A seismic jolt of 3.8 magnitude reverberated through Southern California, near San Bernardino County, on Thursday night, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor’s epicenter was just outside Ontario, approximately six miles south of Rancho Cucamonga and 18 miles southwest of San Bernardino. Notably, its effects rippled across vast distances, reaching as far as Los Angeles and Huntington Beach.

Tectonic Tremors: The Quake Details

The USGS confirmed the earthquake’s depth to be approximately eight miles beneath the earth’s surface, with the event occurring at 11:38 p.m. local time on Thursday. Despite its noticeable impact, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries stemming from the seismic activity.

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Aftershocks and Recent Seismic Activity

This recent earthquake follows a cluster of tremors that rattled parts of Southern California merely days ago. Beginning on February 11, nearly 20 earthquakes were recorded in quick succession. The initial seismic event struck northwest of El Centro, California, registering at a magnitude of 4.8, according to USGS data. Subsequent tremors continued in the vicinity of El Centro and Imperial, cities positioned east of San Diego and near the Mexico border

FAQs: Understanding Earthquake Impact

What magnitude triggers damage in earthquakes?

According to the USGS, there isn’t a specific magnitude threshold at which damage invariably occurs. Various factors, including proximity to the epicenter, soil composition, and structural integrity, influence the extent of damage. Typically, noticeable damage tends to arise when earthquake magnitudes surpass 4 or 5 on the Richter scale.

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How does the USGS measure earthquake magnitude?

The USGS relies on a seismic scale known as the Richter scale to quantify the magnitude of earthquakes. This scale measures seismic energy release, with each whole number increase representing a tenfold surge in amplitude.

Are aftershocks expected following earthquakes?

Yes, aftershocks are common occurrences following a significant seismic event. These are smaller tremors that transpire in the vicinity of the mainshock, gradually decreasing in frequency and intensity over time.

Can earthquakes be accurately predicted?

Despite advancements in seismology, accurately predicting earthquakes remains a formidable challenge. Scientists primarily focus on forecasting probabilities within specific time frames and regions based on historical seismic data and fault line analysis.

What safety precautions should individuals take during an earthquake?

During an earthquake, it’s crucial to seek shelter beneath sturdy furniture or to drop, cover, and hold on to protect oneself from falling debris. Additionally, having an emergency preparedness kit and an evacuation plan in place can mitigate risks associated with seismic activity.

Conclusion

The 3.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near Ontario, California, underscores the seismic vulnerability of the region. As Southern California grapples with periodic tremors, understanding earthquake preparedness and risk mitigation measures becomes increasingly imperative. By heeding expert advice and staying informed, communities can better navigate the seismic landscape and enhance resilience against future seismic events.

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SpaceX faced another setback as poor weather conditions forced the cancellation of its Starlink satellite launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This marks the third time this week that SpaceX has had to scrub a launch, adding to the challenges faced by the aerospace company.

The scheduled launch, designated as the Starlink 7-13 mission, was intended to deploy a batch of Starlink satellites into orbit. However, launch teams reached the final minute of the countdown before ultimately deciding to stand down due to unfavorable weather conditions.

The next available launch opportunity is set for Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 5:17 p.m. PST (8:17 p.m. EST, 0117 UTC), providing hope for a successful launch after the weather clears.

The Falcon 9 first stage booster assigned to this mission, known as B1071, was poised to make its 14th flight. Previously, it supported the Starlink 7-8 launch on Dec. 8, 2023, showcasing SpaceX’s commitment to reusable rocket technology.

In the event of a successful launch, the booster is scheduled to return to Earth and land on the SpaceX droneship, “Of Course I Still Love You,” stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This would mark the 82nd landing on the droneship and the 211th overall successful droneship landing for SpaceX.

The decision to scrub the Starlink 7-13 launch came after strong ground winds hindered SpaceX and NASA’s attempt to launch NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Consequently, the PACE mission has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8, at 1:33 a.m. EST (0633 UTC).

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If the Starlink 7-13 mission proceeds as planned on Wednesday night, it will contribute to several notable statistics, including the 14th launch and landing of booster B1071, the 65th SpaceX launch from SLC-4E, and the 296th Falcon 9 launch overall.

Additionally, it would mark the 82nd landing on the “Of Course I Still Love You” droneship, the 270th Falcon 9 booster landing, and the 5th orbital launch from California in 2024. Moreover, it would represent the 11th SpaceX launch and the 25th orbital launch overall in 2024, highlighting the company’s extensive launch manifest for the year.

As SpaceX continues to navigate challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and technical considerations, the aerospace community remains eagerly awaiting the next opportunity for the successful deployment of Starlink satellites and other payloads into orbit.

Source: Spaceflight

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Listeria Contamination: 13 Dairy Brands Recall Products

In a concerning turn of events, Rizo-López Foods, Inc. (RLF), a major dairy producer, has issued a voluntary recall of select dairy products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall, which affects a wide array of dairy items including cheeses, yogurts, and crema, has prompted significant health concerns and underscores the importance of food safety measures.

The affected products, marketed under several brand names including Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, and others, were distributed nationwide, spanning various grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market, El Super, Cardenas Market, and more. Customers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the recalled items and dispose of them immediately, irrespective of the sell-by date.

The announcement of the recall comes amidst an ongoing investigation by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) into a Listeria outbreak spanning 11 states thus far. Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can lead to a range of symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, with more severe cases manifesting symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and seizures. Particularly vulnerable demographics include individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

The Tragic Incident: Listeria Contamination

Tragically, the outbreak has already claimed two lives and resulted in the hospitalization of 23 individuals. The gravity of the situation is compounded by the fact that Listeria contamination can have severe consequences, posing a risk of severe illness or death to newborns. Pregnant women, in particular, are at a heightened risk, being 10 times more likely to acquire a Listeria infection according to the CDC. Infection during pregnancy can result in fetal loss in about 20% of cases and newborn death in 3% of cases.

This latest recall follows a decade-long struggle with Listeria outbreaks linked to Rizo-López Foods products, with previous investigations in 2017 and 2021 failing to identify a specific brand until now. The CDC’s identification of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija cheese as the source of the bacterium responsible for prior illnesses underscores the challenges in tracking and containing such outbreaks.

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Listeria contamination presents a significant public health concern, being the third leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States according to the CDC. Given its ability to survive refrigeration and its potential to spread to other foods and surfaces, thorough cleaning of affected areas is imperative to prevent further transmission.

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RLF has taken swift action in response to the recall, halting all production and distribution of the implicated products. Customers with inquiries or concerns are encouraged to contact Rizo-López Foods, Inc. directly for assistance.

In conclusion, the recall of dairy products from 13 different brands due to Listeria contamination serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous food safety protocols in the production and distribution of consumable goods. As authorities continue to investigate the extent of the outbreak and its implications, vigilance and caution remain paramount in safeguarding public health against such preventable hazards.

Here are the over 60 products included which are recalled. CDC also provided a list of the products. See Full List

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More information

Find out more about listeria at the Mayo Clinic.