Space Weather News for Sept. 29, 2003

MARTIAN SEASONS: Earth isn't the only world with seasons. Mars has them, too, and today marks the beginning of southern summer and northern winter on the red planet. Observers of Mars may notice some changes in the weeks ahead: a shrinking south polar cap, icy northern clouds, and more dust storms.

Also, congratulations are due to the scientists, engineers and managers responsible for the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). They've just received the prestigious Laurels for Team Achievement Award of the International Academy of Astronautics. Data from SOHO are uniquely important for understanding and monitoring space weather.