Lava Blast and Electric Lightning Bolt Within a Lava Plume ~ Island of Hawaii

Open ocean horizon here

Aloha Leigh, this is National Geographic cover material!

Lava Blast and Electric Lightning Bolt Within a Lava Plume ~ Island of Hawaii by SparkyLeigh.

~ Lava Blast and Electric Lightning Bolt Within a Lava Plume #1 ~

Rare and surreal static electric lightning flashes through a massive column of steam, sulfur dioxide, glass particles, ash, rock and instantly created black sand – all generated from a huge volume of molten lava dumping out of a single lava tube that carried it from magma chambers under the flanks of Mauna Loa’s Kilauea volcano further upslope - here on the Big Island.

I first recorded this electric bolt phenomenon here with this photo

I have been asked if all these lava explosions and lightning flashes are loud. Oddly enough, even when I was nervously close to this event the night I took these photos, there was not a single sound to be heard! – That felt strange to me. In the past, when the lava flowing into the sea was tamer, we could hear the crackling and hissing as molten lava met ocean water… but I was not going o get that close to the magma monster in these photos!

Digital downloads and prints of this lava shot and many others can also be found here

**** My new lava book with preview option to see the 1st 15-pages of the books 57 here ****

Thanks for you visits and comments~~~

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Comments

← prev 1 2 next →

(139 comments)

SparkyLeigh says:

And another electric flash here:

Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

deegs says:

Surreal pictures Sparky. These are so intense it's unbelievable. Your reports are marvellous and so informative. I am totally in awe of your images...both photographically and from understanding nature. Thanks for being there and ignoring the danger you face.

Congratulations! Your photo has been nominated as an "The Unforgettable Picture"
You are invited to add your wonderful picture to The Unforgettable Pictures Group
Please read the Group Rules and tag your photo TheUnforgettablePictures INVITE only & Comment on 3
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

davenyc2007 says:

that's sheer amazing!!!

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Trauts1971 says:

Incredible.

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Paul Tixier says:

outstanding pictures, great work Sparky

NaturesFinest
Please add this great photo to Nature’s Finest
Tag your photo with "NaturesFinest"
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

refmo says:

incredible captures - wonderful work!!
NaturesFinest
This is really one of Natures Finest!!>
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

imagepeace says:

just amazing!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Foxicat says:

Absolutely stunning photos!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

nonie vogue says:

awesome and amazing photos, Leigh. thanks for sharing them and your information.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Rdnekroses says:

Wow, this is one of the most amazing things I have seen!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

picma says:

UNbelievable, Sparky! It must be so awesome to see this in person and you captured beautifully for the rest of us!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

LightStamp says:

Wowsers that's pretty
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

jsr4 says:

Congratulations! Your photo is a favourite in
"The Unforgettable Pictures Group"
INVITE only & Comment on 3
fascinating images you have taken! so very well done :)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

$la$hnburn says:

wow. that's awesome!
how close to it are you while taking this? any idea what the lens focal length is, and do you mind posting?
maybe one day i'll actually get to see this for myself :)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Victor Shilo says:

Congratulations! Your photo is a favourite in
"The Unforgettable Pictures Group"
INVITE only & Comment on 3
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

t-squared says:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

= fill in name = says:

what a show, the colours are astounding
hard to imagine the silence...
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

gaz610 says:

Sensational. Just brilliant.

Congratulations! Your photo is a favourite in
"The Unforgettable Pictures Group"
INVITE only & Comment on 3
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Wolfy says:

Man, these are incredible. Hard to believe you can't hear anything.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

SparkyLeigh says:

Thanks for your wonderful comments!

And RE: “how close to it are you while taking this? - any idea what the lens focal length is,”
Focal length 155mm & close enough to feel nervous ;)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

bluesbandit1750 says:

Congratulations! Your photo is a favourite in
"The Unforgettable Pictures Group"
INVITE only & Comment on 3
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Graeme Webb says:

Fantastic. Love the colors, and I think you have really caught the pure violence of the event.

I saw this beautiful photo in
Beautiful Earth
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

shesnuckinfuts says:

Wow!! These are just amazing photos!! It must be such an awesome feeling to witness this happening!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

pilz8 says:

Incredible shots!!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

fishlady_Montana says:

These pictures are absolutely stunning. How do you manage to get so close?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

jah~ says:

That's the pinnacle of awesome. Words just don't do it. Speechless now...
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Judy and Paul says:

What a pleasure to see these Leigh! You've captured Pe'le's glorious fires so well!
Judy
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

samuellebarron says:

Wow! The war of the worlds! Amazing light!

You Are Invited To Add This Image To:

Dragon Gold Award
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

silviaON says:

wow - what a capture again !!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Corydora says:

Wow, wow, WOW!!! Can't imagine what it must have been like to see this in person...what a privilege...

Many thanks for sharing these wonders with us :-)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

rlw5663 says:

Thats a beauty, such wonderful lighting.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Marilynn Kelly says:

Amazing that there is really no sounds with such a spectacular looking explosion. Beautiful...be careful! :-)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

sosidesc says:

you're doing a great job getting these fantastic images sparks!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

scáth dubh [deleted] says:

wow.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

joshua carlsen says:

this is just spectacular, thank you for sharing. i don't know if i've ever seen an electric surge in a lava cloud like this before.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Seoulwoman says:

This is a fantastic capture!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Jaemes Sister says:

Another fabulous shot! Great work---
I'll be offline for a while starting Saturday---will be traveling to my new post in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and getting set up there---will check in later for more of your work.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

terrygray says:

You are so lucky to see such a magnificent show from Mother Nature. Great photos!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Britta's world of photos says:

Wow, nature's light show - how really fascinating!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Jaemes Sister says:

Yes, it's great to come home---for a while---and it's exciting to leave on a new adventure---
You've been to Hawaii---you've found your home---some folks have no need to wander...
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

jaliker says:

Impresionante. Es increible la fuerza de la naturaleza. Cualquier día, se enfadará, y nos borrará de la tierra a toda la humanidad, por tontos. Felicidades por la fotografia.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

coyrooster says:

For years Leigh has stood for lava, and now it stands for lightning lava. These recent pictures make a fabulous capstone to your longstanding ~~ hotstanding ~~ outstanding ~~ work in the field. Talk about decisive moments !!!!!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

NetteBini says:

They're gorgeous, but my brain has to do a double-take to remember that this is Mother Nature's fireworks show. Incredible!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Sarey* says:

This is like Last night of the proms but 1000 times better. A brilliant example of the orchestral manoeuvres of nature spewing out their vibrant fury.

I run out of words when it comes to complimenting your photos. It's like watching the news footage - you always get the very best captures. This is no exception - it's totally magical, I'm blown away!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

lucky e says:

fantastic sights. great shots.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

mysteryidol says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Anti Gravity, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

ilaiza says:

wowwwwww... no words!!!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

wendyb1214 says:

Like many before me, i am speechless. This is such a powerful photo, it's absolutely surreal. You've combined outstanding journalism and beautiful art here.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

jennyboduk says:

These photo's are so fantastic. They are beyond words. Just beautiful. Thank you.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

FanzuryPhotographer says:

Lovely capture ..
Wish one day I could be here too .
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

alaska_girl says:

I am loving these photos of the volcano. You know I might have met you before in Sun Valley. When I was a kid I worked at F-Stop.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

☼ zampi ☼ says:

Wow! Sparky! These are fantastic shots! The colors are remarkable! Thanks for sharing!

Please add this beautiful photo to CITRIT,Best of yours!
Citrit group

Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

aidan67 says:

Such an awesom scene...Most exciting...
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

makeupanid says:

These were all wonderful-thanks for the documentation!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Protection Island says:

Very Nice.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

island friend says:

I'm always awed by your captures!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

arwen808 says:

I pick this photograph to be on the cover of National Geographic
National Geographic: Are You Good Enough?

long time no see! I just love this,
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

D®ew ™ says:

Amazing natural fireworks!!! great captures!!
I really hope to see this in person one day!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

photos by jr says:

Wow! This is a excellent shot!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Nuragic Man says:

Very beautiful shot.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Kimbell says:

Truly amazing, I was fascinated by the photo in national geographic of the volcano in Chile which erupted like this, I had no idea I would find a photo like this on flickr, gotta be a fav.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Anne Moije says:

Wow
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Helga_262 says:

a great work
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Rob Millenaar says:

Superb shot! I seem to be missing all the fun :-(
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Wolfy says:

My stuff should be on a slow boat from Alaska by now - the ship was supposed to sail on Thursday, and it'll take about 3 weeks to get down here. In the meantime, I looking to purchse some furniture, and mostly staying at a friend's (who is out of town at the DNC).
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Autopsea says:

Awesome colors and detail, it must be really hot there !
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

AdrianWarren says:

Stunning! No two ways about it; I thought my lava shots were good, but this is in another league entirely. The lightning flashes add that little extra frission to what's already an amazing spectacle :D

This is an Amazing Shot! Please consider adding your photograph to the group Amazing Shots!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

im4maui says:

Wow! and not only did you witness this amazing event, you made a wonderful capture of it.

Individual Photographer’s Award
This is an award meant specifically for YOUR photo, recognizing it’s photographic quality and content.
Your Photo and it’s photographic quality is held in high regard by this particular viewer.
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

leilanitresise says:

lived here my whole life !!!! never saw anything like that!!! great pic!!! Madam Pele........... awesome
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

kasi metcalfe says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The Art of Science, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Pipall says:

Simply amazing!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

THROUGH_HAWAIIAN_EYES says:

Great photograph and capture!
Aloha,
Moana:)
Awesome shot!!
Please add this cool image to :

"Photographer's Gone Wild" Post 1 Award 3

I pick this photograph to be on the cover of National Geographic
National Geographic: Are You Good Enough?
I love your pic!!!

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This photo took my BREATH away

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Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

THROUGH_HAWAIIAN_EYES says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The Light Painters Society - Your Photo says who you are!!!, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Through_H@w@iian_Eyes dijo:
✿Aloha from Hawaii, Moana :)✿

You Are A Light Painter!!!
Beautiful Glitter Pictures
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Jordi Troguet says:

WOW
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Creative Minds 808 says:

Stunning capture Leigh!

You are invited to add this superb image to
Picture Perfect Postcards From Around The World.

Don’t forget to join too.

Picture Perfect Postcards From Around The World group!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

sundance22 says:

Fantastic!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

pasquale senatore says:

Aggiungi questo bellissimo scatto a:
Please add this beautiful image to:
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Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Lake Fred says:

Very nice! Please add this HOT Image to Some Like It Hot!
Some Like It Hot!

Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Mike the B says:

indeed awesome
Mike the B dijo:
Hi, I'm a Moderator for a group called, "The Light
Painter's Society- Your Photo says who you are!!!."
Your thought and composition says you know
the light and how to use it. Wonderful work and play.

You Are A Light Painter!!!
Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

mr.Ed says:

awesome photos!!
Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

paul (dex) says:

fantastic shot !
Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

Reem700 says:

Love your picture!

Please consider joining our group and adding your photo's to " ALL MEMORIES WELCOME (Public Group)"

Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

mlove89 says:

if i was wearing a hat, i would tip it to your favor. breath-taking shot.
Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

feelmystic says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Mystic Places, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

charliebgood says:

Um... WOW!

Simply fantastic.
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

TomFox2 says:

Fantastic!
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

JLambus says:

Persistence and dedication do make for some amazing photographs...... im still waiting for mine.
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

zuf1 says:

Fantastic and amazing!!
Here is my blast: flickr.com/photos/zuf1/2642114645/
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

8yr old shutterbug says:

awesome shot
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

Kirpernicus says:

Crazy shot!

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Eye Candy!, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
--
Found in a search. (?)
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

migui_38 says:

wow nice nice nice
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

RexyInc says:

W O W !
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

paul (dex) says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Best of Flickr (admin invited), and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

tozofoto says:

Great!!
Best of Flickr
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

Razor Ren says:

Excellent pic. I like how the lightning produces extra colours for the pic.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

GoodMolecules says:

this is just so far beyond me that I am sitting here shaking my head in wonderment! incredible.

congrats - it is beyond my words....
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

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Additional Information

Taken in Kapaahu, Hawaii (map)
Taken on July 26, 2008
Viewed 23,438 times

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