Photo of the Day

the Calbuco volcano erupting in Chile
October 1, 2015

The Awakening

After nearly five decades of inactivity, the Calbuco volcano in southern Chile spews a violent blast of ash and smoke, the energy generating a tangle of volcanic lightning. Situated along the Ring of Fire, Chile has a chain of about 2,000 volcanoes, most of which are dormant or extinct.

This photograph was submitted to the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest. Submit your best photo for a chance to win.

Download this and other wallpapers »

Browse galleries of editors’ favorites »

Photograph by Francisco Negroni, National Geographic Your Shot

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history