4. The Red Lightning of Mount Etna, 2013
Mount Etna, a historic volcano in Sicily, presented an amazing show of nature’s might one cold November night in 2013. Obsersvers were treated to an amazing display of red lightning arcing across the ash plume as the mountain rumbled to life in one of its most spectacular eruptions in years.
Local photographer Marco Restivo shot breathtaking pictures of the occasion, which soon went global. “It was like watching a battle between Titans. The red lightning bolts seemed to be fighting against the darkness, illuminating the ash cloud in a hellish glow.” he said.
A phenomena called volcanic lightning produced the crimson lightning seen during the Etna eruption. The violently expelled ash and rock particles smash to produce static electricity as they fly from the volcano. The colour of the lightning can be affected by the presence of some minerals and gases in the plume, therefore producing the uncommon and amazing red colours seen that evening.
Researchers of the event observed that the red lightning gave important new perspectives on the composition of the volcanic plume and the great electrical activity inside it. Showcasing the raw strength and beauty of our planet’s geological processes, the Etna eruption of 2013 is among the most visually arresting and scientifically important red lightning episodes in recent history.