Space Weather: big solar prominence, blow to Earth's magnetic field tomorrow

Xeni Jardin 4:19 pm Wed Apr 14, 2010

Space Weather reports that one of the largest solar prominences in years erupted from the sun's northwestern limb yesterday, April 13. "The massive plasma-filled structure rose up and burst during a ~2 hour period around 0900 UT on April 13th." Observers in Europe had the best view, and this photo was shot by Jo Dahlmans of Ulestraten, Netherlands, using his Coronado Personal Solar Telescope. "The eruption hurled a bright coronal mass ejection (CME, movie) into space. The expanding cloud could deliver a glancing blow to Earth's magnetic field around April 15th. NOAA forecasters estimate a 35% chance of polar geomagnetic activity when the CME arrives."

Your teabag is rich in insect DNA that could help scientists track endangered species

There's a slew of insect DNA floating in your cup of tea. The minute bits were left behind from pollinating bees, spider webs strung across the plants, and other natural occurrences where insects were in close proximity to the tea plant. Now, Trier University ecological geneticist Henrik Krehenwinkel and colleagues are exploring whether the DNA… READ THE REST
UPS driver collapses on porch from high heat in Arizona (video)

With heat advisories in place this week for millions of Americans, delivery drivers are — among others who spend most of their working hours outdoors — especially at risk. As with the UPS driver who collapsed from heat exhaustion on a porch in Arizona where the temperature reached 110F (see video below). Fortunately after a… READ THE REST
Scientist who helped inspire Jurassic Park reveals 30 million year-old microcosm trapped in amber

A wasp, flower, and fly larvar have been trapped together in amber for 30 million years. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke but this is actually the story of a new scientific discovery. Oregon State University biologist George Poinar Jr.—the scientist who helped inspire Jurassic Park—found what appears to be a microcosm… READ THE REST
Light up with a pipe that's made to make smoking simple

There's a lot of reasons to buy a new smoking piece. Maybe you dropped your old one and that cool glass octopus build doesn't work so well when it's in a million pieces. Perhaps you're making the switch from rolling your own to something a little less cumbersome. Or maybe you just want an upgrade. Whatever… READ THE REST
Life's hard enough, which is why this flexible lighter is a game-changer

From ensuring you have enough money for gas this week to keeping up with today's politics, life is far from easy. And everyday things like making dinner, commuting to work, and even lighting candles should be the least of your worries. But when it comes to reaching down into the jar of your favorite candle, unable to… READ THE REST
These $29 game design and development courses might make learning as fun as the real thing

Gaming is something that most people can appreciate. Whether you're into the classics, a casual gamer, or a die-hard who plays all the time, there are many different ways to enjoy the hobby. But we think it's safe to say, novice or professional, we're all interested in how games even come to be. If you're fascinated by gaming… READ THE REST