The year 2025 was marked by a natural event of exceptional magnitude: an underwater volcanic eruption that disrupted satellite operations. This spectacular phenomenon, which occurred in the depths of the ocean, caused unprecedented disruption to global communications and navigation.
Scientists and space technology experts are working to understand the impact of this eruption on satellite infrastructures. While research continues to assess the long-term impact, this event serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of modern technology to the unpredictable forces of nature. Find out how this eruption has transformed our perception of space safety.
Exceptional eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai
On January 15, 2022, the underwater volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai erupted on an unprecedented scale in the Pacific Ocean. This volcanic explosion spewed material more than 50 kilometers into the air, setting a record since the satellite era. The event generated shock waves that disrupted not only the oceans and lower atmosphere, but also the thermosphere, where low-orbiting satellites operate.
Recent research has revealed that this eruption generated secondary gravity waves, responsible for significant disturbances in the upper layers of the atmosphere, highlighting the potential impact of volcanic events on critical technologies.
Impact on the atmosphere and satellites
The eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai generated shock waves that reached the thermosphere, a crucial region for satellites in low-Earth orbit. These atmospheric disturbances, caused by secondary gravity waves, had a notable impact on air density at these altitudes, potentially influencing satellite operation.
The consequences for communication and weather forecasting technologies are significant, as these systems depend on the stability of the space environment. This eruption underlines the importance of monitoring the interactions between terrestrial events and space, in order to better protect the technological infrastructures vital to our modern society.
Secondary gravity waves and research methodology
Researchers have highlighted the crucial role of secondary gravity waves in the atmospheric disturbances caused by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption. Using GRACE-FO satellite data and atmospheric models, they demonstrated that these waves, more than Lamb waves, were responsible for the disturbances observed in the thermosphere.
The results indicate that secondary gravity waves propagate efficiently to high altitudes, impacting orbiting satellites. Published in the journal AGU Advances, this study highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between volcanic events and the atmosphere to anticipate their effects on critical space technologies.
