M6.1 earthquake hits South Sandwich Islands region
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit the South Sandwich Islands region at 13:48 UTC on January 1, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 83 km (51 miles).
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Two CMEs to impact Earth, G3 – Strong Geomagnetic Storm Watch in effect for December 31
At least two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are heading toward Earth, with impacts expected on December 31 and January 1, 2025. The first CME — much stronger, was produced by a filament eruption associated with an M2.0 flare at 04:30 UTC on December 29 from Active Region (AR) 3939. This resulted in an asymmetric, partial-halo CME first seen in NASA coronagraph imagery at approximately 06:24 UTC.
Solar activity ramps up with three X-class and over 20 M-class solar flares in 24 hours
Solar activity increased to high levels on December 29 and 30, 2024, producing more than 20 M- and 3 X-class solar flares in just over 24 hours. At least one of these events produced an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME) – with impact expected on December 31. As a result, a G3 – Strong Geomagnetic Storm Watch is in effect.
Major X1.1 solar flare erupts from Region 3936, CME impact possible on December 31
A major X1.1 solar flare erupted from Active Region 3936 at 07:18 UTC on December 29, 2024. The event started at 07:08 and ended at 07:34 UTC. Two CMEs were noted in LASCO imagery following multiple solar flares today. Initial analysis indicates at least one has a likely Earth-directed component, with a possible arrival early on December 31.
Strong M6.7 earthquake hits Kuril Islands, Russia
A strong earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.7 hit Kuril Islands, Russia at 12:47 UTC on December 27, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 160 km (100 miles). USGS and EMSC have also registered it as M6.7 at same depth.
CME impacts Earth, sparking G1 geomagnetic storm
A coronal mass ejection (CME) produced on December 13, 2024, impacted Earth at 05:19 UTC on December 17, sparking G1 – Minor geomagnetic storming. The K-index reached 5 at 08:07 UTC, with effects limited to areas poleward of 60 degrees geomagnetic latitude. Enhanced solar wind conditions, driven by a positive polarity coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS), are expected to continue through December 18. Meanwhile, solar activity remains low, with a 30-40% chance of M-class flares and a 5% chance of X-class flares through December 19.
Widespread damage, casualties reported after major M7.3 earthquake hits Port-Vila, Vanuatu
A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.3 hit Vanuatu at 01:47 UTC (12:47 LT) on December 17, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 57.1 km (35.5 miles). EMSC is reporting M7.4 at a depth of 28 km (17 miles).
Very strong M6.4 earthquake hits Chile-Argentina border region
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit the Chile-Argentina border region at 23:38 UTC (20:38 LT) on December 13, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 110 km (68 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. CSN Chile is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 114 km (70 miles).
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: December 4 – 10, 2024
New activity/unrest was reported for 7 volcanoes from December 4 to 10, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported 17 volcanoes.
Earthquake swarm SW of Adak Islands, Alaska
An earthquake swarm has been occurring southwest of Adak Islands, Alaska, since December 8, 2024, beginning with M6.3 at a depth of 18 km (11 miles). The swarm includes multiple significant earthquakes, including two M6.3 events, an M6.1, and numerous aftershocks up to M5.8.
