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Invisible bursts of electricity from volcanoes signal explosive eruptions

Mysterious electrical signals could help warn aviators of impending volcanic ash plumes

Sakurajima volcano eruption

Lightning flashes and ash and lava spew as Sakurajima volcano erupts in Japan. A new study distinguishes between lightning and smaller, more mysterious surges of electrical activity produced by the volcano.

Mike Lyvers/Moment/Getty Images

By Alka Tripathy-Lang

As one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, Sakurajima often dazzles with spectacular displays of volcanic lightning set against an ash-filled sky.