Satellite image of Central Bismarck Sea volcano on 17 May 2026Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Darwin warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 12000 ft (3700 m) altitude or flight level 120 and is moving at 05 kts in NW direction.The full report is as follows:FVAU04 at 05:19 UTC, 17/05/26 from ADRMVA ADVISORYDTG: 20260517/0520ZVAAC: DARWINVOLCANO: CENTRAL BISMARCK SEA 250030PSN: S0302 E14747AREA: PAPUA NEW GUINEASOURCE ELEV: 1299M BLW MSLADVISORY NR: 2026/23INFO SOURCE: HIMAWARI-9, RVOERUPTION DETAILS: VA EMISSION TO FL120 EXTENDING NWOBS VA DTG: 17/0500ZOBS VA CLD: SFC/FL120 S0312 E14756 - S0258 E14644 - S0227 E14653 - S0302 E14801 MOV NW 05KTFCST VA CLD +6 HR: 17/1100Z SFC/FL120 S0301 E14759 - S0312 E14757 - S0307 E14631 - S0219 E14651FCST VA CLD +12 HR: 17/1700Z SFC/FL120 S0301 E14759 - S0312 E14758 - S0307 E14632 - S0220 E14651FCST VA CLD +18 HR: 17/2300Z SFC/FL120 S0301 E14759 - S0310 E14758 - S0307 E14630 - S0220 E14651RMK: CONTINUOUS EMISSIONS WITH POSSIBLE WEAK VA PLUME IDENTIFIABLE ON SATELLITE IMAGERY. VA MOVEMENT BASED ON SATELLITE IMAGERY AND MODEL GUIDANCE.NXT ADVISORY: NO LATER THAN 20260517/1120Z=