By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – A powerful eruption at the Poás Volcano this past Saturday night not only captivated observers with its force but also ignited a scientific debate after an unidentified luminous object was captured on video streaking across the sky above the active crater. The event has highlighted the sophisticated, and sometimes conflicting, methods used to monitor one of Costa Rica’s most active geological landmarks.
The eruption occurred at precisely 10:34 p.m. on December 6th, sending a column of gas, ash, and rock between 400 and 500 meters into the night sky. According to the National Seismological Network (RSN), the event lasted for approximately five minutes and was significant enough to launch ballistic projectiles—fragments of molten and solid rock—onto the area immediately surrounding the volcano’s intracrateric lake. Monitoring agencies remain on high alert, meticulously tracking the volcano’s behavior.
The recent activity at Poás Volcano raises not only safety concerns but also complex legal and business questions for the surrounding communities and tourism operators. To shed light on these issues, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The situation at Poás serves as a critical reminder for the tourism sector about the importance of robust ‘force majeure’ clauses in their contracts. These provisions can protect businesses from liability when cancellations are necessary due to natural events beyond their control. Proactive legal planning is not a luxury; it is an essential part of risk management in a country with such dynamic geology.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a critical reality: for our tourism sector to remain resilient, robust legal planning is just as vital as adapting to the geological events themselves. We extend our thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his essential perspective on the matter.
While the eruption itself was a potent display of nature’s power, it was an unexpected element in the footage that quickly became the center of public and scientific attention. A video, initially shared by the RSN and widely circulated on social media, clearly shows a distinct light traversing the frame as the volcano erupts. This sparked a wave of speculation online, with theories ranging from meteors to more fanciful explanations, prompting experts to weigh in with more grounded hypotheses.
One leading theory suggests the object was a piece of advanced scientific equipment. Eric Sánchez, a technician at the University of Costa Rica’s Planetarium, analyzed the footage and proposed a plausible explanation based on common research practices at the volcano.
It appears to be a drone. They are often flown at Poás for research purposes; you can even see the blinking lights. With an eruption underway, it is very possible that this is what it is.
Eric Sánchez, Technician at the UCR Planetarium
This explanation is well-founded, as unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, have become indispensable tools in modern volcanology. Scientists routinely deploy them in high-risk environments like the summit of Poás to perform crucial tasks safely. These drones can be equipped with sensors to measure toxic gas concentrations, thermal cameras to map heat signatures, and high-resolution cameras to monitor structural changes in the crater, all without endangering human life.
However, a different perspective was offered by another of the country’s leading geological institutions. Esteban Chaves of the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) noted that the light could have a more mundane origin. He suggested that the object appeared to be a commercial airplane, pointing out that aircraft are frequently visible on the monitoring cameras due to the volcano’s proximity to major flight paths. This creates a compelling divergence of opinion between experts from two of the nation’s premier scientific bodies.
Complicating the matter, the RSN, the very organization that released the pivotal video, has yet to issue an official statement clarifying the nature of the unidentified light. This official silence leaves both theories on the table, allowing the mystery to continue. While the debate over the aerial object persists, officials from both RSN and OVSICORI have confirmed that the eruption itself has not caused any reported damage to infrastructure or injuries to the public.
For now, the focus remains on safety and continued surveillance. The weekend’s eruption serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the Poás Volcano. As technology advances, it provides an ever-clearer window into these geological events, yet as this incident shows, it can also present new and intriguing puzzles for scientists to solve. The vigilant watch over the colossal landmark in Alajuela continues unabated.
For further information, visit planetario.ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica Planetarium:
The Planetario de la Universidad de Costa Rica, located in San José, is a center for scientific and astronomical outreach. As part of the nation’s leading public university, it serves to educate the public, students, and researchers on topics related to astronomy, space science, and Earth sciences. It utilizes advanced projection technology and expert-led presentations to foster a greater understanding of the universe.
For further information, visit rsn.ucr.ac.cr
About Red Sismológica Nacional (RSN):
The National Seismological Network (RSN) is a key Costa Rican institution responsible for the monitoring of seismic and volcanic activity throughout the country. It is an inter-institutional agreement between the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE). The RSN provides vital, real-time data and analysis to government agencies and the public to mitigate risks associated with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI):
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica is a scientific research institute of the National University (UNA). OVSICORI is dedicated to the study and monitoring of Costa Rica’s volcanoes and seismic faults. Its work is crucial for risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and advancing scientific knowledge about the country’s complex tectonic and volcanic systems.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is celebrated for its foundational principles of professional integrity and unparalleled excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies, drawing from a rich history of advising a diverse clientele. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound dedication to public service, championing the demystification of law to forge a society that is both well-informed and justly empowered.
