WATCH: Mount Etna puffs out ‘smoke rings’ in rare phenomenon
Mount Etna smoke rings
In an extremely rare phenomenon caused by the constant release of vapours and gases, the world’s most active stratovolcano, Mount Etna, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy is blowing out volcanic vortex rings.
Rare display of volcanic vortex rings
Images and videos from the past few days show Europe’s tallest active volcano has been sending near-perfect circular smoke rings into the Sicilian sky after a new crater reportedly opened on its summit.
The so-called smoke rings emitting from the volcano which has been in a near constant state of activity for years now.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Half-tank rule’: Does keeping your fuel tank full improve mileage?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Automatic cars vs manuals’: Which uses more fuel?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does regular servicing actually improve your car’s fuel economy?
)
Trump posts photo of himself walking with an alien, hilarious reactions follow - 'The alien's abs...'
)
Why Swedes still sing Rabindrasangeet more than a century later
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does turning off the radio and headlights actually save fuel?
)
‘All will be forgiven’? SECRET document claims US involvement in Imran Khan’s ouster as Pak PM. The mystery of cypher - cable I-0678
)
Pakistan deploys 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defense system to Saudi Arabia under defence pact, also plays mediator
)
San Diego mosque shooting: At least 3 killed, two teen suspects found dead as police probe possible hate crime motive. Here's what we know so far
)
India will continue buying Russian oil regardless of US waiver lapse, says senior official
)
Trump's approval drops sharply as economic concerns and Iran war cloud GOP midterm elections outlook
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Next set of UFO Files: Pastors say 'translucent beings' and alien abductions part of new tranche
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much fuel does a car AC use in 1 hour?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why petrol is not used as fuel in commercial aircraft
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Do wider tires decrease fuel mileage?
)
Imran Khan's 'cipher' allegations back into spotlight amid Pak's role as mediator in Iran-US war: What was it? WION Decodes
)
Trump says holding off planned military attack on Iran at request of Gulf leaders; issues fresh warning
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Most Hundreds for Each Test Playing Asian Country
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Iran's new 'vessel declaration' rule': What it means for global oil shipping
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who’s in CM VD Satheesan’s cabinet? Meet the new Kerala UDF ministers
)
San Diego mosque shooting: Police 'neutralise' shooter after active threat; at least 3 dead
)
Railways unveils India’s first bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad – Here’s the first look
)
Pakistani Lashkar terrorist infiltrates to set up sleeper cells, gets hair transplant done in Srinagar
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does parking in the shade prevent fuel evaporation in the summer?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters fastest to 3,000 T20 runs
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What could happen if you put petrol in a diesel car?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does cruise control really save fuel?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What is the ideal car speed for maximum fuel savings?
)
At least 100 die in DR Congo due to Ebola outbreak, six Americans exposed; CDC takes steps to prevent spread
)
164-foot tunnel discovered in Israel leaves scientists puzzled
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Petrol vs diesel: Which car engine really saves more money in daily driving?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Indians at Cannes 2026: Alia Bhatt, Aditi Rao Hydari, Huma Qureshi and others stun on the global red carpet
)
How a Norwegian conglomerate preserved the taste of South India and turned it global
)
Double date! Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet spotted on a night out with rumoured couple Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (May 18-24, 2026): System, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Desi Bling- 6 movies and shows coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Twisha Sharma Death Case: Bhopal Police announce Rs 10,000 reward for information on absconding husband
The gas rings are emitting from a small vent on Mount Etna’s southeast crater, said Boris Behncke, a volcanologist with the INGV-Osservatorio Etneo or Etna Observatory, in a post on X.
Also Read |Google's Solar Eclipse 2024 search animation steals the show! Here's how to see it
According to Behncke, the phenomenon has been observed since Tuesday (Apr 2) evening.
Volcanic vortex rings are an extremely rare and natural phenomenon and are marked by near-perfect circles of vapour and gas being emitted from a volcano under specific conditions.
It is when gas bubbles are pushed through the narrow central part of the volcanic conduits and then form into rings as the gas and vapour wrap around themselves in a vortex motion. These rings are propelled hundreds of metres into the air.
Mount Etna eruption
An ash cloud from Mount Etna which had erupted in August last year, led to the cancellation, delay, and redirection of flights affecting millions during the holiday season.
Also Read |Lake Baikal, filled with volcanoes and fault zone, is reportedly staring at an earthquake
Notably, most eruptions of Mount Etna are harmless. However, the 3,330 metre-high volcano burst on August 13, 2023, left many vehicles and streets of the Mediterranean island covered in ash.
In 2013, Mount Etna was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
(With inputs from agencies)