Last week, the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted not far from Reykjavik, Iceland, and the Keflavik International Airport. Photographers descended on the area, including Jakob Vegerfors, who captured this extraordinary footage of fiery lava exploding into the air and a river of lava flowing around the eruption site.
This unique desktop plaything is made from a semi-spherical chunk of natural volcanic rock, mated with a machined aluminum alloy base. The result is a rolling conversation piece that stimulates your senses of sight, touch, sound, and even smell. Its porous surface can be used as a diffuser for essential oils.
While geologists can study how lava flows by visiting volcanoes, science experiments are generally easier to perform in a controlled environment. Science geek Kyle Hill visited Syracuse University’s Lava Project for a look at how they melt rock in their custom crucible and turn it red hot goo at over 2700ºF.
Want to keep neighborhood rugrats off your lawn? Minutephysics and Randall Munroe of xkcd have got you covered, with their step-by-step plan for installing a moat filled with molten hot lava. Sadly, it would cost about $60,000 a day to keep it running unless you dig down deep enough and power it with geothermal energy.
