Mount Etna, Italy

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano. Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, in the province of Catania, the active stratovolcano is known for its frequent and persistent eruptions. Activity can range from explosive eruptions to lava flows and ash emissions. A new eruption began at a vent located in the west part of the Southeast Crater on February 6, 2025. Within a few days, a fissure opened up at the base of the Bocca Nuova Crater that produced a lava flow that traveled southwest for approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km). On February 12, strong explosive activity at the summit craters sent plumes of ash and lava into the air, forcing authorities to raise the Aviation Color Code to the highest level.

The natural color Landsat image highlights the layer of volcanic ash that blankets the snow-capped mountain, whereas the false color image reveals the glowing lava flow.

Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI)
Path 188/Row 034
February 13, 2025
Natural Color (432), Pansharpened with Band 8
False Color (654)