The clip, shared on TikTok, reveals bright, molten lava pouring from a volcano. Suddenly, a lightning bolt strikes, creating a mesmerizing display that’s hard to describe. However, it’s not the lava itself interacting with the lightning.
When a volcano erupts, it releases ash, gas, and lava into the air. The friction between these volcanic particles generates static electricity, which, under the right conditions, produces lightning within the ash cloud. This phenomenon, known as volcanic lightning or a “dirty thunderstorm,” occurs high above the volcano, while the lava contributes to the conditions that make it possible.
The stunning footage amazed viewers, with some joking about expecting a “Lightning McQueen” appearance due to the frequent online pranks. One user commented: “A lifetime of video games has taught me one thing! There’s a boss battle happening on that mountain top!”
This recent event took place at Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego, which has erupted several times in recent years, drawing awe from viewers near and far. Experts from the University of Hawaii explained that, much like a regular thunderstorm, the collisions of volcanic particles create the conditions necessary for lightning to form.
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