New Island Erupts into the Japanese Archipelago

The island forming off Iōtō (Source: Japanese Self-Defense Forces)
Across its vast archipelago, Japan is comprised of over 14,000 islands, from Honshu to innumerable uninhabited inlets. Just recently, another island has joined this long list, the product of volcanic activity off Iōtō, also known as Iwo Jima. The eruption began on October 21, with phreatomagmatic explosions belching steam and magma to the surface and eventually forming a small landmass.
Iōtō itself is a volcanic island, a caldera adorned with Mt. Motoyama, Mt. Suribachi and now joined by this as yet unnamed island. This landmass is actually the product of two forces: the erupting crater that is spewing magma and a vent where rock mass is being ejected. Together, they are forming a new landmass, but it is unclear whether the island is a permanent fixture, as it may collapse back into the ocean after the eruption.
The eruption poses no risk—Iōtō is uninhabited say for a Japanese military airstrip, the same base that witnessed some of the most brutal combat of the Second World War. Additionally, the eruption is small and, based on previous volcanic activity, is likely to subside within a month. Until then, the island is an ongoing demonstration of the volcanic activity that has shaped Japan’s islands and the rest of the Pacific’s Ring of Fire.
Evidence of Japan’s volcanic geography is found all over its islands, including in this Mount Fuji Lava proudly offered by Mini Museum!
Featured Product
Beatles Brick Cavern Club Vial Necklace
Cool Things!

Scientists Film a Colossal Squid in its Natural Habitat!
One hundred years after its discovery, scientists have captured the elusive colossal squid on film in its natural habitat. The juvenile squid was found around 2,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean near the South Sandwich Islands. Measuring about one foot long, it drifts through the sea with translucent skin, pearly eyes and colorful tentacles.

Archaeologists Discover Tomb of an Unknown Pharaoh!

Did Scientists Resurrect a Dire Wolf or Just Create Colossal Hype?
Specimen Deep Dives

Returning to the Moon: The Apollo 14 Mission

The Secrets of the Space Shuttle: Learn about Mini Museum's Shuttle Tile Material!

Gondwana: When the Earth Was One
Long Form Articles

Can I Lick It? Yes You Can!
Have you ever been unable to tell if a fossil was really a fossil, but you were too embarrassed to admit it? Have you ever wanted to lick a fossil just because, but you didn’t want to risk judgment from your peers? Well, good news! You can kill two birds with one stone! Licking a fossil can actually help you determine if it’s the real deal or just another rock.

Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!
Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!

Is It Legal To Own a Dinosaur Fossil? How to start your Dinosaur Collection!
So you want to start fossil collecting!? Amateur paleontology is a fascinating and fun hobby that can even nab you an award! Dinosaur bones are some of the most sought-after specimens in the world, so you may be wondering, is it even legal to own a dinosaur bone? In short, yes! Read on for more help starting your fossil collection!