Locals have criticised the response to last night's Tongariro eruption as too slow but authorities have defended their procedures, saying they quickly established there was no immediate risk and put plans in place.

Rotoaira local David Bennett was concerned by the lack of communication between the authorities and National Park residents when Mt Tongariro erupted about 4km from his home last night.

The aviation colour code around Mt Tongariro has been downgraded from red to orange, but the volcanic alert level remains at 2.

Eruption activity has subsided but another eruption could occur at any time with little or no warning, according to Civil Defence. Read the latest.

News of Tongariro's eruption sparked a flurry of activity by Kiwis who have been awake into the early morning.

The Goddard Flight Centre has recently released some pictures it obtained during NASA's Earth science research endevours. NASA launched six out of the seven Landsat satellites currently in orbit, observing the world beyond the power of human sight, monitoring changes and detecting critical trends in the conditions of natural resources.

US scientists have bioengineered a 'jellyfish' using technology.

NIWA have explored deeper seas than ever before, and found some new strange looking fish.

A "sudden rise" in volcanic activity at Mt Tongariro has prompted scientists to lift its volcanic alert status for the first time. But local businesses and conservation authorities remain unconcerned.