UFO in the Sky? Goddess's Ring? ... Rare Italian Volcano 'Gas Donut'

Gas Eruption Forms Perfect Circular Ring
Over 200 Eruptions Since 1998

Donut-shaped smoke is emanating from Mount Etna (3,324 meters above sea level) in Sicily, Italy, drawing attention. On the 7th (local time), BBC and other foreign media reported that a phenomenon called the "volcanic vortex ring" occurred at Mount Etna.

UFO in the Sky? Goddess's Ring? ... Rare Italian Volcano 'Gas Donut'

This phenomenon has appeared since the 3rd, and scientists estimate that it is caused by rapidly emitted volcanic gases passing through the circular crater.
[Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

This phenomenon has appeared since the 3rd, and scientists estimate that it is created as rapidly emitted volcanic gas passes through a circular crater. The gas rings emitted from Mount Etna show an almost perfect circular shape, attracting more interest locally. Locals sometimes call the smoke rings "The Lady of the Ring" because the smoke resembles a ring. Additionally, it is reported that many tourists have recently flocked to the volcano area to witness the gas rings.

The physical conditions for the formation of volcanic vortex rings are not yet fully understood. However, scientists believe that the gas rapidly released from the top of the magma conduit passes through an outlet that emits in a regularly repeating pattern, creating the rings. Scientists also describe this phenomenon as extremely rare and difficult to observe at any volcano on Earth. Fortunately, the gas ring phenomenon has not disrupted the operation of nearby airports.

The physical conditions for the formation of volcanic vortex rings are not yet fully understood. However, scientists believe they are created as gas rapidly released from the top of the magma conduit passes through an outlet that emits in a regularly repeating pattern.
[Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, has erupted more than 200 times since 1998 alone. Last year, Mount Etna erupted in February, May, August, and November, causing nearby airports to close due to heavy volcanic ash.