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Mount Etna Volcano Snapped from Space

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Volcano Mount Etna photographed by satellite.
Mount Etna, snapped on June 26, 2012 (Image credit: NASA.)

Italy's Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, is spewing out plumes of bluish volcanic gas, as revealed in a recent satellite image.

The restive peak, located on the island of Sicily, has been erupting in spectacular fashion on and off since it ramped up activity in January 2011.

Even when Mount Etna is not belching out molten rock, it releases steady puffs of volcanic gas. The image above was snapped by NASA's Earth Observing-1 satellite on June 26, and the volcano's blue-tinted plume can be seen.

Between January and August 2000, the mountain experienced 66 of these episodes of "lava fountaining," and a total of 250 since 1995. These dramatic displays sometimes send tiny pieces of light volcanic rocks and clouds of ash raining down on nearby towns, but none of the recent eruptions have proved dangerous.  

The volcano put on a particularly breathtaking show on April 1, when a local scientist snapped a series of stunning images of the erupting peak.

The 10,925-foot (3,330-meter) volcano has one of the longest documented histories of activity on Earth. Humans have been noting its eruptions since 1500 B.C.,

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Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.