Mysterious rings rise above Mount Etna
Volcanic smoke rings are rare, especially when this numerous, and scientists weren't sure until recently how they formed.
A rare sighting of smoke rings occurred on April 6, shooting up from Mount Etna in Sicily. Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, stands just above 11,000 feet and has been active for over 3,500 years.
They're not UFOs, angel halos, a bit of Gandalf wizardry or a "giant smoking and blowing rings," as one commenter joked.
The series of otherworldly photos Marisa Liotta took from her home in Bronte, Sicily, Italy, on April 5, 2024, shows a bizarre phenomenon known as "volcanic smoke rings."
Smoke rings over Mt. Etna, Sicily, Italy, on April 5, 2024. (Maria Liotta)
The rings arose from Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano. Etna rises 11,000 feet above the island of Sicily in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The volcano erupts frequently, and its explosions have been documented for more than 3,500 years.
Smoke rings over Mt. Etna, Sicily, Italy, on April 5, 2024. (Maria Liotta)
Until recently, how the smoke rings form wasn't well understood. Formation requires a calm atmosphere and a circular volcanic vent. And, technically, it isn't really smoke. When hot volcanic gases are released suddenly from the vent in a short pulse, the gases rush upwards and create a cloud, not unlike plane contrails. While the smoke rings have been documented at volcanoes worldwide, multiple displays like this one are extremely rare.
Smoke rings over Mt. Etna, Sicily, Italy, on April 5, 2024. (Maria Liotta)
