Volcanoes Erupt and the Sun Aligns in Stunning Natural Display: A Look at Ash Plumes, Lava Flows, and California Henge

From erupting volcanoes to rare solar alignments, Mother Nature put on a spectacular show this week—and cameras were rolling.

In the latest edition of "Take a Look at This," NBC’s Jim Rowbottom shares jaw-dropping footage of a massive ash plume rising from a volcano in the central Philippines. Officials report the plume reached approximately 2.5 miles high, prompting school closures in several nearby villages. Thankfully, no injuries or property damage have been reported so far.

Meanwhile, across the Pacific, Hawaii’s Big Island continues to smolder with volcanic activity. Geologists released footage from what's being called “Episode 17” of the summit eruption—a fiery spectacle that's been ongoing since December. Previous "episodes" have varied in duration, ranging from just a few hours to over a week, with lava fountains during Episode 15 shooting more than 1,000 feet into the air, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Jim quipped, "It’s like a geologist’s version of a Netflix binge... but with zero chill."

And speaking of perfect timing, sky watchers in San Francisco captured the stunning semi-annual alignment known as the California Henge. This rare event happens twice a year, when the setting sun lines up precisely with the city’s east-west street grid, creating an incredible glowing effect through the urban landscape.

One early riser who caught the moment asked if it was worth waking up at 5:40 a.m. to see it. The answer from Jim? A resounding yes—he woke up even earlier to write about it.

From fiery eruptions to fiery sunsets, it’s a week of wonder you’ve got to see to believe.

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