Bright lava erupts from Russian volcano

KAMCHATKA PENINSULA, Russia (NBC/RTV) - A once-dormant volcano in Russia has begun erupting and has drawn scientists who want to know why.

The volcano's on the Kamchatka Peninsula in far eastern Russia.

Volcanologists are researching lava flows and eruptions dangerously close and first-hand.

The volcano was dormant for 40 years and began erupting late November of last year.

Researchers are studying the volcano from the ground and from the air.

The volcano has erupted in a most unusual way, where lava and ash are flowing from the volcano's sides and not from the main crater.

Eruptions lasted for five months the last time the volcano was active.