MUST SEE: Indonesia volcano spews blue fire. Here's why
Digital Reporter
Sunday, September 20, 2015, 11:34 AM - Spellbinding images of volcanic flows in Indonesia look like scenes from another world.
Recent photos of rivers of blue lava streaming down the side of the Kawah Ijen crater, on the island of Java, have been making the rounds on social media.
In July, British photographer Reuben Wu traveled to the site renowned for the magical blue hue of its volcanic flows and captured a series of awe-inspiring stills.
The phenomenon is created by sulphuric gases. Temperatures inside the crater reach more than 500°C and cause the gas to ignite.
Once ignited, the gas burns with a blue colour as it reaches the surface and flows over top of the lava, mimicking the look of the liquid beneath it.
The crater has long attracted tourists and visitors, hoping to catch a glimpse of the one-of-a-kind light show. Visitors have to hike for about two hours to reach the rim of the crater before making a 45-minute descent to the astonishing flows below.
The blue 'fire' is best viewed in the dark, as the lava's red tinges are visible during the day, taking away from the full effect of the gaseous display.
Source: Reuben Wu
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