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Newsweek
3 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
World's Largest Free Iceberg Drifted for Decades—Now It's Cracking
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The world's largest iceberg is shedding large chunks of ice in the South Atlantic Ocean nearly 40 years since it first broke off from Antarctica's Filchner Ice Shelf. An image from NASA's Aqua satellite has shown new ice chunks near South Georgia that have broken off the iceberg named A-23A as it drifts in the southern part of the South Atlantic Ocean, around 1,500 miles north of its birthplace, according to a statement from NASA. Scientists have been closely monitoring A-23A due to concerns that it may collide with South Georgia, the largest of nine remote islands that form the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, "potentially threatening a delicate ecosystem which is home to penguins and seals," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) noted in January. Two of the new ice chunks were large enough to be named and monitored by the U.S. National Ice Center (USNIC). Aqua's MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) was able to capture this natural-color satellite image of A-23A and the new icebergs on July 22 following a break in the clouds and lengthening daylight hours in Antarctica. A NASA satellite image captured on July 22 showing chunks of ice near that have been shed from A-23A, the world's largest iceberg, near South Georgia. A NASA satellite image captured on July 22 showing chunks of ice near that have been shed from A-23A, the world's largest iceberg, near South Georgia. NASA Earth Observatory Around this time, the surface of A-23A spanned around 969 square miles. The new pieces, name A-23D and A-23E, were measured to be around 62 and 28 square miles, respectively, NASA said. The new ice pieces were first identified by Jan Lieser of Australia's Bureau of Meteorology using NovaSAR-1 radar data, before they were later confirmed by USNIC analyst Britney Fajardo via radar images from the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 mission on July 15. "Radar satellites can take images of the Earth at polar night and through all weather conditions, including heavy clouds and even smoke," Lieser said in a statement. Back in January this year, A-23A was found to be slowly drifting northeast in the Southern Ocean, according to images captured by NOAA's GOES East satellite. As of January 16, the iceberg was reported to have an area that's roughly the size of Rhode Island, the USNIC said. From the start of March, A-23A has sat lodged on the Filchner Ice Shelf around South Georgia. "Icebergs that make it this far north are increasingly at the mercy of warm water, waves, and seasonal weather—factors that contribute to a berg's ultimate demise," NASA explained. By late May, A-23A split off into thousands of smaller chunks after colliding with an Antarctic island and continued drifting toward the eastern side of South Georgia. The iceberg followed the same currents that the massive A-68A iceberg rode in late 2020. "The austral winter journey continued to inflict damage on A-23A, which shed even more ice from its sides," NASA said. Despite the edges lost, A-23A is still the largest iceberg currently drifting freely in any of the world's oceans. Only D-15A is bigger, which lies grounded in the Amery Sea off east Antarctica, according to the space agency. Scientists expect more calving from the remainder of A-23A as it moves further north, NASA said, with extended daylight hours taking place in this part of the South Atlantic. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about climate change? Let us know via science@
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
NASA Satellite Shows Vast Spread of Utah Fire
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Striking satellite images released this week by NASA have revealed the full scale of the Monroe Canyon wildfire, which has scorched nearly 46,000 acres of land in central Utah. The images captured by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on NASA's Aqua satellite show a thick cloud of smoke stretching hundreds of miles northeast, creating hazy skies and degrading air quality in the region. The blaze erupted near the communities of Richfield, Monroe and Koosharem amid a stretch of hot, dry and windy weather. It then rapidly expanded over the afternoon of July 25, when firefighters reported wind gusts in the area exceeding 60 miles per hour. Within three days, the fire had more than doubled its size, prompting evacuations and partial closure of Fishlake National Forest. An image shared by NASA Earth Observatory shows a thick cloud of smoke over Utah following the wildfire. An image shared by NASA Earth Observatory shows a thick cloud of smoke over Utah following the wildfire. NASA Earth Observatory In false-color images captured by Landsat 8's Operational Land Imager, NASA scientists were able to distinguish burning zones and scorched land from untouched areas. Bright orange patches on the below image mark areas that are still ablaze, while brown tones show all the dead vegetation left behind by the fire. More than 1,000 firefighting personnel have been deployed to fight the blaze—and local authorities have confirmed the loss of several buildings. Conditions remain volatile. As of July 31st, a red flag warning was in effect for central and southern Utah as a result on ongoing low humidity and breezy weather, which can interfere with containment efforts. An image shared by NASA Earth Observatory shows areas that are still burning in Utah. An image shared by NASA Earth Observatory shows areas that are still burning in Utah. NASA Earth Observatory Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that the extent of area burned by wildfires each year has increased since the 1980s, with the largest acreage of burns occurring after 2004—including peaks in 2015 and 2020, aligning with many of the warmest years on record. Land area burned by wildfires varies by state, with more burns in the Western part of the country than in the East. The most significant increases have happened during spring and summer, with peak fires in August. Since 1983, the National Interagency Fire Center has documented an average of approximately 70,000 wildfires per year, although data from the Forest Service suggest that the number could be even higher. Over the past decade, the USDA Forest Service has used prescribed burns and mechanical thinning in and around Monroe Canyon to promote aspen regeneration and reduce accumulated brush and dead vegetation. According to Utah's Department of Natural Resources, the intensity of the Monroe Canyon fire decreased near treated zones. This helped firefighters add more blackline around the southeastern perimeter of the fire and increase containment on that side. However, despite all the efforts, only 11 percent of the ire has so far been contained, and official continue to warn residents to remains alert and follow evacuation orders. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about wildfires? Let us know via science@
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Show Devastating Reach of Wildfire Engulfing Arizona
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New satellite images released by NASA have captured the dramatic progression of two fires that set off in Arizona near the Grand Canyon National Park. One image captured by MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA's Aqua satellite shows the smoke spreading from the fires on July 12. The Dragon Bravo fire, which took place closer to the Grand Canyon, was sparked by a lightning on July 4, flaring up days later on July 11 amid extreme heat, with northwest winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour. The fast-moving fire destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures on the North Rim of the national park. Built in 1928, the historic venue was the only lodging available to visitors inside the park on the North Rim. A NASA satellite image showing smoke spreading from the fires on July 12. A NASA satellite image showing smoke spreading from the fires on July 12. NASA Earth Observatory "Fire managers have confirmed the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins in the developed area," the Grand Canyon National Park said in a statement. No death or injuries were reported in the Dragon Bravo fire, but a water treatment plant was also destroyed in the blaze, releasing chlorine gas and creating a more dangerous situation for firefighters. NASA satellites also detected the White Sage fire, around 35 miles north of the Dragon Bravo blaze, on July 10 after authorities first received reports of it on July 9. A NASA satellite image from capturing the progression of the White Sage fire. A NASA satellite image from capturing the progression of the White Sage fire. NASA Earth Observatory Hot, dry and windy conditions saw the White Sage fire spread quickly over the following three days. Dead trees left from the 2020 Magnum fire contributed to the rapid spread of the White Sage blaze, according to firefighting and forest management teams in the region. Images from NASA's OLI (Operational Land Imager) and OLI-2 on Landsat 8 and 9 captured the fire's progression on July 12 and July 13. The images highlight the recently burned landscape as brown, while bright orange indicates the infrared signature of actively burning fires, and the unburned vegetated areas are shown as green. A view of the smoke rising over the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, captured from the South Rim on July 11. A view of the smoke rising over the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, captured from the South Rim on July 11. National Park Service The fire was reported to have burned nearly 50,000 acres, with zero percent contained, as of Monday. Evacuation orders have been issued by Coconino County for communities along State Route 67 between North Rim and Jacob Lake. National Park Service (NPS) officials are assessing the damage and monitor hazardous areas for safety, with plans for the restoration and rebuilding of the Grand Canyon's North Rim expected to begin after the threat of the fires subsides. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about wild fires? Let us know via science@
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
NASA Satellite Shows World's Largest Iceberg Breaking Into Thousands Of Pieces. What Happens Next
The world's largest iceberg, A23a, is breaking apart into smaller pieces, posing a threat to humans and the millions of penguins in the nearby Antarctic sanctuary. NASA's Aqua satellite, equipped with MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), has captured striking images of the massive iceberg A23a breaking apart. The photos show thousands of smaller ice chunks detaching from the iceberg's northern edge, creating a hazardous icy landscape in the surrounding area. The image highlights the iceberg's enormous size, comparable to South Georgia Island (approximately 1400 square miles), which is famously known for Ernest Shackleton's rescue mission after the Endurance shipwreck. "Thousands of iceberg pieces litter the ocean surface near the main berg, creating a scene reminiscent of a dark, starry night," wrote representatives with the space agency, NASA wrote in a statement. The "megaberg" A23a, currently the world's largest iceberg, has a surface area of approximately 1,200 square miles. It calved from Antarctica's Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986 but remained trapped until 2023. After breaking free, it regained the title of largest iceberg in June 2023. A23a became stuck again in a vortex in early 2024 but broke free in December. It is now grounded off South Georgia Island, where it will likely remain until it melts or breaks apart in the "iceberg graveyard" of the Scotia Sea. As per NASA, the massive iceberg is breaking apart into smaller pieces through a process called "edge wasting." Although the new icebergs appear small compared to A23a, many are still around a kilometre across, posing a risk to ships. The largest piece to break off, dubbed A23c, measures approximately 50 square miles. Since getting stuck in March, A23a has shrunk by about 200 square miles. It's expected to take months or years for the iceberg to fully disintegrate. A23a's size lead is also narrowing, with another iceberg, D15A, closing in on its record. The Impact South Georgia Island is home to a diverse wildlife population, including seals, seabirds, and over 2 million penguins, but has a sparse human presence with only a few dozen researchers visiting annually. The massive iceberg A23a, currently grounded offshore, could potentially disrupt the ecosystem by forcing penguins to travel longer distances to find prey and altering the surrounding water temperature and salinity with its meltwater. Some of these fragments measure over half a mile wide and could therefore "pose a risk to ships," according to NASA. However, its relatively distant location from the coast may mitigate the impact. Some researchers suggest the melting iceberg could also have a positive effect by releasing nutrients into the ocean, benefiting the marine ecosystem. Scientists warn that similar events, such as massive iceberg break-offs, may become more frequent in the future because of climate change. This acceleration of ice shelf melting could have significant implications for global sea levels, ocean ecosystems and the planet's climate as a whole.
New York Post
20-05-2025
- Science
- New York Post
World's largest iceberg is breaking into thousands of pieces — putting people and wildlife at risk
The iceberg goeth? The world's largest iceberg, A23, is fragmenting into smaller pieces, potentially jeopardizing both humans and the millions of penguins in the neighboring Antarctic refuge. Alarming photos snapped by NASA's Aqua satellite have revealed that the periphery of the frozen mass is beginning to break apart, particularly along its northern edge, turning the surrounding area into an icy minefield. Advertisement 'Thousands of iceberg pieces litter the ocean surface near the main berg, creating a scene reminiscent of a dark starry night,' wrote representatives with the space agency, Live Science reported. 4 The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA's Aqua satellite captured this image of the berg, named A23, on May 3, 2025. NASA This marks the culmination of an epic voyage for the so-called mega-berg, which boasts a surface area of 1,200 square miles — making it the largest iceberg in the world. Advertisement After being trapped on the ocean floor since 1986, the colossal ice cube broke away from its position several years back, and drifted into the Southern Ocean. A23's floe state was interrupted again in 2024, when it became stranded in a spinning vortex, before eventually breaking free and resuming its journey North. 4 A23 is the largest iceberg in the world. Getty Images Then in January, the mega-berg was spotted making a bee-line for South Georgia Island — a British territory known for its unique wildlife — but ground to a halt just 60 miles offshore, which scientists believe could be A23's final resting place. Advertisement While the sheet thankfully didn't run aground on the island, this frozen cluster bomb could still potentially threaten the millions of penguins and seals that reside there. 4 Researchers worry that A23 could obstruct penguin feeding routes. / Penguins could potentially need to navigate hundreds of miles around the moored ice mass to reach their feeding grounds while the mega-berg's meltwater could affect the temperature and salinity of the surrounding sea. In 2004, some of South Georgia's resident penguin chicks and seal pups died after an ice island named A38 broke off and obstructed their feeding routes. Advertisement Researchers hope A23's location far off the coast will hopefully mitigate its impact on the ecosystem. 4 This handout satellite image released by Copernicus Sentinel Data 2025, shows A23 getting closer to the South Georgia Island on February 24, 2025. COPERNICUS SENTINEL DATA 2025 /AFP via Getty Images Unfortunately, animals might not be the only ones who might be in danger during the ice floe's death throes. Some of these fragments measure over half a mile wide and could therefore 'pose a risk to ships,' according to NASA. The largest berg — which measures around 50 square miles — is currently drifting south out of view of the satellite photo. The situation perhaps inspires flashbacks of an incident in 2023 that occurred when a floe named A76 came close to grounding and left a veritable icy obstacle course in its wake. 'Those pieces basically cover the island (South Georgia) — we have to work our way through it,' said Captain Simon Wallace, who helms the South Georgia government vessel Pharos. Advertisement His crew has searchlights 'on all night' so they won't be blindsided by a berg. Despite literally falling to pieces, A23 won't be going away overnight as researchers estimate that it will take months or even years for the frozen juggernaut to disintegrate entirely. In the interim, A23 will likely lose its title of world's biggest iceberg. As of A23, the sheet is only around 12 square miles larger than the next-biggest iceberg, D15A.
