Asteroid 2023 XJ1 to fly past Earth at 0.27 LD
A newly-discovered asteroid designated 2023 XJ1 will fly past Earth at a distance of 0.27 LD / 0.00066 AU (98 242 km / 61 045 miles) from the center of our planet at 18:57 UTC on December 6, 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.
Death toll rises to 23 after sudden eruption at Marapi volcano, Indonesia
A major eruption at Mount Marapi in Indonesia on Sunday, December 3, 2023, has led to a confirmed death toll of 23. Rescuers, facing challenging conditions, found additional bodies near the eruption site. The volcano, remaining on high alert since 2011, unexpectedly erupted, impacting climbers and nearby villagers.
Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh, India
After wreaking havoc in Chennai with torrential rains, Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” made landfall in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla on December 5, 2023. The cyclone, the first to hit the state’s coast since 2021, has caused significant disruptions, including eight fatalities in Chennai. Authorities are conducting rescue operations amid continued heavy rainfall in the region.
Destructive flash flood near Lake Toba in Indonesia buries homes, claims one life and leaves 11 missing
Severe flash floods hit Simangalumpe Village near Lake Toba in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province on the evening of December 1, 2023, following heavy rainfall. The village is located in Baktiraja District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency.
Yale-led study reveals orbital tilt in pristine solar systems as common phenomenon
A new study spearheaded by Yale astronomer Malena Rice and published in The Astronomical Journal has made a significant discovery about the orbital tilt of planets in pristine solar systems. Contrary to previous assumptions that slanted orbits result from cosmic disturbances, this research suggests that even in stable solar systems, planets can exhibit an orbital tilt of up to 20 degrees.
High-level eruption at Marapi volcano, ash to 15 km (50 000 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia
A high-level eruption started at Indonesia’s Marapi volcano at 08:00 UTC on December 3, 2023. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Red.
Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” forms over SW Bay of Bengal, cyclone alert for Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm and was named Michaung at 03:00 UTC on December 3, 2023. This is the 6th named storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. An Orange cyclone alert is in effect for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. Landfall is expected to take place on December 5.
Shallow M7.6 earthquake hits near the coast of Mindanao, Philippines – tsunami waves produced
A powerful earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.6 hit near the coast of Mindanao, Philippines at 14:37 UTC on December 2, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 32.8 km (20.4 miles).
Munich hit by heaviest snowfall in 20 years, wakes up to 50 cm (1.6 feet) of snow and severe traffic disruption, Germany
Munich woke up to a record-breaking snowfall of 50 cm (1.6 feet) on December 2, 2023, marking the city’s heaviest snowfall in two decades. The German Weather Service had previously issued Level 2 and Level 3 weather warnings for heavy snowfall in southern Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg, leading to significant disruptions in air travel and ground transportation.
Intense thunderstorms hit Uruguay, causing severe flooding in Montevideo
Intense thunderstorms hit southern Uruguay on December 1, 2023, causing severe flooding and travel disruptions in Montevideo.
