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.