where did it come from? It wasn't solar flares, nor an escalation of sunspots, but a stream of moderate CMEs (coronal mass ejections) have unleashed over the past five days.
Yesterday and early today, more beautiful auroras appeared over Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland and Finland. What caused this geo-magnetic storm and is something different in this cycle than previous ones?
Yes, this cycle does appear to have some tricks up its sleeve. What is different is the method of release and I would also suggest - a difference in the method of generating plumes of electrons and protons from the Sun. One immediate question comes to mind - does the shift in our galaxy and hence solar system play a role?
A just released study of the moons craters suggests newer larger craters were caused by the dislodging of the known asteroid belt sending large bolides into the inner solar system by shifts in the orbits of the giant planets.
Could it be as part of a larger cycle, the Sun, Galaxy, and Solar System play-out some unfamiliar schism which may better reflect what ancient text tells us of this time?
This brief pulse of impacting objects was due to gravitational disturbances caused by the reorganization of the giant planets as their orbits changed. Nectaris, a crater close to the Apollo 16 landing site, appears to have recorded the spike in asteroid impacts during the "lunar cataclysm."
