April 27, 2024

Popocatépetl Keeps On Puffing – One of Mexico’s Most Active Volcanoes

In spring 2023, striking plumes were caught in images gotten by satellites and astronauts, both orbiting hundreds of kilometers above Earths surface area.
NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat information from the U.S. Geological Survey. The image was taken by a member of the Expedition 69 crew. The International Space Station Program supports the laboratory as part of the ISS National Lab to help astronauts take photos of Earth that will be of the biggest worth to scientists and the public, and to make those images freely readily available on the Internet.

Satellite picture of Popocatépetl volcano gotten on April 14, 2023, by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.
One of Mexicos most active volcanoes continues to put on a program for satellites and astronauts.
Popocatépetl, an active stratovolcano 43 miles southeast of Mexico City, is one of Mexicos most active volcanoes. During the mountains present period of eruption, continuous because 2005, volcanic emissions frequently billow from its summit crater. In spring 2023, striking plumes were recorded in images obtained by satellites and astronauts, both orbiting numerous kilometers above Earths surface area.
The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8 obtained this image (above) on April 14, 2023. Keeping an eye on systems on that day spotted water vapor, volcanic gases, and ash, according to Mexicos National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED).

The volcano still puffed on May 2, 2023, when an astronaut on the International Space Station took this photo (below). It reveals a larger view of the area that consists of Iztaccihuatl– a dormant volcanic mountain– and the nearby town of Puebla. Mexico City (not imagined) is about 70 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of Popocatépetl.
Image of Popocatépetl volcano taken on May 2, 2023, by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.
The source of the other plume, located in between the 2 volcanoes, is uncertain based on this photograph. Past research has suggested that satellite-detected hotspots on the volcanos slopes might be due to fire.
Around the time of these images, volcanic plumes increased as high as 7.3 kilometers (24,000 feet), according to the Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center. Since May 4, the volcanic alert level stayed yellow (the middle level of a three-color scale).
NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, utilizing Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. The International Space Station Program supports the laboratory as part of the ISS National Lab to help astronauts take images of Earth that will be of the greatest value to scientists and the public, and to make those images freely available on the Internet.