15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Herculean stove

The Nyiragongo volcano has the biggest permanent lava lake on Earth. After sunset, the red glow of the lava mixes with the blue of the sky, which creates this purple cloud. At the same time, the crater becomes red. These effects only last for a few seconds.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2016
Date Uploaded: 11.2017
Photo Location: goma, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
Copyright: © florent mamelle
Awards
Photo of the Day: 02.15.18