Latest news with #NASAEarthObservatory
Daily Maverick
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Maverick
Tropical depression hits southern China two weeks after Typhoon Wutip
A handout photo made available by NASA Earth Observatory shows a satellite image of Typhoon Lekima (L) and Typhoon Krosa (R) crossing the Western Pacific Ocean, 09 August 2019, threatening East Asian countries with destructive winds and rain. Typhoon Lekima made landfall near Shitangzhen, in China's Zhejiang province on 10 August 2019 at around 1 a.m. local time. Chinese authorities on 09 August issued a red alert warning residents of strong winds, heavy rainfall and coastal impacts threats in anticipation of the typhoon's landfall. Meanwhile Typhoon Krosa continues to follow a northerly path toward Japan, but its forecasted track remains uncertain. EPA-EFE/NASA EARTH OBSERVATORY HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES epa07765366 A handout photo made available by NASA Earth Observatory shows a satellite image of Typhoon Lekima (L) and Typhoon Krosa (R) crossing the Western Pacific Ocean, 09 August 2019, threatening East Asian countries with destructive winds and rain. Typhoon Lekima made landfall near Shitangzhen, in China's Zhejiang province on 10 August 2019 at around 1 a.m. local time. Chinese authorities on 09 August issued a red alert warning residents of strong winds, heavy rainfall and coastal impacts threats in anticipation of the typhoon's landfall. Meanwhile Typhoon Krosa continues to follow a northerly path toward Japan, but its forecasted track remains uncertain. EPA-EFE/NASA EARTH OBSERVATORY HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES BEIJING, June 26 (Reuters) - A tropical depression made landfall on China's island province of Hainan early on Thursday, the country's National Meteorological Centre said, bringing more rain to a region still reeling from Typhoon Wutip two weeks ago. The tropical depression is expected to move from the city of Wenchang across the island's northeast tip, before heading back out into the South China Sea and making a second landfall in China's southern Guangdong province, state broadcaster CCTV said, gradually weakening along the way. Extreme storms and severe flooding, which meteorologists link to climate change, increasingly pose major challenges for Chinese officials, as they threaten to overwhelm ageing flood defences, displace millions of people and cause billions of dollars in economic losses. The storm will again test the flood defences of the densely populated Guangdong province, as well as Guangxi and Hunan further inland. Five people died and hundreds of thousands of people had to be evacuated when Wutip roared through the region from June 13 to 15, dumping record rains and damaging roads and cropland.
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First Post
22-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
Iran moves to shut Strait of Hormuz: What it means for India and the world
Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz after US airstrikes on its nuclear sites could trigger a global oil shock, disrupt trade routes and push prices sky-high. With over 60% of its crude coming from the Gulf, India faces serious energy and economic risks. read more Strait of Hormuz, Makran region in southern Iran and southwestern Pakistan, Gulf of Oman and the northern coast of Oman as seen from space. (Photo by NASA Earth Observatory/ AFP) The Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical oil chokepoint is back in global focus after Iran hinted at a possible closure following a major US airstrike on its nuclear facilities. If Iran follows through, the move could trigger a seismic shock across global energy markets and pose significant risks to major oil importers like India. What sparked the threat? Following the US bombing of three major Iranian nuclear sites this morning, Tehran has indicated that closing the Strait of Hormuz for shipping is one of the options on the table to pressure its adversaries. On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced a 'very successful' military operation that targeted three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—with full payloads of bombs. In response, Iran's parliament indicated support for closing the Strait of Hormuz, although the final decision rests with its Supreme National Security Council. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Esmail Kosari, a senior Iranian lawmaker and Revolutionary Guard commander, said the move to block the strait 'will be done whenever necessary.' Iran's state media has amplified these signals amid growing tensions with Washington, following what Tehran calls an act of 'unprecedented aggression.' Why is the Strait of Hormuz so vital? The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, it's one of the world's most strategic maritime arteries. According to 2023 estimates, over 17 million barrels of oil—around 20% of global daily demand—pass through the strait each day. Key exporters like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and even Iran itself rely on it for crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. While alternate pipelines exist, they can only divert around 2.6 million barrels per day—barely a fraction of the daily flow through Hormuz. How would a closure affect the world? Global oil prices may skyrocket A complete or even partial blockade could send oil prices soaring past $120–150 per barrel, depending on the length of the disruption. Brent crude has already surged above $90 in anticipation, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) not far behind. Energy crises in Asia and Europe: Countries like India, China, Japan, and several European nations, all of which rely heavily on Gulf energy imports, could face inflation, energy shortages, and economic turbulence. Europe, already reeling from the fallout of the Ukraine war, may find itself in deeper crisis if Qatari LNG shipments are blocked. According to a recent analysis by the International Energy Agency, even a brief disruption of passage through the Strait of Hormuz will have a significant impact on oil markets. 'With geopolitical and economic uncertainties affecting oil producers and consumers alike, oil supply security remains high on the international energy policy agenda,' it said. Disruption to global shipping Beyond oil, the Strait is a vital route for container ships and cargo vessels. Its closure would increase freight costs, delay shipments, and reroute vessels through longer, more expensive paths—adding to already strained global supply chains. Stock market turmoil and recession fears: Rising energy costs, shipping delays, and inflationary pressures could trigger panic across global stock markets. Central banks may be forced to intervene, and developing economies with heavy energy import bills could face new debt challenges. Risk of wider war The US, UK and France maintain strong naval presences in the Gulf. A closure would likely trigger military escort missions or even direct intervention to reopen the waterway—further inflaming regional tensions. Why is India especially vulnerable? Any blocking or disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz – a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea – will have significant global and regional impact including for India's energy security, strategic affairs experts said on Sunday. Nearly 30 per cent of global oil and a third of the world's LNG (liquefied natural gas) passes through the Strait daily and its closure would immediately reduce global supplies triggering a spike in prices, they said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India, which imports over 60% of its crude oil from the Gulf, is particularly exposed. A disruption at Hormuz could: *Spike fuel prices domestically, impacting inflation and household spending. *Increase shipping and insurance costs for rerouted crude and LNG. *Delay imports from major suppliers like Qatar, Iraq, and the UAE. *Disrupt bilateral trade with Middle East partners, especially in sectors like chemicals, fertilisers, and heavy industry. *India's strategic oil reserves could cushion the blow temporarily, but prolonged disruption would pressure the economy and force urgent diplomatic manoeuvring. The shutting down of the narrow passage would have significant global repercussions across energy markets and it will impact India's energy security as well, Dr Laxman Kumar Behera, Associate Professor at Special Centre for National Security Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University told PTI. Behera said any disruption in the critical shipping lane, which is a geopolitical flashpoint, will majorly impact India's crude oil import from Iraq and to an extent from Saudi Arabia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Could Iran withstand the fallout? While Tehran may use the Hormuz threat as strategic leverage, analysts warn that closing the strait could backfire on Iran itself. Much of Iran's own oil exports—official or under-the-radar—transit through Hormuz. Cutting off this revenue stream, especially amid sanctions, would damage its already fragile economy. Moreover, a blockade would likely provoke military retaliation from the U.S. and its allies. Even countries like China, which continue to buy Iranian oil, may oppose such a move, leaving Iran further isolated. What's next? US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to pressure Tehran against escalation, warning that closing the strait would be 'economic suicide' for Iran. He added that the U.S. and its allies are prepared to respond if the closure goes ahead. With military tensions flaring and energy markets on edge, the coming days could determine whether this crisis remains a geopolitical standoff—or spirals into a global oil shock with far-reaching consequences for India and the world.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Reveal Scale of Wildfires Scorching New Mexico
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. NASA satellite imagery has revealed the dramatic scale of the wildfires scorching parts of southwestern New Mexico, as two major fires—the Buck and Trout—continue to threaten homes, infrastructure and air quality. Captured on June 14 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) aboard Landsat 8, the satellite images offer a stark visual contrast between scorched earth and still-green terrain, showing the devastation caused by the fast-moving blazes. False-color imagery, which combines shortwave infrared, near infrared, and visible light, draws the viewers attention to the impacted areas. Actively burning areas appear bright orange in the images, while blackened ground from earlier fire activity darkens the landscape south of Lake Roberts in Grant County. Together, the Buck and Trout fires had charred more than 80,000 acres by June 18, less than a week after they started on June 11 and 12, respectively. Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey showing the impact of the New Mexico wildfires. Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey showing the impact of the New Mexico wildfires. NASA Earth Observatory / Michala Garrison Windy, dry and tinder-laden conditions fueled their swift expansion in the area. By that date, the Trout Fire had advanced nearly to the edge of Lake Roberts and was threatening communities along Sapillo Creek. Residents from approximately 2,000 homes had been placed under evacuation orders, according to local news reports. In contrast, the Buck Fire showed slower movement and was 25 percent contained. New Mexico's Governor Responds A federal emergency declaration was issued by New Mexico's governor on June 17 in response to the Trout Fire's rapid advance. The designation enables state agencies to request assistance from federal and other resources. Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey showing the wildfire impact in New Mexico. Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey showing the wildfire impact in New Mexico. NASA Earth Observatory / Michala Garrison More than 875 firefighting personnel—including hotshot and hand crews, bulldozers, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft—were engaged in suppression efforts by June 18, according to InciWeb, the national incident information system. Despite the growing perimeter, no infrastructure damage had yet been reported. NASA's monitoring did not stop with images. Its air pollution tracking satellite, TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution), detected plumes of nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde in the smoke on June 17. These pollutants, which can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions, were measured with TEMPO's sensors. The satellite, launched to provide hourly air quality readings over North America, measures pollution down to a resolution of just a few square miles. NASA continues to monitor the fires and air quality, providing data to support firefighters, emergency responders, and public health officials. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the wildfires? Let us know via science@
Newsweek
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Deadly Tornado's Impact on Kentucky So Big It's Visible From Space
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. The path of a recent tornado that tore across the state of Kentucky has been photographed from above, revealing the massive scar it left across the land. On May 16, a deadly tornado ravaged three counties in Kentucky, taking 20 lives, destroying hundreds of houses and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake just over 55 miles long and up to a mile wide. The image of the devastation was captured the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) instrument aboard NASA's Landsat 9 Earth-imaging satellite. The track of the twister was made particularly clear in the images as it passed through the Daniel Boone National Forest, where it ripped up trees in its path. The tornado's track, taking by the NASA Earth Observatory using Landsat data from the US Geological Survey. The tornado's track, taking by the NASA Earth Observatory using Landsat data from the US Geological Survey. Wanmei Liang/NASA Earth Observatory/ Landsat According to NASA and the National Weather Service (NWS), the tornado was one of the strongest ever recorded in the area, peaking at a four on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale. This is the second-highest ranking on the scale, with three-second gusts between 166 to 200 miles per hour. In fact, the tornado in question was estimated to have reached speeds as high as 170 miles per hour. The Kentucky tornado was part of a severe weather outbreak over several days which hit multiple states, including Alabama, Kansas, Missouri and Virginia. At least 20 people were killed in Kentucky alone, with the office of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reporting that 17 people died in Laurel County, one in McCracken County, one in Pulaski County and one in Russell County. Read more Violent tornadoes leave at least 27 dead in multiple states: What to know Violent tornadoes leave at least 27 dead in multiple states: What to know "I promise that we will be there for our people until every home and every life is rebuilt. And I want to thank all our heroic first responders for the work they've done over the past few days," Beshear said in a statement. "This is another incredibly tough time for Kentucky. And it's another reminder that life is short and it's our duty to be kind and do good. As always—we will get through this together." A 2024 study on the National Land Cover Database (which is based on Landsat observations) has found that tornado damage to forests in the southeastern U.S. is on the rise, despite a slight decrease in tornado activity across the states as a whole. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about tornados? Let us know via science@ Reference Munro, H. L., Loehle, C., Bullock, B. P., Johnson, D. M., Vogt, J. T., & Gandhi, K. J. K. (2024). Tornado damage in forest ecosystems of the United States. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 350.
India.com
25-05-2025
- Science
- India.com
Not Palm Jumeirah Islands, Burj Khalifa or Great Wall of China, real human-made marvel visible from space is...
Not Palm Jumeirah Islands, Burj Khalifa or Great Wall of China, real human-made marvel visible from space is… Most people believed that mega man-made structures, such as the Great Wall of China or the pyramids, could be visible from space. However, satellite images and astronauts have debunked this belief and termed it a myth. On the contrary, a structure in Spain, covered by plastic greenhouses, reflects light that can be visible from orbit. It is located near the El Ejido in Almeria. The area is known as 'Mar de Plastico' or 'plastic sea.' Mar de Plastico The 40,000 hectares area is network of greenhouses that forms a glittering patchwork which can be spot from the space. As per American space agency NASA (NASA Earth Observatory), this white roof made of plastic reflects sunrays like a mirror, making it visible from space. During an interview in 2007, Spanish astronaut and former Minister of Science Pedro Duque informed that he was able to see the greenhouses from the International Space Station. This area produces veggies like – tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc. These vegetables are supplied to European supermarkets throughout the colder months.
