Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Sakurajima Volcano Lightning (Picture of the Day: 3/12/13)

The Sakurajima volcano erupting in southern Japan. Credit: Martin Rietze

This picture was taken back in January when the Sakurajima volcano was caught erupting in southern Japan. Aside from the impressive rain of liquid metals, you might have noticed the arcing bolt of lightning. The intensity of volcanic eruptions is often enough to create intense lightning storms. The exact mechanism of the creation of the differential charges necessary for lightning is not exactly know, but whether it be electrically charged particles from the intense heat or the interactions of volcanic dust, the result is terrifying and beautiful.

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