Purple sky from Russia!

As I was driving home this evening the sunset was particularly beautiful. I almost tried to get a picture but didn't Fortunately Bob was out with his camera and sends this photo and explanation of the sky for your information, elucidation and edification.

Last week a volcano erupted in Russia, and the ash plume is now circling around the globe and the light refracting with the ash is creating some colorful sunsets. Observers have reported a distinct purplish cast that they had never seen before. You can see some examples of it from around the world here .

This is the way it looked in Ames Wednesday evening about 9:10 PM, and I do believe there is a purplish kind of glow in the north west that I have never seen previously. If you would like to see it, find an open spot in the sky, preferably down to the horizon and check about 20-30 minutes after the sun has dropped out of view. There is always a lovely afterglow in the sky for sometime when the sun is gone, and that was when it became evident, but it did not last long. The color values in this photo were not altered in any way, although the image was made darker so the clouds would be more evident. I hope you may be able to see it on Thursday evening. Good luck!