EarthSky News - Jan 4 - Aurora Alert! Thanks to Huge Coronal Hole

January 4 Aurora Alert! Thanks to Huge Coronal Hole by:

Aurora alert! Thanks to huge coronal hole The hole is gigantic and facing Earth's way. Possible aurora sightings at latitudes like the northern U.S. – for example, in Michigan or Maine – on January 4 and 5. Will I see the northern lights tonight? Answers to commonly asked questions about seeing one of nature's wonders. Today in science: Isaac Newton's birthday Newton's insights laid a foundation for our modern understanding of celestial motion, light and gravity. Earth closest to sun today It might be cold outside for you, but Earth is closest to the sun for 2017 today. Astronomers call our closest point Earth's perihelion. Are perihelion and solstice related? December solstice 2016 was December 21. Earth is closest to the sun for 2017 on January 4. Coincidence?

EarthSky 2017 moon calendar almost sold out! Best New Year's gift ever! Purchase one before it's too late. Your support means the world to us.

Today's image: Light pillars over Sun Valley, Idaho Ice crystals in the air create these beautiful, upward shafts of light. Photo by Nils Ribi.

Earth closest to sun today Cartoon via Sara Zimmerman at Unearthed Comics Submit your photo to EarthSky here!

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