IS IT SNOWING MICROBES ON ENCELADUS? As NASA's Cassini spacecraft completes its deepest-ever pass through the plumes of Enceladus, researchers are wondering if it might be snowing microbes there. The idea is not so far-fetched, they say, as evidence mounts for a "uniquely accessible" habitable zone on Saturn's icy moon. [full story]
NORTHERN LIGHTS: A geomagnetic storm is brewing around the Arctic Circle. Last night in Europe, Northern Lights descended as far south as N. Ireland, shown here in a photo taken by Martin McKenna at Ballintoy Harbour in County Antrim:
"What a stunning night," says McKenna. "Auroras were visible for more than 6 hours with two major outbursts and numerous rays. The lights looked amazing over the sea with the ancient rocks of Ballintoy Harbour below."