The only volcano on Earth glowing bright blue at night-scientists stunned
Kawah Ijen in Indonesia is a unique volcano known for its striking blue flames that appear at night. These flames are caused by the combustion of sulfur gases and a chemical process called chemiluminescence rather than molten lava.
Why it matters
It provides a rare look at a specific geological phenomenon that helps scientists understand volcanic chemical processes.
It’s often said that every volcanic system is unique: no two eruptions or episodes of volcanic activity are ever truly identical. Some volcanoes, however, display features so unusual—and so spectacular—that they stand out even among Earth’s most dramatic natural wonders. That’s certainly the case for Kawah Ijen.
This volcano lies in Indonesia, in eastern Java, right along the infamous Pacific Ring of Fire. Its eruptions are primarily explosive, but tend to be mostly confined within the crater itself, which, by the way, happens to contain an acid lake. Yet, even that isn’t what truly sets Kawah Ijen apart.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in