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Taal Volcano in Philippines spews ash

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January 13, 2020

Cloud of volcanic ash spewing high into the air, with lightning in the cloud. — View at EarthSky Community Photos. | This photo – by Arjen San Miguel, posted to EarthSky by Bob Flecknell – shows the view on Sunday.

Schools and businesses are shut across Manila in the Philippines today (January 13, 2020) as Taal Volcano – about 70 km (45 miles) to the south – spewed ash for a second day. The clouds of ash are blanketing the city. Thousands are being evacuated. There are reports of red-hot lava gushing from the volcanic crater, which is in the middle of a lake. Seismologists warn an eruption could happen at any time, potentially triggering a tsunami. Read more from Reuters.

Bottom line: January 12, 2020 photo of clouds of ash spewing from Taal Volcano in the Philippines.

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January 13, 2020

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.