#Repost @natgeo • • • • • • Photos by @babaktafreshi | Pacaya is the most active of the 37 active volcanoes in Guatemala. Swipe for a wider-angle view of the stars trailing above the mountain with the Earth's rotation, captured during a long exposure. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 80% of the Earth’s surface—above and below sea level—is of volcanic origin. Volcanic materials ultimately break down and weather to form some of the most fertile soils on Earth, and this is why communities tend to live close to these extremely dangerous mountains. This has allowed civilizations to flourish in human history, but also caused some of them to disappear. Follow me @babaktafreshi for more of our planet wonders at night. #volcano #usgs #volcanpacaya #twanight https://www.instagram.com/p/B__Q-z_AHYw/?igshid=1mq99nkzd00cg