Space Weather News for August 25, 2006
http://spaceweather.com


ANOTHER BACKWARD SUNSPOT: Evidence continues to mount that the next
solar cycle is beginning. When one solar cycle gives way to another,
the magnetic poles of sunspots reverse polarity. For the second time
in less than a month, such a "backward sunspot" has appeared--and this
time it's a big one. Get the full story with images at
http://spaceweather.com


MORNING PLANETS: If you find yourself awake before dawn this weekend,
either Saturday or Sunday, dash outside and look east. Venus and
Saturn are having a close encounter. The two planets will be stationed
just half-a-degree apart in the rosy glow of the rising sun.
Suggestion: Take your binoculars out with you. Venus is intense, but
Saturn is easily lost in the brightening dawn. Binoculars help, and
both planets can be seen at once through typical optics. Visit
http://spaceweather.com for sky maps.