Those mighty solar eruptions from Nov. 24 - 27th jettisoned five or more CMEs toward Earth. One CME after another slammed into Earth's magnetosphere between Nov. 26th and 29th. People around the world, from Christchurch to Calgary, from Sweden to Scotland saw these breathtaking beauties. There just might be more on the way this weekend.
Coronal holes are a source of high-speed solar wind.
When these winds collide against the Earth's magnetosphere, they can trigger auroras. This moderately large hole is now rotating toward the center of the Sun so we may get a blast or two. It seems like just a few weeks ago we were talking about the new International Space Stations just gearing up for occupants. Only a few weeks ago they were still hauling up all there bits and pieces including their special toilet and hardware. Now it's functioning and they've sent back their first pics.