Anak Krakatau blasts ash nearly 10 miles high

Anak Krakatau erupted for more than 24 hours in early September, sending volcanic ash up to 50,000 feet into the atmosphere. The ash cloud shut down eight airports, disrupted nearly 3,000 flights, and affected air quality as far away as Jakarta. NASA satellites captured dramatic views of the plume spreading across the region.

Anak Krakatau blasts ash nearly 10 miles high. Anak Krakatau is a small but highly active volcano located between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. Its eruptions are often relatively modest, but the volcano is also capable of producing much more hazardous activity.

In early September 2026, Anak Krakatau entered a prolonged explosive phase that lasted for more than 24 hours, sending large amounts of gas and ash into the sky. The eruption disrupted air travel and contributed to poor air quality in several areas, including Jakarta. Satellites Capture the Eruption From Space Satellites observed the eruption on September 5 as explosive activity continued at the volcano.