RADIATION STORM:A radiation storm is underway. Based on the energy and number of solar protons streaming past Earth, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)ranks the storm as category S3 (Strong): satellites may experience single-event upsets and astronauts should practice "radiation avoidance." The rush of protons may be a sign of an approaching CME (coronal mass ejection). Protons are accelerated in shock waves at the leading-edge of CMEs, so when the proton count rises, we can guess that a CME is en route. Northern sky watchers should remain alert for auroras, which could flare up if and when a CME arrives....