Molten lava is extremely hot, nearly 1150 C (2100 F), and like molten
steel, glows with a bright yellow to dull orange light. The enormous amount of
heat radiated from an active flow can make approaching it very difficult. The
intense heat will burn exposed skin and hair. Lava takes several days to cool
and may look like old, cold rock, but the smell of burning shoes is a sure sign
of fresh lava underfoot.
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