Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

The Popocatepetlvolcano in Mexico has erupted spewing ash and black smoke into the sky at a height of 3.5 kilometers, Nova TV reported, according to the National Civil Protection Service, quoted by BGNews.

After the ashes were discharged, the volcano continued its activity, erupting gas at an altitude of 800 meters. Authorities warn of the danger of approaching the colossus.

The unique moment of nature’s wrath can be captured by a photograph, a video, or a human memory. Hernando Rivera Cervantes, a photographer, managed to stop time right at the moment when a lightning bolt is born inside a Colima volcanic eruption in Mexico.

Sixteen-year-old student Alexandra Marcu of Deva, western Romania, will be awarded the 2013 Explorer of the Year title by Romania's Geographic Society as the youngest recipient.