[Reading Science] "The Giant Dragon's Flame?"... The World's Largest Active Volcano Eruption Seen by Satellite

US NOAA Releases Satellite Images of Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The eruption of the world's largest volcano captured by satellite looked like a giant dragon breathing fire.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released footage on Twitter taken by a satellite showing the eruption of Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano located in Hawaii. On the 27th at 11:30 PM local time, the volcano broke its 38-year dormancy, erupting with lava, large amounts of volcanic ash, and smoke. The geostationary satellite GOES-West, operated by NOAA, captured thermal signals from the lava emitted from Mauna Loa's crater as well as the massive release of sulfur dioxide gas.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) upgraded the existing volcanic activity advisory to a warning 15 minutes after the eruption and raised the aviation color code from yellow to red. Mauna Loa, one of the five volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii, is the largest active volcano on the Earth's surface. State authorities have prepared for emergencies by setting up two shelters. The U.S. Weather Service issued an advisory warning that volcanic ash could accumulate up to approximately 0.6 cm.

Although the Hawaii state authorities have not issued an official evacuation order, they announced the establishment of two shelters for residents who voluntarily left their homes. This volcano has erupted 33 times since 1843. The most recent eruption before this was from March 24 to April 15, 1984, making this eruption the first in about 38 years.