Awesome Satellite Image Shows Ring-Shaped Shockwave From Kuril Islands Volcano

An amazing new picture from space reveals a volcanic eruption in its earliest stage, with a huge plume of ash and steam billowing skyward and creating a shock wave in the atmosphere. Sarychev Peak on Matua Island is one of the most active volcanoes in the Kuril Island chain, northeast of Japan.

The new photo was taken June 12 from the International Space Station. NASA says volcano researchers are excited about the picture "because it captures several phenomena that occur during the earliest stages of an explosive volcanic eruption." The main plume appears to be a combination of brown ash and white steam, according to a NASA statement. The vigorously rising plume gives the steam a bubble-like appearance

The surrounding atmosphere has been shoved up by the shock wave of the eruption, scientists said. Volcano plumes are so chaotic that they produce lightning, as revealed in pictures for the first time earlier this year.

The smooth white cloud on top may be water condensation that resulted from rapid rising and cooling of the air mass above the ash column. This cloud is probably a transient feature, scientists say, with the eruption plume is starting to punch through. The cloud casts a dark shadow to the northwest of the island.

EDIT

thx fer the post!

And, scary.

The pic below is of the Chaitin volcano in Chile, taken in May 2008. One of the most stunning images I have ever seen:

The other cool part was Spanish for "electrical storm" - "tormenta electrica" - which was brilliant, like the name of a telenovela star.

:hi:

:D

Any questions?

Shows the awesome power and majesty of nature.

Stunning pictures of 'hole in the clouds' as astronauts witness volcano eruption from the International Space Station. A chance recording by astronauts on the International Space Station has captured the moment a volcano explosively erupted, sending massive shockwaves through the atmosphere.

Sarychev Peak, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, had been sitting quietly in the Kuril Island chain near Japan for 20 years, when it suddenly sprang to life on June 12. Fortuitously, the International Space Station was flying overhead at the time, and managed to capture this spectacular image of the ash-cloud tearing through the atmosphere, sending clouds scattering in its wake in a perfect circle.

link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1195215/Stunning-pictures-hole-clouds-astronauts-witness-volcano-eruption-International-Space-Station.html

I also like this "hole in space" in the same linked article:

;-)

But so are the real volcano pics.

Can you imagine all the timing that had to go into these pictures? Unbelievable.

Thank you SO much.....................