By Dean Murray
Incredible new satellite images show the world’s largest iceberg on a potential collision course with South Georgia Island.
On Jan. 22, NOAA’s GOES East satellite captured imagery of A23a slowly drifting northeastward in the Southern Ocean.
According to the U.S. National Ice Center—the global entity that names, tracks and documents Antarctic icebergs that meet specific size criteria—Iceberg A23a was 1062.22 nautical miles in area as of Jan. 16, an area roughly the size of Rhode Island.
Scientists are monitoring A23a closely due to concerns that it may collide with South Georgia Island, potentially threatening a delicate ecosystem that is home to penguins and seals.
Satellites play a crucial role in tracking its journey as it travels through the icy waters surrounding Antarctica.
