Volcanic Sunset Rays seen by James Baker Friday 22nd August 08. Image ©James Baker, shown with permission.

" ..crepuscular rays above an active thunderstorm common in Memphis in the summer heat and humidity of the southern United States.  While the shot wasn't difficult, trying to hold the camera steady against an onslaught of biting mosquitoes, ouch! "

August in the US is having more than an onslaught of mosquitoes - there are unusual sunsets, twilights and skywide rays. The recent eruptions of three stratovolcanoes in Alaska's Aleutian Islands could be responsible. Volcanoes inject huge clouds of dust and aerosol forming sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere. High altitude winds spread the particles widely to scatter sunlight and produce glorious sunsets, rays and Bishop's rings.