When Dario Tedesco was 25, two years into his PhD, he went on his first big field trip to study volcanic gases. After some time on Mount Saint Helens in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, he flew to Hawaii. That’s where he met George, an experienced volcanologist, who would show him the ropes, and help him get samples from an active volcano.

One early morning, an eruption occurred. Within half an hour, Dario and other researchers were in a helicopter, flying to a base camp. He was immediately struck by the awesome brightness and power of the volcano. George and Dario set out to take samples, which required them to get close to the lava flows. After they finished the work, George decided to get one more sample. Dario had already taken his suit off, when he sensed something behind him. There was an accident...

Produced by Florian Bohr

(Image: USA, Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea erupting. Credit: Art Wolfe/Getty Images) Show less