Mount Merapi, Indonesia

On this day the sun rose directly behind the active Merapi, ”Fire Mountain,” highlighting the volcanic smoke which steadily streamed across the horizon from its uppermost region.

Facing the mountain in the image is a sacred and latticed stupa of Borobudur Monument’s first upper terrace and an endearing statue of Buddha.

Thick fog filled the forest and villages below, adding interesting artistic elements to the image.

National Geographic – Photograph by Greg Shaw