Rapid growth of newly-formed island near Iwo Jima, Japan

Rapid growth of newly-formed island near Iwo Jima, Japan

On November 1, 2023, a new island was born approximately 1 km (0.62 miles) off the southern coast of Iwoto Island, Japan, following intense volcanic activity. This latest addition to the Ogasawara island chain, now nearly merging with Iwoto, was first identified by military personnel stationed there.

Freight train derailed by landslide on South Island’s West Coast, New Zealand

Freight train derailed by landslide on South Island’s West Coast, New Zealand

A freight train operated by KiwiRail found itself engulfed by a landslide on the South Island’s West Coast near Hawks Crag in the early hours of Monday, October 16, 2023. The incident, which led to a minor derailment, saw the lone engineer on board escaping without any injury.

Comet Nishimura’s tail ripped off by a CME

Comet Nishimura’s tail ripped off by a CME

On September 2, 2023, a coronal mass ejection (CME) launched by our sun hit Comet Nishimura (C/2023 P1), causing a disconnection event and stripping its tail. This encounter occurred while the comet was located about halfway between the orbits of Mercury and Venus.

The opening phase of eruption at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii

The opening phase of eruption at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii

This video, captured by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s KWcam on the northwest rim of the caldera, shows the opening phase of the eruption that began within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in the early morning of June 7, 2023 (LT).

Large rock avalanche at Flüchthorn Peak in the Austrian Alps

Large rock avalanche at Flüchthorn Peak in the Austrian Alps

A significant rock avalanche took place on June 11, 2023, descending from the slopes of Flüchthorn in the Austrian Alps. Flüchthorn, also known as Piz Fenga due to its location on the Austria-Switzerland border, stands 3 399 m (11 150 feet) high in the Silvretta Alps.