On the 11th June 2009, Sarychev Peak volcano erupted on Matua Island one of the Kuril Islands, Russia in the Pacific Ocean. It pumped millions of tonnes and tonnes of sulfur dioxide and ash into the stratosphere. These aerosols can produce spectacular sunrises, sunsets and twilights and this was the case after the Sarychev eruption. some of the most spectacular and beautiful sunsets that I have seen. September was the peak of it. 

Photos taken from Irlam

4th July 2009: ripple waves just before sunset 

26th July 2009: Fiery sunset

10th September 2009: Fiery sunset

11th September 2009: the peak of the volcanic twilight. 

12th September 2009: faint golden crepuscular rays 

13th September 2009: distinctive purple colour

14th September 2009: purple tinge fading

18th September 2009: a bright afterglow

24th September 2009: Fiery sunset

5th October 2009: volcanic aerosols often enhance crepuscular rays in twilight

No connection with the winter of 2009/10 being the snowiest of this century?

Who knows? 

Love to have seen the sunrise and sunsets after the Krakatoa event in 1883 and also after Tunguska event in 1908