A Volcano, a Rainbow, and a Spirit in the Clouds

Photographer

Melissa N. Robertson

Category

Nature Photography - Golden Hour

Company

Melissa N. Robertson

Submission Group

Professional

Year

2026

Country / Region:

United States

"What an event I got to witness on June 1, 2026! The record-breaking 48th eruption of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii (USA). I drove two hours with my young son to see the lava sputtering from the ground before sunrise, but when we arrived at 4:45 a.m., to our happy surprise, the volcano was erupting! We glued our eyes on this magnificent wonder of nature. The volcano would send out roaring rushes and grow higher. As the sun broke the horizon, it was beginning to rain. The sky behind the smoke and volcano became another point of interest as a rainbow began forming. It was a brilliant sight! In this image, taken at 6:29 a.m. Hawaiian time, I also notice what looks like maybe a spirit in the clouds, almost as if the angels themselves wanted to see this once-in-a-lifetime event. The figure only lasted a few seconds in the clouds, but long enough to keep my mind wandering - just who from Heaven came to sneak a peek at nature’s glorious morning event? Do you see it, too?"

Credits

Melissa N. Robertson Photography
Melissa N. Robertson
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