Two Russian daredevil photographersLiudmila and Andreycaptured these stunning images while visiting the volcano with a team of volcanologists.
It was a full moon and perhaps it does make a difference on how active the explosion was.
Perhaps it was the same principle that works with the tide in the ocean.
We had been standing up quietly, sipping vodka.
Lava was flowing past calmly.
Andrey suggested to experienced volcanologists that they should know which way to run.
The experts dismissed his concerns.
The lava stream was only touching the surface close to the place where we stood.
It kept moving above us, too, just under the crust.
It was also lucky that the crater was big enough to let the stream go through it without obstacles.
This is when panic got to all of us.
One of the volcanologists lost his backpack to the lava.
The photographers escaped safely with their sensational pictures.
