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
SR-71 Blackbird Fragment
Latest News
-
Sep 11, 2025 Vader’s Lightsaber Becomes the Most Expensive Star Wars Collectible! Read More -
Aug 28, 2025 Learn About the Tiny Aircraft That Turn Sunlight Into Flight! Read More -
Aug 21, 2025 Learn About The Newly Discovered Species of Early Humans! Read More -
Aug 19, 2025 Old Ironsides: The USS Constitution and the Start of the U.S. Navy Read More -
Aug 14, 2025 Learn About Iron Age Mummy Tattoos! Read More -
Jul 29, 2025 Scientists Discover First Ever Ancient Roman Trilobite! Read More
Cool Things!
Vader’s Lightsaber Becomes the Most Expensive Star Wars Collectible!
Last Thursday, an auction set a new record for Star Wars memorabilia, when a screen-used prop of Darth Vader’s lightsaber sold for over $3.6 million.
Learn About the Tiny Aircraft That Turn Sunlight Into Flight!
Of the five layers of Earth’s atmosphere, the mesosphere (the third layer from Earth’s surface) is a height at which traditional aircraft have, thus far, been unable to reach on their own power. Generally beginning about 154,000 feet above sea level, even the world record for highest aircraft altitude falls about 20,000 feet short. However, a newly developing technology may change this reality, and it involves aircraft that punch high above their weight.
Learn About The Newly Discovered Species of Early Humans!
In studying early human ancestors, known as “hominids,” anthropologists have historically found much wider variations from specimen to specimen than expected, particularly among other paleontological fields. A recent study argues that certain groups of hominid fossils previously thought to be an already discovered species constitute a new one entirely.
Specimen Deep Dives
Old Ironsides: The USS Constitution and the Start of the U.S. Navy
The Hollywood Sign: The Story of a City's Symbol Hollywoodland
Building Disneyland
Long Form Articles
The Artist Behind the Macintosh: Susan Kare and Apple Computers
While the two Steves, Jobs and Wozniak, are the most well known faces behind Apple computers, equally important to the products and culture of the company were those who crafted the experience of using their computers through design. The most notable of these visual architects was Susan Kare, a designer responsible for “humanizing” Macintosh computers.
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!