Strong M9.0 solar flare erupts from geoeffective Region 3576
A strong solar flare measuring M9.0 erupted at 23:07 UTC on February 10, 2024 from geoeffective Active Region 3576. The event started at 22:56 and ended at 23:14 UTC.
Fragments of asteroid 2024 BX1 identified as extremely rare Aubrite meteorites
Initial investigations of meteorites from the strewn field of asteroid 2024 BX1, which entered the Earth’s atmosphere on January 21, 2024, near Ribbeck, northwest of Berlin, have identified them as rare aubrite achondrites. The findings were submitted to the Meteoritical Society’s Nomenclature Committee on February 2, 2024, for official examination.
Historic snowstorm paralyzes central and eastern Nova Scotia, Canada
A dangerous winter snowstorm brought Nova Scotia to a standstill over the weekend, with record snowfall exceeding 80 cm (31 inches) in many areas, leading to local emergency declarations and widespread travel disruptions.
Powerful atmospheric river triggers state of emergency in Southern California, rare Level 4 of 4 risk of excessive rainfall
An intense atmospheric river event hit California on Sunday, February 4, 2024, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in eight counties due to the potential for “life-threatening” flooding, mudslides, and widespread power outages. The National Weather Service warns of significant rainfall, powerful winds, and heavy snowfall continuing over the next few days.
Widespread floods and landslides in southern Philippines claim 14 lives
The death toll from landslides and floods caused by torrential rain in the southern Philippines has reached 14, as reported on Saturday, February 3, 2024. The severe weather has affected parts of Mindanao, the country’s second-largest island, leading to tens of thousands seeking refuge in emergency shelters. Davao de Oro, a province known for its gold mining, has been particularly hard-hit, with 10 fatalities in recent days due to relentless rain.
Iceland builds massive dykes to shield against volcanic lava flows
Icelanders build massive dykes to protect against lava flows from reactivated volcanoes near Reykjavik. The six volcanic systems, active for the first time in nearly 800 years, pose a significant threat to the Reykjanes peninsula, prompting around-the-clock construction efforts to safeguard homes and a crucial power plant.
University of Iceland professor warns of lava flow proximity to Reykjavík
Þorvaldur Þórðarson, a volcanology professor at the University of Iceland, suggests that recent earthquakes in the Reykjanes Peninsula could indicate magma accumulation under Húsfellsbruna, raising concerns about potential lava flows near Reykjavík.
Very bright fireball over downtown Beijing, China
A very bright fireball was observed in the skies over downtown Beijing, China at 11:40 UTC (19:40 local time) on Monday, January 29, 2024, creating a spectacular sight for residents and visitors.
Solar filament eruption produces Earth-directed CME
An approximately 25 degrees in length filament eruption centered near S35W09, began erupting after 09:00 UTC on January 22, 2024, producing an Earth-directed CME. The estimated time of arrival is January 25.
Complex filament eruption produced Earth-directed CME, impact expected late January 22
A coronal mass ejection produced by a filament eruption on January 20, 2024, is expected to reach Earth late January 22, producing G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storming.