After eight centuries of silence, the Reykjanes Peninsula volcano in Iceland has erupted once again, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and lava flowing toward the famous Blue Lagoon. This marks the seventh eruption in 2023 and the 10th since the volcano awakened in 2021, following nearly 800 years of dormancy. The eruption occurred late Wednesday night, creating a dramatic fissure nearly 3 kilometers long, and adding to the spectacle that has captivated the world in recent years.
As the eruption unfolded, an easyJet passenger captured an incredible aerial video, which has since gone viral. The footage, shared by Kayleigh on social media platform X, shows mesmerizing lava flows turning the Icelandic landscape into an orange sea of molten rock. “My life has peaked. Nothing is ever topping this,” she wrote, sharing the once-in-a-lifetime view. The video quickly gained more than 5 million views, with many users expressing their amazement at the rare sight.
My life has peaked. Nothing is ever topping this. Volcano erupted last night in Iceland 🇮🇸 pic.twitter.com/x2sqlJTwym
— kayleigh🫧⚒️ (@PatterKayleigh) November 21, 2024
While the eruption’s intensity is much smaller compared to the massive eruption in August, authorities have issued warnings about gas emissions affecting the surrounding areas, including the nearby town of Grindavik. Last year, Grindavik was largely evacuated when the volcano first erupted after centuries of inactivity. While the eruption is not expected to disrupt air travel, residents are advised to stay cautious of the ongoing emissions.
Iceland, located above a volcanic hotspot in the North Atlantic, experiences eruptions every few years. The Reykjanes eruption series began in 2021 after an 800-year hiatus, and this recent activity shows no signs of subsiding. The 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano is still remembered for its massive ash clouds that disrupted air travel across the Atlantic. With Iceland’s frequent volcanic activity, the authorities are closely monitoring the ongoing eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
As the volcanic eruptions continue to captivate onlookers, both locals and visitors to Iceland are watching closely. The stunning visuals, especially from the skies, have been shared widely around the world, drawing attention not only to the natural wonder of Iceland but also to the power of the planet’s volatile geology. With many eager to witness the ongoing eruptions firsthand, Iceland remains a top destination for those fascinated by nature’s raw power.
