On this week’s news update…

Volcanic Lightning

Volcanic lightning in the Philippines...

Australia Bushfires

Devastating bushfires in Australia...

Robotic Insect

And a swat-proof robotic insect.

First up...

volcanic lightning

This sped-up video shows spectacular volcanic lightning, caused by the recent eruption of one of the Philippines’ smallest, but most active, volcanoes.

Taal Volcano sits in the middle of a lake, close to the Philippines’ capital city, Manila.

Taal Volcano, Philippines

It sent a cloud of gas and very hot ash, called an eruption plume, high into the sky, covering the surrounding area in a thick layer of ash.

eruption plume

The eruption also caused the volcanic lightning, which happens when small pieces of ash bump into each other and generate static electricity.

Taal Volcano has now begun erupting lava.

Scientists monitoring the volcano think it might keep erupting for days, or even weeks, so thousands of people living nearby have been evacuated to safer areas.

Next up…

Since October, devastating wildfires have swept across parts of Australia.

Australia

Around 2,000 homes have been lost and, tragically, at least 28 people are known to have died.

The fires have also destroyed important habitats for wildlife.

In Australia, wildfires in forests and grasslands are called bushfires.

bushfires

They’re a natural phenomenon, and they can benefit ecosystems by clearing space for young plants

But this year’s bushfires are much bigger and more destructive than usual—and it’s thought that climate change is partly to blame.

Record-breaking high temperatures, and a long period with very little rain—called a drought—have dried out trees and grasses, meaning they catch fire more easily.

drought

Firefighters are working to control the blazes, but with summer just beginning in Australia, the fires are likely to continue for several months.

And finally…

DEAnsect is a tiny robot developed by researchers in Switzerland.

DEAnsect

Each of its three legs is attached to a tiny, artificial muscle which expands and contracts up to 450 times a second—faster than the eye can see!

This moves the leg, and drives the robot forward.

DEAnsect also has sensors which detect light and dark, allowing it to follow a line.

And because it’s made from soft materials, it doesn’t break when it’s swatted!

One day, the researchers think swarms of insect robots could inspect buildings, or even help us learn more about real insects by living among them!

That’s all for this week. We’ll see you next time!