ESA Sentinel-3 Captures Plume from Anak Krakatau Eruption

On Saturday, 5 September, the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Sentinel‑3 satellite recorded a plume erupting from Anak Krakatau, a volcanic island off the coast of Indonesia. The image, taken by the satellite’s advanced infrared sensors, shows a column of ash and gases rising from the volcano’s summit, confirming that the eruption was active at the time of observation. Sentinel‑3’s rapid imaging capability allows scientists to monitor volcanic activity in near real‑time, providing critical data for assessing ash dispersion and potential hazards. The captured plume is part of ESA’s ongoing effort to track volcanic events worldwide, contributing to global monitoring networks that support aviation safety, emergency response, and scientific research into volcanic processes.