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Thursday 29 October 2009

Asteroid Explodes Over Indonesia

Space Weather News for Oct. 28, 2009
http://spaceweather.com

INDONESIAN ASTEROID:  Earlier this month, with no warning, a ~10-meter wide asteroid hit Earth's atmosphere above Indonesia and exploded. The break-up was so powerful, it triggered nuclear test ban sensors thousands of kilometers away. A just-released analysis of infrasound data shows that the asteroid detonated with an energy equivalent of  about 50 kton of TNT, similar to a small atomic bomb.  This significant impact has received relatively little attention in Western press.  Details are available today on http://spaceweather.com.

SUNSPOT UPDATE:  Since it emerged last weekend, new-cycle sunspot 1029 has become the biggest and most active sunspot of 2009.  It is crackling with B- and C-class solar flares and putting on a good show for amateur astronomers. This one sunspot does not put an end to solar minimum, but it is a remarkable break from the calm.  Check htttp://spaceweather.com for images and updates.

CONNECT YOUR PHONE TO THE SKY:  Would you like a call when Earth-orbiting satellites detect strong solar flares and solar wind gusts?  Sign up for Spaceweather PHONE to turn your telephone into a bona fide solar activity alert system: http://spaceweatherphone.com

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Good Clear Skies
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Astrocomet
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Colin James Watling
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Astronomer and head of the Comet section for LYRA (Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Regional Astronomers) also head of K.A.G (Kessingland Astronomy Group) and Navigator (Astrogator) of the Stars (Fieldwork)
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Web: http://lyra.freewebsites.com/

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