Today marks the 44th anniversary of the cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. This historic event, which transformed the landscape and impacted countless lives, continues to be remembered and studied by experts and enthusiasts alike.

At 8:32 a.m. on that fateful day, a powerful 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook Mount St. Helens, triggering a series of events that would forever change the volcano's appearance. The north side of the volcano's summit began to slide down the mountain, creating the largest recorded landslide in history, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

This immense landslide not only removed a substantial portion of Mount St. Helens' northern flank, but it also exposed part of the cryptodome inside the mountain. As a result, the volcano experienced a rapid depressurization, leading to a powerful eruption. Within moments, the once majestic peak, standing at 9,677 feet, lost a significant amount of its height, shrinking to 8,364 feet. The eruption produced a colossal smoke plume that soared an astonishing 60,000 feet into the sky, visible even from satellites orbiting around the Earth.

Today, a resident of Poulsbo, Salem Towne, is sharing what he claims to be the closest photographs ever taken of the Mount St. Helens eruption. Towne, who was flying his Cessna aircraft at the time of the eruption, captured these remarkable images. In a post on Nextdoor, Towne explained the breathtaking experience, stating, "I had to fly through a narrow gap in ash layers to get to the mountain. I was able to fly to the rim, keeping upwind, and got the closest photographs ever taken of the eruption. Flying in a no-fly zone, I never published the photos, but I'd like to share them here."

Towne's account and photographic evidence offer a unique perspective on the eruption, showcasing unprecedented details of the volcano's violent eruption and the subsequent ash cloud that engulfed the area. His photographs serve as a testament to the sheer power and devastation unleashed by Mount St. Helens that day. Moreover, these images may provide valuable insights for the scientific community as they study the long-term effects of such a catastrophic event.

As we commemorate the 44th anniversary of the Mount St. Helens eruption, Towne's photographs serve as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of nature. They also serve as a testament to the enduring impact of this monumental event in history. Through these images, we gain a renewed appreciation for the awe-inspiring forces that shape our planet and our lives.