Solar flare and Earth-directed CME

Source - Space Weather News for Dec. 28, 2015: http://spaceweather.com

SOLAR FLARE AND CME: Big sunspot AR2473 erupted on Dec. 28th, producing an M1.9-class solar flare, a minor radio blackout in the southern hemisphere, and a coronal mass ejection (CME) that appears to be heading directly for Earth.  This explosion sets the stage for possible geomagnetic storms later this week when the CME reaches our planet.  Visit Spaceweather.com for more information.

POLAR STRATOSPHERIC CLOUDS: For the second time this month, Arctic sky watchers are reporting a rare outbreak of super-colorful polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs).  Photos and observing tips are featured on today's edition of Spaceweather.com