Drone captures stunning images of volcano – and almost melts in the process
A drone has captured previously-unthinkable views of an Icelandic volcano spewing searing streams of lava from above.
Fagradalsfjall burst into life for the first time 800 years in March and is continuing to erupt just 25 miles from Reykjavik.
Millions of gallons of molten material have poured from the crater and run down the slopes of the 1,300 foot high volcano.
Photographer Luca Bracali, 56 sensed an opportunity to observe something few have seen and spent six hours filming the eruption from above.
He said: ‘When I approached the volcano I could see these huge rivers of lava spilling out from the crater.
‘The day before it was dead and then you saw a total transformation. It was like liquid fire with explosions of flames.’
The self-confessed ‘drone addict’ was just a mile from the volcano while controlling the camera.
So intense was the heat that the drone all but gave out despite soaring hundreds of feet above the lava, with four of its five sensors melting.
He said: ‘You have to be brave and not care about the drone.
‘Every time the drone comes back I give it a kiss. I say “if you want my kiss you have to come back”.
‘The drone is the most powerful machine humans have ever invented.’
Luca, from Florence, Italy, said that Iceland is his favourite of the 145 countries that he’s visited in his 35-year career as a photographer.
He said: ‘It’s the most beautiful country – an island of ice and fire.
‘You can experience two of the most exciting natural events. Two of nature’s beauties are part of this wonderful island.’
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