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If you’ve never faced an active volcano up close, count yourself fortunate. The molten lava erupting from the Earth can reach a devastating 2140° F, making a volcano's interior a rare and dangerous sight. But thanks to the sacrifices of some ill-fated drones, you can now witness this destructive force of nature firsthand.
In 2015, tech explorer and filmmaker Sam Cossman took drones equipped with GoPros to the volatile Marum Crater in Vanuatu to capture footage shared by National Geographic. He piloted these machines closer to the volcano's lava lake than any human could safely approach. Unfortunately, the extreme conditions proved too much for the drones, leading to two of them malfunctioning and falling into the volcano, though not before they captured incredible footage.
The mission aimed to create a detailed 3D map of the surface of the volcanic lava lake. Using footage from his drones, Cossman was able to model the Marum Crater with unprecedented detail. While drone technology helps scientists study volcanoes and environments otherwise unreachable, you don’t need to be a scientist to appreciate this stunning footage.
After witnessing the raw power of an active volcano, learn about these essential tips for surviving a volcanic eruption in real life.
