Unprecedented Tonga Volcano Eruption: Disrupting Satellite Signals in Space
According to a recent study, a colossal underwater volcano eruption occurred in early 2022, resulting in a remarkable phenomenon. The eruption unleashed a formidable shockwave of plasma bubbles that possessed such strength that they interfered with radio communications in outer space.
The eruption, originating from the cone-shaped undersea volcano near Tonga, was characterized by an immensely violent explosion. This natural event produced unprecedented volcanic plumes, with one reaching an astonishing height of over 35 miles, as reported by Space.com. Additionally, a chain of tsunamis rippled through the oceans, extending as far as the Caribbean. It stands as the most powerful natural explosion witnessed in the past century, reportedly comparable to the force of a large-scale nuclear bomb.
Previous studies had already acknowledged the generation of atmospheric waves by the 2022 Tonga volcano eruption, which had a disruptive effect on the ionosphere. However, this recent research sheds light on the far-reaching impact of those waves and their devastating consequences for satellite signals orbiting our planet.
For quite some time, there has been speculation regarding the disruptive effects of powerful volcanic eruptions and volcanic activities on the F-region of the ionosphere. This specific region of the Earth’s atmosphere harbors a high concentration of ions. Recent findings indicate that the eruption of the Tonga volcano in 2022 was so intense that it gave rise to “equatorial plasma bubbles” within the ionosphere, creating obstacles that hindered the penetration of GPS and communication signals.
The scientific research, documented in the journal Scientific Reports, not only confirmed the formation of these atmospheric bubbles during eruptions like the one witnessed in Tonga but also revealed their wider extent. The researchers highlighted that these bubbles extended to an altitude of at least 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles), surpassing previous speculations.
Furthermore, the scientists made an intriguing observation that the eruption triggered a rapid increase in electron density and a rise in the height of the ionosphere, hours prior to the initial shockwave. They hypothesized that this swift response could be attributed to the interaction between atmospheric waves generated by the eruption and the electrically charged ions present in the ionosphere.
Consequently, it is plausible that the 2022 Tonga volcano eruption caused disruptions in GPS and communication signals, analogous to the effects usually associated with solar flares.
