SSTAR: a user-friendly framework for detecting and monitoring subtle thermal precursors to volcanic...

In recent decades, the monitoring of volcanoes has been revolutionized by the launch of Earth-observing satellites and advances in thermal infrared remote sensing. These developments have revealed a wide range of thermal responses of volcanic surfaces to subsurface processes, even demonstrating that eruptions are often preceded by measurable thermal anomalies. This recognition highlights the need for robust tools to systematically detect and track such anomalies, making full use of existing satellite datasets and maximizing the value of current instruments in orbit. To address this challenge, we present the Subtle Surface Thermal Anomalies Recognizer (SSTAR), a versatile and user-friendly application designed to analyze diffuse thermal anomalies, i.e., subtle thermal unrest (~ 1 K) across large areas (several km²). SSTAR leverages data from NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites, which host the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS), and builds upon a robust statistical framework. By processing pixel-level data, SSTAR tracks the temporal evolution of diffuse thermal anomalies at specific target sites and maps their spatiotemporal distribution across extended areas. Key features include filtering tools that distinguish between long-term (years) and short-term (weeks) anomalies, as well as uncertainty quantification using bootstrapping. The application is standalone, features an interactive interface for streamlined analysis, and is accessible to newcomers to satellite-based thermal remote sensing. At the same time, specialized users can customize the underlying scripts for other specific research needs. As a demonstration, we apply SSTAR to Shishaldin volcano (Alaska), revealing the emergence of significant thermal anomalies around the summit crater and flanks prior to eruptions. We envision SSTAR as a valuable resource for studying subtle thermal unrest at active volcanoes and hydrothermal systems, where the detection of faint and spatially coherent anomalies may help identify subsurface fluid pathways. Its flexible design enables integration with additional satellite datasets, positioning SSTAR as a forward-looking tool for advancing space-based volcanic thermal monitoring. Building on this capability, daily updated diffuse thermal anomalies are provided for target volcanoes through an open web platform hosted at Geosciences Barcelona-CSIC (https://sstar.geo3bcn.csic.es/), to support surveillance agencies and expert committees in alert-level assessments.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40623-026-02497-6.