This Volcano Eruption In Japan Is Sending Lava And Lightning Through The Air

The Japanese volcano Sakurajima is erupting, sending molten lava flying into the sky and creating a “dirty thunderstorm” that looks straight out of an Obi Wan, Anakin Skywalker showdown. The volcano is located at the southern tip of Japan in the Pacific “ring of fire”, which contains more than 100 volcanoes. Thankfully, as of right now, there have been no casualties and this eruption, though awesome and fascinating to view, is considered “mild” in comparison to Sakurajima’s last eruption in August/September of 2015.

Kazuhiro Ishihara, a Kyoto University volcanologist told Japanese Broadcaster NHK that there shouldn’t be any fallout from this latest eruption:

“I don’t think there will be any serious impact from the explosion,” Ishihara said. “But of course we must keep monitoring the volcanic activity.”

Dirty thunderstorms are known as “volcanic lightning” and are believed to be caused when ash, rock and ice particles combine together to create a static electricity which sets off the phenomenon. There is no evidence of any Norse Gods battling for the ultimate seat of power in the pantheon during these instances, although that doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t happening. A lack of evidence doesn’t mean it’s not happening. I want to believe – X-Files saying.

(Via The Guardian)

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