The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: March 19–25, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for 3 volcanoes from March 19 to 25, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 20 volcanoes.
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Large coronal hole facing Earth, G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm
Earth is currently experiencing heightened solar wind conditions and geomagnetic storming due to the passage of a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) ahead of a high-speed stream from a large coronal hole in the southern hemisphere.
Asteroid 2025 FY6 flew past Earth at just 0.05 LD on March 23
A newly discovered asteroid designated 2025 FY6 flew past Earth at just 0.05 LD / 0.00015 AU (21 944 km / 13 636 miles) at 19:29 UTC on March 23, 2025.
Multiple atmospheric river (AR) landfalls and heavy precipitation expected along the U.S. West Coast
An unsettled weather pattern is forecast to continue into next week, with multiple atmospheric rivers expected to bring heavy precipitation to the U.S. West Coast following a March 23 event that caused flooding and a landslide in British Columbia.
Glowing spiral seen over Europe after SpaceX launch stirs public curiosity
A large glowing spiral appeared in the night sky over parts of Western Europe on March 24, 2025, following the launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket for the NROL-69 mission. The phenomenon, which captivated observers across the continent, was caused by frozen exhaust released from the rocket’s second stage during its deorbit burn.
Strong and shallow M6.7 earthquake hits near the coast of South Island, New Zealand; tsunami advisory issued
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.7 hit near the coast of South Island, New Zealand at 01:43 UTC (14:43 local time) on March 25, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 21 km (13 miles). New Zealand’s GeoNet is reporting M6.8 at a depth of 12 km (7.5 miles), and EMSC M7.0 at a depth of 9 km (5.6 miles).
Explosive eruption at Etna volcano, Aviation Color Code raised to Red, Italy
A rapid increase in volcanic tremor was recorded at Mount Etna, Italy on March 24, 2025, followed by explosive activity at the Southeast Crater. The eruption occurred after tremor levels rose significantly, prompting authorities to raise the Aviation Color Code to Red at 10:18 UTC.
Earth-directed CME from March 21 triggers G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm watch
A coronal mass ejection (CME) launched from the Sun on March 21, 2025, is expected to impact Earth early on March 23, prompting a G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm watch issued by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). The CME was associated with an M1.2 solar flare from Region 4028 at 15:34 UTC.
M6.2 earthquake, series of aftershocks hit Andreanof Islands, Alaska
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit near Adak, Andreanof Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska at 14:53 UTC on March 21, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 26 km (16 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 30 km (18 miles).
Shallow M6.2 earthquake hits south of Panama
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit south of Panama at 14:50 UTC on March 21, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
