Lava on a stick. @geology_with_helga To remain safe in dangerous conditions, scientists wear protective equipment while pulling samples of magma from active volcanos where the lava can be up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. After placing it in a bucket of water to cool, they return it to a lab to collect information and analyze what’s going on with the volcano’s magma chambers. Chemical analysis from samples can also distinguish the origin of the body of magma that now surfaces, creating dramatic changes to the landscape. On assignment: @natgeo