The Asher Report – Term 2 Week 6
The Asher Report – Term 2 Week 6
By Asher Moratuwa, 9MKA – Rosehill College Student Newsletter
🌋 Tongan Volcano Rumbles to Life Again
In late May 2025, volcanic activity returned near Tonga, where an undersea volcano in the Tonga-Kermadec arc sent plumes of ash, steam, and gas into the sky. Although this eruption wasn’t as violent as the massive 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai explosion that created a global shockwave and tsunami, scientists are keeping a close eye on it.
This recent eruption caused temporary flight cancellations and warnings for local fishermen and boaters to avoid the area. Volcanologists say the activity is a reminder of just how active the region is—it sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a zone where many earthquakes and eruptions happen.
Luckily, no major damage or tsunami occurred, but it did cause concern for locals, especially in the island communities closest to the blast zone. The eruption also created some spectacular satellite images, showing the force of nature in action.
🚀 NASA Gears Up for Artemis III Moon Mission
NASA has officially started advanced crew training for Artemis III, a historic mission set to land humans on the Moon in 2026—including the first woman and the first person of colour to walk on its surface. This is a major step forward in returning people to the Moon for the first time since 1972.
The Artemis III astronauts are undergoing intense training, including simulated spacewalks, survival skills, and working with the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft. They’re also testing new lunar suits and tools for scientific research on the Moon’s surface.
The mission will land near the Moon’s South Pole, an area believed to contain frozen water that could help future missions. Artemis III is not just about exploration—it's a critical step toward building a permanent base on the Moon and one day sending humans to Mars.
This mission marks a turning point in human space exploration, with international partnerships (including space agencies from Europe and Japan) helping push humanity further into the solar system than ever before.
🐘 World’s Oldest Elephant Celebrates 90 Remarkable Years
In a heartwarming event in India, an elephant named Dakshayani celebrated her 90th birthday, making her one of the oldest elephants ever recorded. Living at a peaceful sanctuary in the southern state of Kerala, Dakshayani—lovingly known as “Gaja Muthassi” (Elephant Grandma)—has become a national treasure.
She spent much of her life in temple processions but retired peacefully in her later years. Now, she enjoys a relaxed life surrounded by caretakers who treat her like royalty. On her birthday, she was given a special feast of fruits and sugarcane, and the staff even made a cake-shaped arrangement of her favourite treats.
Veterinarians say her longevity is thanks to a calm lifestyle, a nutritious diet, and lots of care. Elephants in the wild rarely live past 60, so Dakshayani’s age is extraordinary. Her story has captured hearts around the world and reminds us how important it is to protect and respect these gentle giants.
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