Spectacular: Not UFO but "smoke rings" from Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano: Video

Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano located in Sicily, has been captivating spectators with a remarkable display of "smoke rings" ascending into the sky. This phenomenon, known as "volcanic vortex rings," arises from a unique interplay of swift gas release and vent shape, originating from a newly formed crater on Etna's summit that emerged on Tuesday.

Boris Behncke, a volcanologist from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania, noted on Facebook that Etna stands unparalleled in its production of these vapor rings. He described the recent activity as unprecedented, with a small vent opening on the northeastern rim of the South-East Crater on April 2, spewing forth bursts of luminous gas. By the following morning, it became evident that these bursts were generating a remarkable quantity of steam rings, a phenomenon that has persisted since then, generating hundreds, if not thousands, of these elegant formations.

Despite the spectacle, there have been no significant disruptions reported in the neighboring villages or at Catania airport, which is often affected by major eruptions. Videos capturing this awe-inspiring event have been produced, including one by Francesco Sportelli for AP, allowing audiences worldwide to witness the grandeur of Etna's volcanic display.