Watch the Copahue Volcano Chile Erupt From Space
NASA astronaut Jeff Williams captures the event from the International Space Station.
The volcanic peak Copahue, which sits at the border of Argentina and Chile, erupted today after weeks of gradually increasing activity. NASA astronaut Jeff Williams posted this photo of the volcano going nuts from the International Space Station, from which the eruption was clearly visible.
The volcano had been exhibiting increased ash emission for months, and especially within the past week.
The region remained at a Yellow Alert in the days leading up to the eruption. Authorities also reported on March 22 that there was no danger from Copahue’s ash emissions to the surrounding population (a rough translation is below):
“The current situation of Copahue volcano does not generate any danger or affecting the population of San Carlos de Bariloche or region” report.
The Civil Protection of the Municipality reports that the volcano Copahue (in the province of Neuquen) began broadcasting ashes in this way intermitente Tuesday. A pen at an altitude of 3.6 km and an area of 35 km east of the volcano are reported. The unit wishes to bring peace to the community before any news on the subject. The current situation of Copahue volcano does not generate any danger or affecting the population of San Carlos de Bariloche or region.
Here's the volcano from the ground.
In 2013, Chile and Argentina evacuated around 3,000 people from within a 15-mile radius in advance of the eruption; the BBC reported that some of them refused to leave their homes. Residents were also evacuated the year before that during a similar event — Copahue is among the most active volcanoes in the region.
