Krakatoa Erupts
On August 27, 1883, the rumbling volcano of Krakatoa in south western Indonesia erupted, destroying most of the island. In this lithograph from May 1883, clouds are pouring from the volcano during the early stages of the eruption. When it finally exploded, Krakatoa spewed out more than 25 cubic km of rock, ash and pumice in one of the most violent volcanic events of all time. The official death toll was 36,417, with many more injured, mostly by the resulting tsunamis.

The explosion was reportedly heard on Rodriguez Island near Mauritius, 4653 km away, and has been described as the loudest sound historically recorded. Scientists estimate it reached 170-190 decibels – which would mean that even if you were 160 kilometres away from the explosion, the noise would be so loud that you wouldn't hear someone shouting directly in your ear.