Today's Image

Chasing the eruption of Volcán de Fuego

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Deborah Byrd

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January 5, 2016

Taken on January 3, 2016 by Sergio Emilio Montúfar Codoñer. Visit his Facebook page: Milky Way Addicted

Sergio Emilio Montúfar Codoñer in Guatemala wrote:

… we were close enough to see the lava and the impressive sound and the strong activity displayed this night.

Volcán de Fuego has erupted frequently since the Spanish conquest and has been continuously active since 1999. Typical activity includes dozens of small-scale explosive eruptions each day. It sits about 9.9 miles (16 km) to the west of Antigua, Guatemala, and – as you might guess – is one of Guatemala’s most famous tourist attractions. Here’s a webcam.

Thank you, Sergio!

Bottom line: A photo of the ongoing, very active eruption of stratovolcano Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala.

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January 5, 2016

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Today's Image

Deborah Byrd

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About the Author:

Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.