Moon and smoke rings of Etna: the photo awarded by NASA

NASA awarded the photo that immortalized the moon and smoke rings of Etna as “Astronomical image of the day”. But how do rings originate?

Moon and smoke rings of Etna they are the protagonists of an extraordinary image that has won the recognition of NASAchosen as “Astronomical picture of the day“. The shot is the work of Dario Giannobileastrophotographer passionate not only about the starry sky, but also about his beloved Sicily and its impetuous “mountain“.

The photographic detail was captured by Gangi, a suggestive corner of Sicily, during a period of intense volcanic activity. Etna, also known as the “Lady of the Rings”, offered a natural spectacle of rare beauty. The volcano does indeed have products circular shapes of smoke which have fascinated observers and scientists.

These rings, formed by steam, are the result of tiny explosions of gas bubbles which, rising through a narrow volcanic conduit, force the gas to move quickly and take this shape.

Moon and smoke rings of Etna: a unique and spectacular image

The training process of volcanic vortex rings it was first described in the late 19th century by Sir William Thomson, who named them “volcanic vortex rings”. Although they are not a frequent phenomenon, their appearance is of great interest both for enthusiasts of natural phenomena and for the scientific community. He has been studying them for some time to better understand the internal dynamics of volcanoes.

In Giannobile’s shot, photographic art merges with science to capture multiple rings emerging from the top of the volcano, illuminated by red light of dawn. Above this scene, the crescent moon adds a further touch of magic and mystery, creating a visually fascinating and emotionally engaging contrast.

This image is part of a series that the astrophotographer shared on his Instagram page. Inside you can admire the moment when one of the rings seems to perfectly align with the lunar sicklea poetic synchrony between heaven and earth.

Moon and smoke rings of Etna they represent a natural phenomenon of extraordinary and undoubted beauty. Furthermore, it is also an example of how the passion for astronomy and photography can come together to immortalize unique moments and teach us more about our planet and the universe around us.