Volcanic Eruption Illuminates Iceland’s Night Sky

The eruption on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, which occurred at approximately 10 p.m. local time, followed an earthquake and is centered around Hagafell, 2 miles north of Grindavík. The Icelandic Coast Guard captured dramatic footage of a helicopter hovering over the glowing lava spurting from the fissure. The government stated that the fissure is almost 4 kilometers long, making it the largest eruption in the region since 2021.

Grindavík, home to over 3,000 people and a popular tourist spot near the Blue Lagoon, was evacuated last month when the threat of eruption emerged. While the town is now clear of residents, the eruption doesn’t pose a direct threat to life. However, the release of toxic gases has led to a strong advisory against visiting the area.

Despite the temporary closure of the Blue Lagoon and the ongoing assessment by responders and scientists, there are currently no disruptions to flights, and international flight corridors remain open. The eruption, classified as a fissure eruption, is not expected to result in large explosions or significant ash production.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported a decrease in the eruption’s intensity and seismic activity, with lava spreading laterally from the newly opened fissures. This event follows a series of seismic events that led to a national state of emergency, reflecting unprecedented occurrences not experienced since the 1973 eruption in Vestmannaeyjar.