Massive underwater volcanic eruption ‘shocked’ satellites in upper orbit: Study

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano eruption in January 2022 generated unprecedented shockwaves reaching the thermosphere and affecting low Earth orbit satellites. Blasting ash and gas over 31 miles high, it produced secondary gravity waves causing significant upper atmospheric disturbances. This event showcased how surface events can impact regions crucial for communication and weather forecasting technologies. The study in AGU Advances used satellite data and models to investigate these far-reaching effects.