Alex Spahn ππͺοΈβοΈ
@spahn711.bsky.social
Storm chaser. Volcano hunter. University Physics, Astronomy, & Earth Science Instructor. MS Physics/BS Astrophysics. Rockhounder & Mineral Collector. Raccoon whisperer. Allow me to share our planet's beauty with you. linktr.ee/spahn711
Pinned
With all the new faces here, I figured I'd also say hi and reintroduce myself. I am a professor of physics, astronomy and earth science, among other things, but most of what you'll get from me are photos of our immensely beautiful planet. Sharing that beauty is my passion; we're so lucky to be here.
I've seen remarkable things in my years of chasing, but this scene from my first year remains a favorite. Here, the flanking line of a supercell is painted by the setting Sun, while the very clouds you're looking at cast shadows for miles (seen as anticrepuscular rays near the horizon). #photography
November 25, 2025 at 9:56 PM
I've seen remarkable things in my years of chasing, but this scene from my first year remains a favorite. Here, the flanking line of a supercell is painted by the setting Sun, while the very clouds you're looking at cast shadows for miles (seen as anticrepuscular rays near the horizon). #photography
It absolutely can.
November 25, 2025 at 8:17 PM
It absolutely can.
It is indeed a remote cam. Thankfully, there were no reported fatalities from this flow.
November 25, 2025 at 8:06 PM
It is indeed a remote cam. Thankfully, there were no reported fatalities from this flow.
Ooooh good idea! Doing the same now.
November 25, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Ooooh good idea! Doing the same now.
VERY long video, so I recommend skipping around the whole thing. Especially remarkable periods from 00:29:00 - 00:49:00 and 1:14:00 - end.
From 41-45 minutes the cloud pushes out over the forest, then recedes from 45-50 mins, leaving behind scorched forest despite just minutes within the flow. π΅
From 41-45 minutes the cloud pushes out over the forest, then recedes from 45-50 mins, leaving behind scorched forest despite just minutes within the flow. π΅
November 25, 2025 at 7:14 PM
VERY long video, so I recommend skipping around the whole thing. Especially remarkable periods from 00:29:00 - 00:49:00 and 1:14:00 - end.
From 41-45 minutes the cloud pushes out over the forest, then recedes from 45-50 mins, leaving behind scorched forest despite just minutes within the flow. π΅
From 41-45 minutes the cloud pushes out over the forest, then recedes from 45-50 mins, leaving behind scorched forest despite just minutes within the flow. π΅
This webcam view of Semeru's recent pyroclastic flow is among the most remarkable footage I've seen. Keep in mind that this is a high-speed, towering column of boiling hot gas/ash (400-1300+Β°F) carrying sharp rock fragments, and generating its own lightning. It flowed 10 miles from the summit.
Nov 19, 2025: Large Pyroclastic Flow Semeru Volcano, Indonesia (Raw Footage) Cam A
YouTube video by afarTV
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:14 PM
This webcam view of Semeru's recent pyroclastic flow is among the most remarkable footage I've seen. Keep in mind that this is a high-speed, towering column of boiling hot gas/ash (400-1300+Β°F) carrying sharp rock fragments, and generating its own lightning. It flowed 10 miles from the summit.
Oh for sure. I just didn't see him when I heard the growling coming from within the dark, bouldery lava tube entrance, so it was properly terrifying given I was out there alone. I never expected a dog all the way out there. Once I saw him, I built trust and he melted into my lap in no time. π₯Ί
November 25, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Oh for sure. I just didn't see him when I heard the growling coming from within the dark, bouldery lava tube entrance, so it was properly terrifying given I was out there alone. I never expected a dog all the way out there. Once I saw him, I built trust and he melted into my lap in no time. π₯Ί
I still stop every once in a while to appreciate how insane it is that we have the ability to capture memories through photos and videos that can be viewed over and over again through time. How lucky we are.
November 25, 2025 at 6:07 AM
I still stop every once in a while to appreciate how insane it is that we have the ability to capture memories through photos and videos that can be viewed over and over again through time. How lucky we are.
Honestly the #1 reason I am so turned off by storm chasing lately. Way too much of this, especially by some of the bigger names.
November 25, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Honestly the #1 reason I am so turned off by storm chasing lately. Way too much of this, especially by some of the bigger names.
Story time! I arrived at the entrance to growling coming from within. I nearly shidded myself, but it was the sweetest stray dog hiding in the boulders, many miles away from anyone. He followed me back to my car. I gave him water and got him to a local shelter. I so badly wanted to keep him. π₯Ί
November 25, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Story time! I arrived at the entrance to growling coming from within. I nearly shidded myself, but it was the sweetest stray dog hiding in the boulders, many miles away from anyone. He followed me back to my car. I gave him water and got him to a local shelter. I so badly wanted to keep him. π₯Ί
Similar indeed! This one was in northern Arizona, near Flagstaff.
November 25, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Similar indeed! This one was in northern Arizona, near Flagstaff.
Thanks, Robyn! π
November 25, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Thanks, Robyn! π
This is what it looked like the entire way there and back, btw. π΅βπ«
November 25, 2025 at 1:23 AM
This is what it looked like the entire way there and back, btw. π΅βπ«
Solo exploring a 100% pitch black lava tube for over a mile underground. I brought some portable lights to place and set up this shot.
November 25, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Solo exploring a 100% pitch black lava tube for over a mile underground. I brought some portable lights to place and set up this shot.
I struggle to accept that 2010 was that long ago. π΄
November 24, 2025 at 9:06 PM
I struggle to accept that 2010 was that long ago. π΄
Dramatic, stormy skies over Colorado's Great Sand Dunes. #photography
November 23, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Dramatic, stormy skies over Colorado's Great Sand Dunes. #photography
I had a student tell me that she now thinks of everything she sees in the context of physics, and her dad is now begging her to stop bringing it up. My job here is done. π€
November 23, 2025 at 6:06 AM
I had a student tell me that she now thinks of everything she sees in the context of physics, and her dad is now begging her to stop bringing it up. My job here is done. π€
Desert mud (forbidden chocolate). #photography
November 22, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Desert mud (forbidden chocolate). #photography
We're just bugs that someone trapped in a container, and stars are the holes poked into it so that we can breathe.
November 22, 2025 at 2:35 AM
We're just bugs that someone trapped in a container, and stars are the holes poked into it so that we can breathe.
Thanks, Jeff! They're of course not the most spectacular mountains, but its an Oklahoma gem. Definitely worth some time if you're already in the general area. :)
November 21, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Thanks, Jeff! They're of course not the most spectacular mountains, but its an Oklahoma gem. Definitely worth some time if you're already in the general area. :)
Thank you! Always happy to share mother nature's beauty. π
November 21, 2025 at 4:52 AM
Thank you! Always happy to share mother nature's beauty. π