Mt. Etna is blowing smoke rings!

Mt. Etna, an active volcano on the island of Sicily, is blowing smoke rings! According to German volcanologist Dr. Tom Pfeiffer, the most recent paroxysm (violent eruption) changed the shape of the vents inside to allow circular rings to emerge.

Vulcan is taking a smoke break
Photo: Volcano discovery

This has apparently happened a few times before, including in 2000. Here's a video of a smoke ring from the 2000 event, taken by Geoff Mackley:

Volcanoes: sometimes they destroy your town, sometimes they chill out and blow a few smoke rings. I hope this has served as your daily reminder that you live on an amazing planet.