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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
This volcano in Alaska has been dormant for over 100 years, but now it's rumbling
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. When a volcano is dormant, it typically doesn't tend to make much noise. However, the Iliamna Volcano in Alaska is defying what we thought we knew about volcanos by rumbling despite being marked dormant for over a century. According to a report from ABC News, scientists claim that the Iliamna Volcano, a large volcano found in the Alaskan wilderness, has been rumbling pretty consistently, especially in recent days. In fact, reports indicate that the volcano saw a nearly continuous stream of seismic activity across several hours. Today's Top Deals XGIMI Prime Day deals feature the new MoGo 4 and up to 42% off smart projectors Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals While some suspect that the volcano's activity could be signs of an impending eruption, others, like NASA's Earth Observatory, say that it's likely just rumbling due to avalanches in the area. While there's no doubt that the nearly 10,000-foot Iliamna Volcano could wreak havoc if it erupted today, NASA doesn't believe an eruption is imminent. According to a post shared by NASA's Earth Observatory, the volcano hasn't erupted since 1867. However, it still manages to 'rumble' every few years. This rumbling, the agency says, is likely just a sign of nearby avalanches, which have been known to be picked up on seismic and infrasound instruments in the past. The main reason this area is so prone to avalanches is because of the unique combination of glacier environments, as well as the hot volcanic rock that rests under the Earth here. The mountain itself contains 10 different glaciers, so it's ripe for avalanche activity. Still, the rumbling here is reason enough for scientists to keep an eye on the volcano. We've already seen some signs of another long-dormant volcano waking up in Alaska. If the volcano were to erupt, though, it would be catastrophic, which is why scientists continue to keep such a close eye on Mount Iliamna. Luckily, the readings seen this time around still look to be on par with previous avalanche-related readings in the past. So, it doesn't look like we have to worry about the Iliamna Volcano erupting again just yet. Hopefully, that remains to be the case as scientists continue observing the volcano. More Top Deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 See the
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
NASA astronaut captures rare phenomenon from 250 miles above Earth: See photo of 'sprite'
A NASA astronaut drifting high above Earth recently managed to capture a rare phenomenon that scientists have been working to understand for about three decades. Known as a "sprite," the atmospheric event is associated with lightning and is incredibly difficult to capture from the ground since it typically occurs about 50 miles high above the clouds. But on the International Space Station, which orbits about 250 miles above Earth, astronaut Nichole Ayers has a better view of weather systems. That cosmic vantage, and her budding expertise in astral photography, is what allowed Ayers to snap a stunning photo of a sprite. Space Shuttle Discovery: Trump 'Big Beautiful Bill' provides $85 million to move a NASA space shuttle Here's what to know about "sprites," as well as a look at what Ayers photographed. As the space station drifted on the morning of July 3 over Mexico and the U.S., Ayers spotted and captured a rare phenomenon known as a "sprite" far below that's only triggered by thunderstorms. As Ayers explained, sprites are what scientists refer to as transient luminous events (TLEs) that happen above the clouds during periods of intense electrical activity, like lightning. "Just. Wow," Ayers said on social media. Sprites, named for mythical fairy-like creatures, appear when lightning interacts with nitrogen in Earth's atmosphere to create an electrical breakdown that produces flashes of red light. Sometimes, the sprites appear to have long red tendrils that lend the nickname "jellyfish sprites," according to NASA's Earth Observatory, which shares satellite images of Earth. The phenomenon can also be difficult to photograph from Earth, as the night sky must be clear of clouds. But astronauts on the space station have a unique vantage that allows them to set up cameras on the outpost's cupola to capture timelapse sequences with a broad field of view. Scientists still know very little about sprites, but photos like the one Ayers managed to snap should help them learn more. "We have a great view above the clouds, so scientists can use these types of pictures to better understand the formation, characteristics, and relationship of TLEs to thunderstorms," Ayers concluded in her post. This isn't the first time Ayers' astral photography has led to some stunning images. In May, Ayers posted photos on social media site X of lightning roiling far, far beneath the International Space Station. In Ayers' post on X, she said she first observed lightning May 1 while suited up for a spacewalk outside the orbital outpost. She then managed to capture a few photos the next day, which she shared May 5. Fellow NASA astronaut Anne McClain also photographed the rare phenomenon. Ayers, who made headlines in May for completing a rare all-female spacewalk, is one of 11 people living aboard the International Space Station. Ayers arrived at the orbital laboratory in March as part of a joint NASA and SpaceX mission known as Crew-10. Also on the mission is NASA astronaut Anne McClain, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. That mission also made headlines due to its role in paving the way for the NASA astronauts who crewed the doomed Boeing Starliner to depart with the Crew-9 mission. The Crew-10 spacefarers are all part of Expedition 73 at the space station, where they are spending at least six months conducting scientific research and working to maintain the station. Expedition 73 also includes NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, who reached the ISS in April with cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky. Rounding out the orbital residents is the crew of a commercial spaceflight known as Axiom Mission 4. NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Shubhanshu Shukla of India, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary reached the space station June 25 on a two-week mission and are due to return home in the days ahead, though a date has not been announced. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is a sprite? NASA astronaut snaps rare weather event from space
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Science
- USA Today
NASA astronaut captures rare phenomenon from 250 miles above Earth: See photo of 'sprite'
As the space station drifted over Mexico and the US, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers photographed a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as a 'sprite.' A NASA astronaut drifting high above Earth recently managed to capture a rare phenomenon that scientists have been working to understand for about three decades. Known as a "sprite," the atmospheric event is associated with lightning and is incredibly difficult to capture from the ground since it typically occurs about 50 miles high above the clouds. But on the International Space Station, which orbits about 250 miles above Earth, astronaut Nichole Ayers has a better view of weather systems. That cosmic vantage, and her budding expertise in astral photography, is what allowed Ayers to snap a stunning photo of a sprite. Space Shuttle Discovery: Trump 'Big Beautiful Bill' provides $85 million to move a NASA space shuttle Here's what to know about "sprites," as well as a look at what Ayers photographed. Astronaut on International Space Station captures rare 'sprite' phenomenon on Earth As the space station drifted on the morning of July 3 over Mexico and the U.S., Ayers spotted and captured a rare phenomenon known as a "sprite" far below that's only triggered by thunderstorms. As Ayers explained, sprites are what scientists refer to as transient luminous events (TLEs) that happen above the clouds during periods of intense electrical activity, like lightning. "Just. Wow," Ayers said on social media. Sprites, named for mythical fairy-like creatures, appear when lightning interacts with nitrogen in Earth's atmosphere to create an electrical breakdown that produces flashes of red light. Sometimes, the sprites appear to have long red tendrils that lend the nickname "jellyfish sprites," according to NASA's Earth Observatory, which shares satellite images of Earth. The phenomenon can also be difficult to photograph from Earth, as the night sky must be clear of clouds. But astronauts on the space station have a unique vantage that allows them to set up cameras on the outpost's cupola to capture timelapse sequences with a broad field of view. Scientists still know very little about sprites, but photos like the one Ayers managed to snap should help them learn more. "We have a great view above the clouds, so scientists can use these types of pictures to better understand the formation, characteristics, and relationship of TLEs to thunderstorms," Ayers concluded in her post. Ayers also photographed lightning from space This isn't the first time Ayers' astral photography has led to some stunning images. In May, Ayers posted photos on social media site X of lightning roiling far, far beneath the International Space Station. In Ayers' post on X, she said she first observed lightning May 1 while suited up for a spacewalk outside the orbital outpost. She then managed to capture a few photos the next day, which she shared May 5. Fellow NASA astronaut Anne McClain also photographed the rare phenomenon. Who is on the International Space Station? Ayers, who made headlines in May for completing a rare all-female spacewalk, is one of 11 people living aboard the International Space Station. Ayers arrived at the orbital laboratory in March as part of a joint NASA and SpaceX mission known as Crew-10. Also on the mission is NASA astronaut Anne McClain, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. That mission also made headlines due to its role in paving the way for the NASA astronauts who crewed the doomed Boeing Starliner to depart with the Crew-9 mission. The Crew-10 spacefarers are all part of Expedition 73 at the space station, where they are spending at least six months conducting scientific research and working to maintain the station. Expedition 73 also includes NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, who reached the ISS in April with cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky. Rounding out the orbital residents is the crew of a commercial spaceflight known as Axiom Mission 4. NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Shubhanshu Shukla of India, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary reached the space station June 25 on a two-week mission and are due to return home in the days ahead, though a date has not been announced. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Satellite Image Shows 'Optical Phenomenon' Captured by NASA Over Peru Lake
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New insights into the depths of Peru's Lake Titicaca have been gleaned thanks to a satellite image showing an optical phenomenon known as "sunglint." Sunglint occurs when water surfaces reflect sunlight directly back towards a sensor. In this case, the light trick has exposed new details about the lake's wind and wave patterns—as well as highlighting surface features like the wakes left by boats. The image was captured by a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on October 20 last year. Internal Waves Sunglint made it possible for the photograph to reveal the lake's internal waves. These disturbances in the water develop at depth and typically have a vertical amplitude on the order of feet—but are normally barely visible on the lake's surface. Via sunglint, in contrast, Titicaca's internal waves can be seen as bright parallel lines. Based on maps of the seafloor depth across the lake, it appears that the waves spotted from orbit are the result of a flow of deep water encountering an underwater cliff near the shore of the lake, at a depth of around 65–165 feet. NASA's Earth Observatory image showing Lake Titicaca in Peru in sunglint. NASA's Earth Observatory image showing Lake Titicaca in Peru in sunglint. Nasa Earth Observatory Wind Direction The image has also led to new insights into the direction of the wind, thanks to how the sunglint picked out patches of naturally occurring oils found on the surface of the lake. These thin films of "biogenic" oil act to decrease the roughness of the lake's surface water, boosting the spectral reflections seen in the image. In this case, the oil had helped to pick out several bright arc which are the result of easterly winds—a common phenomenon, NASA explains, at the time of year the image was taken. The largest arcs lie to the east of the Taquili Island, which falls in the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. A smaller arc was spotted within the strait between Amantani Island and the Capachica Peninsula, as the camera examined the Altiplano region of southeastern Peru and western Bolivia. The image also drew attention to several V-shaped lines, which NASA said are wakes left behind boats cruising westward. The lower left quarter of the image showed a second prominent wake, coming in from the east. The brightest zone of the image lies in its left center, where the sunlight's reflection from the water surface back to the camera was at its strongest. Against the bright shade of the water, land surfaces appeared almost black due to the exposure settings of the astronaut's camera. Land surfaces are typically photographed in a rusty-tan shade. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about sunglint? Let us know via science@
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
NASA makes surprising discovery after capturing satellite image of the Arctic: 'Implications of this loss are far-reaching'
NASA's Terra satellite recently captured the seasonal breakup of sea ice in Canada's Amundsen Gulf, according to NASA's Earth Observatory. The image depicts a stunning sight, but it also signals serious implications for the region's ecosystems. The image shows the ongoing sea ice breakup. As detailed by the Daily Galaxy, the gulf is known for having thick sea ice that impedes and delays explorers and commercial vessels navigating the Northwest Passage. According to NASA, the sea ice in the wider Arctic region began its "annual cycle of melting and breakup" in late March, and the process typically takes 2-22 weeks. Researchers closely monitor the ice breakup to track how rising temperatures are impacting the Arctic and its ecosystems. The delayed sea ice breakup reflects a broader trend in the Arctic of accelerated ice loss caused by shifting weather patterns. "The implications of this loss are far-reaching, both for the environment and for global climate systems," Daily Galaxy wrote. According to an indicator report by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Arctic sea ice melt season has lengthened by about 40 days since 1979, melting eight days earlier and refreezing 31 days later than the recorded average. Faster melting of sea ice exposes dark ocean water that absorbs more sunlight. This, in turn, can accelerate warming, supercharging extreme weather events and shifting weather patterns. Stronger storms could cause more frequent flooding — forcing communities to spend more on recovery. To monitor melting ice sheets in the Arctic, scientists have developed high-speed drones, which were tested in the harsh environment of Greenland. While extreme weather isn't new, experts say that human-induced pollution intensifies storms. This makes them more powerful and dangerous, especially for vulnerable communities. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Individuals can help mitigate the impact of air pollution on weather patterns by supporting efforts to lower rising temperatures. This includes staying informed about critical climate topics and adopting habits such as donating to related causes and encouraging discussions about environmental issues and possible solutions. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
