Massive Volcanic Eruption Looks Just Like Your Science Fair Project

Except a gajillion times better.

Popocatepetl, one of Mexico's tallest peaks and one of its most active volcanoes, came to life this weekend in a magnificent display that resembled a classic science fair project.

The eruption, which occurred Sunday around 8:30 p.m. local time, produced a huge column of ash and smoke and sent fragments flying as far as two miles away, where they touched off bush fires on the upper slopes of the mountain, according to Volcano Discovery.

After nearly 50 years of being dormant, Popocatepetl, located about 55 miles southeast of Mexico City, suddenly sprang to life in 1994. Since then, it has erupted numerous times, including several explosive events this year.

See below for a video of Sunday's eruption. It's kind of like adding baking soda to vinegar, except a lot more amazing.

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