Yellowstone's Steamboat Geyser Roars To Life

Planet Earth

Yellowstone's Steamboat Geyser erupted for the first time in eight years on last Wednesday afternoon, drenching delighted viewers who stood in the spray from the safety of a nearby boardwalk.

The unexpected blast occurred at 7:30 p.m. MDT, shooting water and steam 200 to 300 feet (60 to 90 meters) into the air. The spectacular display lasted nine minutes, but the steam continued through the night.