Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Etna Paroxysm

On November 30 and December 1, 2023, Etna reveals its duality in a contrasting spectacle. The photos captures the paroxysm of the volcano, with fiery lapilli dancing in the night sky, contrasting with the stillness of the freshly fallen snow. The scene is magical, with the primordial strength of the earth colliding with the winter purity. The glowing lapilli create a kaleidoscope of colors as they gently settle on the snow, creating a unique visual contrast. This images conveys the ephemeral and unpredictable beauty of nature, where destructive power merges with serenity in a fleeting embrace but eternally captured by the lens.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Zafferana Etnea (CT), Italy
Camera: ILCE-7RM4
Copyright: © Gianluca Gianferrari