Photographer: Giuseppe Pappa
Summary Author: Giuseppe Pappa; Jim Foster

The photo above showing a small eruption on Mount Etna, on the island of Sicily, was captured earlier this week. It was taken near my home in Mascalucia, which is approximately 5.5 mi (9 km) from the base of Mount Etna. In order to enhance the incandescent lava flowing down the volcano’s snow-covered flank, I used a 15-second exposure. Mount Etna is Europe’s highest volcano at 10,900 ft (3,325 m) and one of its most active. In fact, eruptions have been documented here for about 3,500 years. At this time of year, it’s slopes are often snow covered. Two separate ski areas on Mount Etna take advantage of the snowy conditions — the second most southerly ski resort in Europe. Photo taken at 10:20 on the night of February 8, 2012.

Photo details: Camera Maker: FUJIFILM; Camera Model: FinePix S5600; Focal Length: 38.6mm; Aperture: f/3.5; Exposure Time: 15.000 s; ISO equiv: 200; Exposure Bias: none; Metering Mode: Matrix; Exposure: Manual; Exposure Mode: Manual; White Balance: Auto; Flash Fired: No (enforced); Orientation: Normal; Color Space: sRGB; Software: Digital Camera FinePix S5600 – Ver1.00.

• Mascalucia, Italy Coordinates: 37.566667, 15.05
• Related Links
  • Mt. Etna Eruption
  • Another view of Mount Etna from Giuseppe
  • USGS Volcano Hazards Program
  • Volcano Webcams of the World
  • Significance of Mount Etna in the History of Volcanology
• Earth Observatory
  • Activity at Mt. Etna
  • Mt. Etna