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Earth Observatory: Sarychev Peak Eruption, Kuril Islands

This image was captured by astronauts on the International Space Station early in the June 12, 2009 eruption of Russia's Sarychev Peak. See Earth Observatory: Sarychev Peak Eruption, Kuril Islands for a detailed explanation and quality animation of the event. Also, see this Bad Astronomy post for a video of the eruption at different speeds.

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Exploratour - Volcanoes of the Solar System

Take a tour of the volcanoes in the solar system, starting from Earth and visiting Mars, the moon, Io, and more.

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image credit: NASA JPL; image source; larger image

Io's Alien Volcanoes

Do you see the two volcanoes on Io's turbulent surface? Check out this NASA Image of the Day for an analysis of the picture.

- Io's volcanoes are caused by tidal forces from Jupiter. Learn more about the volcanoes at Io's Alien Volcanoes, and be sure to see this following article with additional information from the Galileo probe.
- Io's volcanoes have caused some trouble for passing spacecraft. Find out why at Beware: Io Dust.  
- Other moons in the solar system may have volcanoes as well. Read about possible cryovolcanoes on Titan here.

Earth Observatory: Plume from Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania

Ol Doinyo Lengai is a unique volcano on Earth – it is the only volcano with cool, carbon-based lava. Learn more about it here, and be sure to check out this picture of a 2007 eruption.