February 2, 2011

  GOSAT "IBUKI" captured the volcano ash covered Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan.

  On February 1, 2011, the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite captured the Mt. Shinmoedake in Kirishima mountain range following the observation on January 26 and January 29, 2011. Image 1 is the image captured on February 1, 2011, and Image 2. is an image for comparison purpose acquired on January 17, 2011, before the volcano became active.

  In Image 1, Mt. Shinmoedake's plume is not clearly visible, but this is not because the volcano has ceased its activity. It is reported that there is a lava dome in the mouth of volcano, and frequent explosive eruptions are blowing off parts of lava dome after February 1, 2011. In the image, the area covered by volcanic ash looks blackened and spreads in the east and southeast of volcano. The ash is even more visible in the less forested Miyakonojo Basin.

Image 1. Mt. Shinmoedake in Kirishima mountain range on February 1, 2011, at 1:26PM (JST) observed by "IBUKI." The red circle indicates the location of Mt. Shinmoedake. (Click to enlarge.)

Image 2. Mt. Shinmoedake in Kirishima mountain range on January 17, 2011, at 1:26PM (JST) observed by "IBUKI." The red circle indicates the location of Mt. Shinmoedake. (Click to enlarge.)

February 2, 2011

  The results of GOSAT 3rd RA adoptions was announced. Please see "Research Announcement" page for details.