Could Blue Moon Trigger Mayon Explosion?
State vulcanologists believe full moon could trigger Mayon explosion
Resident volcanologists at Phivolcs said a major eruption could occur based on the volcano’s behavior and the the full moon working as triggering mechanism to cause the restive volcano to explode.
According to their theory, the gravitational pull of the full moon as it gets closer to Earth could cause a large increase in the rate of ascent of magma up and out of the volcano.
The Moon glows by light it reflects from the Sun and is frequently the brightest object in the night sky. The Moon orbits the Earth about once a month (moon-th) from about 1 light second away. The above-pictured Full Moon occurs when the Moon is nearly opposite to the Sun in its orbit. Credit: Lick Observatory.
How They Paint the Moon Blue
Most years have twelve full moons occurring monthly; however, each solar calendar year has an additional eleven days compared with the lunar year. The extra days add up to a 13th full moon called a “blue moon” about 7 times in the 19-year Metonic cycle, which translates into one blue moon every two or three years.
Other highlights from the news, eye-witness accounts, official and unofficial reports on Mayon’s status during the past 24 hours:
- 28 volcanic earthquakes recorded
- 91 rockfall events
- Some steam emitted
- Lava still flowing
- SO2 emissions down to daily average of 1,255 tons
- Phivolcs may lower alert level from 4 to 3, if no significant events occur in the next few days
Human Angle:
- A power blackout was enforced in the danger zone around Mt Mayon on Thursday, to discourage residents from returning to their homes.
- The water supply is due to be turned off Friday, as state volcanologists warned that the full moon could trigger a major explosion today.
- A military spokesman said many residents were using “backdoor” routes to return to their homes for the New Year’s festivities.
- About two dozen tourists were reportedly arrested as they entered the danger zone.
- Local police and military have been ordered to carry out house-to-house searches and arrest any residents that might still be in the danger zone.
- Aid organizations are plan to evacuate about 4,000 animals to areas outside Mayon danger zone, ABC said.
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 19 released by PHIVOLCS on 1 January 2010
The seismic monitoring network around the volcano detected 28 volcanic earthquakes and 91 rockfall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes during the past 24-hour observation period. No ash explosion was observed. Weak to moderate emission of white steam at the summit crater was seen during cloud breaks from 7:29 AM – 8:30 AM and from 5:25 PM to 5:40 PM yesterday. Flowing lava and intermittent rolling incandescent lava fragments were observed last night. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was measured at an average of 1,255 tons/day.
Alert Level 4 is still being maintained but if no significant events should occur during the next few days, PHIVOLCS-DOST shall consider the possibility of lowering down the alert level from 4 to 3. PHIVOLCS-DOST still strongly reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. In addition, Civil Aviation Authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircrafts. PHIVOLCS-DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:
Related Links:
- Mayon Volcano Links Page [Recent Posts, Photos, Videos and Comments]
- FEWW Volcano Links
- Volcanoes
- FEWW Earthquake Links
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