Asteroid 2023 TO17 flew past Earth at 0.14 LD
A newly-discovered asteroid designated 2023 TO17 flew past Earth at a distance of just 0.14 LD / 0.00036 AU (54 381 km / 33 791 miles) from the center of our planet at 14:33 UTC on October 14, 2023.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Corrosive ash from massive 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption causes power crisis in Tonga
Corrosive ash fallout from the massive eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano last year has triggered a series of power outages on Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, beginning September 2022. Tonga Power, the island’s electricity provider, has termed the situation a “crisis” due to the unprecedented damage to the High Voltage Aerial Bundled Cabling across the island.
Officials warn of potential volcanic eruption near Fagradalsfjall before Christmas, Iceland
Rapid land elevation near Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano indicated the formation of a new magma chamber, prompting warnings of a potential volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the weeks or months to come. The Icelandic Meteorological Office urged caution, especially for those planning outdoor activities in the region.
Elevated volcanic activity at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano
Significant activity was reported at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano from 19:00 to 20:30 UTC on October 16, 2023. Large hot avalanches collapsed on the eastern slopes, and an ash plume reached a height of 3.5 km a.s.l. The Aviation Color Code was elevated from Yellow to Orange.
Shallow M5.8 and M5.9 earthquakes hit southern Iran
Two shallow earthquakes registered by GSRAS as M5.8 and M5.9 hit southern Iran at 04:59 UTC (08:29 LT) and 05:10 UTC (08:40 LT), respectively, on October 17, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS registered them as M5.1 and M5.5.
Death toll reaches 100 in flash floods and GLOF events in Sikkim and West Bengal, India
As of October 15, 2023, devastating flash floods and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) have resulted in 100 fatalities in the states of Sikkim and West Bengal in northeastern India. The events, which began on October 4 along the Teesta River, have also left 76 people missing, 30 injured, and have displaced 2 321 individuals into 20 relief camps.
Strong M6.4 earthquake hits Andreanof Islands, Alaska
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.7 hit Anreanof Islands, Alaska at 11:35 UTC on October 16, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 187 km (116 miles).
Western Afghanistan hit by fourth M6.3 earthquake since October 7
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 at 03:36 UTC (08:06 local time) on October 15, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 8 km (5 miles). This region of Afghanistan was hit by a total 4 of M6.3 earthquakes (USGS) since October 7 when twin M6.3s killed more than 2 400 people.
Meteorite fall over Sardinia, Italy — INAF calls for meteorite hunt
A bright fireball streaked through the night sky over Sardinia, Italy at 21:53 UTC on October 8, 2023. The fireball was recorded by two Sardinian Prisma cameras.
Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits west of Macquarie Island
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit west of Macquarie Island, western Indian-Antarctic Ridge at 03:44 UTC on October 13, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 4.9 km (3.1 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
