As of Jun 19, 2026, 8:54 PM, happening now. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Semeru (Mahameru), the highest volcano on Java at 3,676 m, has been in near-continuous eruption since 2017, punctuating the sky with frequent ash explosions from its Jonggring-Seloko crater — often dozens in a single day.
Through 2026 it has stayed vigorous, holding at Alert Level 3 (Siaga) with regular ash columns rising hundreds to over a thousand metres above the vent and occasional pyroclastic flows.
The classic, safe way to witness it is from the rim viewpoints of the neighbouring Bromo-Tengger caldera at sunrise: as the light comes up, Semeru's pointed cone stands behind the Bromo crater and puffs a fresh ash plume on cue, one of the most photographed volcanic scenes on Earth.
This is an honest 'distant spectacle' phenomenon, not a summit climb — Semeru's summit and an exclusion zone are restricted after the deadly December 2021 eruption, and the mountain remains dangerous up close.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Penanjakan Viewpoint 1 (Bromo Rim, Semeru in View) |
| Seruni Point (Penanjakan 2), above Cemoro Lawang |
| + 2 more spots, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.