• Night sky guide for October 2017

    October 2017 has two meteor showers, one minor – Draconids, on October 8, and one major – Orionids, on October 21 and 22. Draconids will be mostly blocked by the nearly full moon, but Orionids will present an interesting opportunity as the crescent Moon will set…

  • Severe plague outbreak affecting large urban areas of Madagascar

    Pneumonic plague has been detected in several cities in Madagascar, WHO reports. This form of plague is highly transmissible (person-to-person) and quickly causes death without treatment. At least 19 people have died since August 27. WHO is concerned that the…

  • G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm levels reached

    A recurrent, polar-connected, positive-polarity coronal hole is affecting our planet since September 27. G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm levels were reached at 08:48 UTC on September 27, followed by G2 – Moderate levels at 20:24 UTC and then increased to G3 – Strong…

  • Over 8 000 people evacuated around Aoba (Ambae) volcano, Vanuatu

    More than 8 000 people living near Aoba (Ambae) volcano in Vanuatu were forced to evacuate over the past several days due to increase in volcanic activity. The Vanuatu Government’s Council of Ministers has declared the State of Emergency on Ambae island on…