Average global temperatures have fallen by as…

The eruption had injected an unusually large amount of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas high into the stratosphere that was subsequently transported by high-level winds all over the planet.

This had led to a global increase in sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃) concentration in high-level cirrus clouds.

The resulting increase in cloud reflectivity (or albedo) reflects more incoming light from the sun than usual, and cools the entire planet until the suspended sulfur falls to the ground as acid precipitation.

The eruption will darken the sky worldwide for years afterwards, and produces spectacular sunsets throughout the world for many months.

British artist William Ashcroft will make thousands of color sketches of the red sunsets halfway around the world from Krakatoa in the years after the eruption.