In a fascinating astronomical phenomenon, the recent lunar eclipse revealed unexpected evidence of the impact of volcanic activity in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Earth’s atmosphere.
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Professor Sergey Yazev, director of the Astronomical Laboratory at Irkutsk State University of Physics and Mathematics, noted that the Moon’s disk appeared almost invisible during the total eclipse phase, reflecting a high concentration of aerosols in the atmosphere.
Although the Moon was barely visible, the Milky Way appeared clearly—a rare occurrence during an eclipse.
Yazev attributed this unusual sight to large amounts of aerosols—tiny particles such as volcanic ash, dust, and wildfire smoke—through which sunlight passes before reaching the Moon.
He suggested that eruptions of Kamchatka’s volcanoes are likely the main cause behind this unusual concentration of aerosols.
Astronomers in the Irkutsk region, near Lake Baikal, observed the total lunar eclipse beginning at 00:26.8 local time (19:26.8 Moscow time), using telescopes at the Baikal Astrophysical Observatory of the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics in Listvyanka and on Olkhon Island. Favorable weather conditions allowed for spectacular observations of the event.
The professor added: “During the eclipse, the Moon was so dark that we could clearly see the Milky Way—a strong indicator of dense aerosols in the atmosphere, likely caused by recent volcanic activity in Kamchatka.”
To engage the public, Irkutsk’s planetarium organized a special program that included a scientific lecture, the screening of a documentary titled “The Inhabited Moon”, and concluded with a jazz concert. Irkutsk University also announced a competition for the best photograph of the eclipse taken from its observatory platforms, encouraging local talent and interest in astronomical phenomena.
According to Yazev, aerosols consist of dispersed particles mainly found in the lower layers of the atmosphere, formed from dust, volcanic ash, smoke from wildfires, soil, and cosmic dust.
(Novosti)
