Rare Underwater Volcano Erupts — and Earth’s Newest Island Could Be Forming

An unexpected submarine eruption in the Bismarck Sea has given scientists a rare opportunity to watch volcanic land potentially develop almost entirely through satellite observations. The activity began north of Papua New Guinea in May 2026, sending steam, ash and floating rock across the ocean.

NASA scientists say the eruption may eventually push enough material above the water to form a new island. No permanent land has yet been confirmed, however, and any island that emerges could rapidly collapse or disappear beneath the waves.