Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Cold Bay, Alaska

Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Cold Bay, Alaska

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit off the coast of Cold Bay, Alaska at 02:35 UTC on December 31, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 26.9 km (18.4 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 40 km (24.8 miles). This earthquake…

Sudden eruption at Mount Agung, ashfall reported around the volcano, Indonesia

Sudden eruption at Mount Agung, ashfall reported around the volcano, Indonesia

A new eruption took place at Indonesian Mount Agung, Bali at 20:09 UTC on December 29, 2018 (04:09 WITA, December 30). Thin ashfall was reported in nearby communities. Alert Level remains at 3 (on a scale of 1 – 4) and the exclusion zone is currently stable at a…

Asteroid 2018 YL2 flew past Earth at 0.15 lunar distances

Asteroid 2018 YL2 flew past Earth at 0.15 lunar distances

A newly discovered asteroid designated 2018 YL2 flew past Earth at a very close distance of 0.15 LD / 0.00040 AU (59 839 km / 37 182 miles) on December 27, 2018. This object belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. It was first observed at ATLAS-MLO, Mauna Loa,…

2018 Volcanoes in Review

2018 Volcanoes in Review

Thanks to Jake and Mari of the Grand Solar Minimum YouTube channel we have an excellent overview of all significant volcanic eruptions of the year. Out of an estimated 1 500 active volcanoes, on average 50 – 70 erupt every year, spewing steam, ash, toxic gases, and…

Positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream sparks geomagnetic storm

Positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream sparks geomagnetic storm

A positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) is affecting our planet since late December 27, sparking G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm. Periods of active conditions are likely through December 29 followed by quiet to unsettled activity on December 30…