Volcanoes erupt when magma from deep within Earth rises up. Once magma reaches the surface, it’s called lava.

Not all volcanoes are alike. For example, Mount Etna is a stratovolcano. It has steep sides and powerful eruptions. The cloud of ash from Mount Etna’s eruption last June was about 4 miles high!

On the other hand, shield volcanoes have gentler slopes. Lava tends to flow out of them slowly. Kilauea (kee-lah- WAY-ah) is one of the most famous shield volcanoes. It is in Hawaii.

Keaton Terry is a college student in Utah. He’s visited about 30 volcanoes. He says there’s nothing like seeing an eruption in person.

“It’s one of the most impressive natural displays on Earth,” Terry explains.

Volcanoes erupt when magma from deep within Earth rises up. Once magma reaches the surface, it’s called lava.

Not all volcanoes are alike. For example, Mount Etna is a stratovolcano. It has steep sides. And it has powerful eruptions. Take the cloud of ash from Etna’s eruption last June. It was about 4 miles high!

On the other hand, shield volcanoes have gentler slopes. Lava tends to flow out of them slowly. Kilauea (kee-lah- WAY-ah) is a famous shield volcano. It is in Hawaii.

Keaton Terry is a college student in Utah. He’s visited about 30 volcanoes. He says there’s nothing like seeing an eruption in person.

“It’s one of the most impressive natural displays on Earth,” Terry says.

Volcanoes can be exciting. But they can also be dangerous. Lava can reach temperatures of nearly 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot enough to burn your skin or start fires.

Volcanoes can also release poisonous gases. Some eruptions blast rocks high into the air. Luckily, scientists can often predict when major eruptions are likely to happen.

“Most volcanoes give us signs they’re going to erupt,” Ball explains.

For example, the ground could shake or the volcano might change shape.

Still, some eruptions happen suddenly. To keep visitors safe, officials set up viewing areas away from the action. Experts also recommend that tourists wear masks and remain alert.

“You want to be aware of what’s happening around you, not just focused on your camera,” Ball says.

Volcanoes can be exciting. But they can also be dangerous. Lava is nearly 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot enough to burn your skin.

Volcanoes can also let out poisonous gases. Some eruptions blast rocks high into the air. Luckily, scientists can often tell when major eruptions might happen.

“Most volcanoes give us signs they’re going to erupt,” Ball says.

For example, the ground could shake. Or the volcano might change shape.

Still, some eruptions happen suddenly. To keep visitors safe, officials set up viewing areas far from the action. Experts also say that tourists should wear masks. And they should be alert.

“You want to be aware of what’s happening around you, not just focused on your camera,” Ball says.

After Etna’s recent increase in activity, officials put new restrictions in place. One rule says tourists must stay at least 660 feet away from flowing lava. That’s about the length of two football fields.

Many tour guides say the restrictions are too strict and are hurting their business. For instance, tours are now banned at night. But guides argue that this is the best time to view glowing lava.

Terry isn’t going to stop visiting volcanoes anytime soon. But he says he’ll always follow the rules.

“Volcano tourism can be safe,” he explains. “But only if people respect nature’s power.”

After Etna’s recent eruptions, officials put new restrictions in place. One rule says tourists must stay at least 660 feet away from flowing lava. That’s about the length of two football fields.

Many tour guides say these rules are too strict. They say the rules are hurting their business. For instance, tours are now banned at night. But guides argue that this is the best time to see lava.

Terry won’t stop visiting volcanoes anytime soon. But he says he’ll always follow the rules.

“Volcano tourism can be safe,” he says. “But only if people respect nature’s power.”