The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa

the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa. It produced thick clouds of ash that created global effects.

The eruption darkened the sky worldwide for years afterwards, and produced spectacular sunsets throughout the world for many months. British artist William Ashcroft made thousands of colour sketches of the red sunsets half way around the world from Krakatoa in the years after the eruption. The ash caused "such vivid red sunsets that fire engines were called out in New York, Poughkeepsie, and New Haven to quench the apparent conflagration." This eruption also produced a Bishop's Ring around the sun by day, and a volcanic purple light at twilight.

Official Dutch estimates put the death toll at 36,417 from the eruption and resulting tsunamis. Some estimates put the death toll as high as 120,000.