Volcanic activity usually involves slow, gurgling flows—rarely spewing lava and ash into the sky. But Mount Etna erupted in awe-inspiring fashion on Thursday morning, shooting a stream of lava about 3,200 ft. (975 m) into the air above Sicily, and a plume of ash about three times as high.
The eruption thickly covered a number of neighboring villages with ash and shut down the nearest airport on the Italian island, but no injuries have thus far been reported.
During the spew, volcanic lightning illuminated the billowing clouds. The electric occurrence only happens during the most powerful eruptions.
The event lasted 50 minutes, which was enough time for photographers and videographers to capture the fiery spectacle.
More Must-Read Stories From TIME
- TIME's Top 100 Photos of 2021
- Inside Frances Haugen's Decision to Take on Facebook
- Why We Should Stop Freaking Out About Inflation
- Austria's Plan to Make COVID-19 Vaccines Compulsory Is Dividing Citizens — and Experts
- Inside the 80-Year Quest to Name Pearl Harbor's Unknown Victims
- Buying a House Feels Impossible These Days. Here Are 6 Innovative Paths to Homeownership
- 'They're Very Close.' U.S. General Says Iran Is Nearly Able to Build a Nuclear Weapon
- A Charter School's Racial Controversy Reveals the Real Battle For America's Classrooms
Read More From TIME
