• Study reveals how solar heat affects earthquake activity

    A new study by researchers at the University of Tsukuba examined the role of solar heat in earthquake activity. By analyzing seasonal variations in seismicity, correlations between solar activity and earthquakes, and the influence of atmospheric temperature on earthquake predictability, the study provides new insights into how solar-driven thermal effects may contribute to stress changes in the Earth’s lithosphere.

  • Starship explodes in spectacular fireball, causing air traffic delays

    The uncrewed SpaceX Starship exploded mid-flight on Thursday, March 6, 2025, after lifting off from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas at 17:30 CST (23:30 UTC). The Super Heavy booster successfully executed a return and mid-air catch, but the Starship upper stage was lost in a spectacular explosion, causing temporary air traffic disruptions.

  • Japan hit by largest wildfire in over 30 years

    A massive forest fire has burned approximately 1 400 ha (3 460 acres) in Akasaki Town, Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, since it broke out on February 26, 2025. This is now the largest wildfire in modern Japan history, surpassing the previous record of 1 030 ha (2 545 acres) set in Kushiro, Hokkaido, in 1992.

  • New studies suggest smaller impactors could be a better planetary defense strategy against asteroids

    Two studies published in Nature Communications explore and provide insights into efficient planetary defense strategies. These studies came out during the period when 2024 YR4 made headlines with its potential for impact in 2032. The results provide valuable insights into how to create better planetary defense procedures based on the behavior of asteroid Dimorphos ejecta produced by NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission.

  • Emergency escape port planned in Santorini, schools remain closed as intense earthquake swarm continues in Greece

    Schools in Santorini, Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos will remain closed at least until February 21, 2025, as the Greek government prepares for another meeting to assess seismic risks in the Aegean Sea near Santorini. Over 1 300 earthquakes were recorded with a magnitude above 3.0 in the sea area near Anydros since the beginning of the month, with the strongest reaching M5.3. The government also announced plans to build an emergency escape port in Santorini in addition to the new port under development.

  • Twin M5.1 earthquakes hit Santorini area, Ios becomes fourth island under state of emergency, Greece

    Ios became the fourth island in the Aegean to be placed under a state of emergency on February 15, following the trend set by Santorini on February 6, Amorgos on February 12, and Anafi on February 13, due to the ongoing seismic activity in the region since late January 2025. On January 18, two M5.1 quakes were registered between Santorini and Amorgos, shaking the area with enough intensity to be felt across multiple islands.