Pavlof Volcano (AK) as observed from the International Space Station

Pavlof Volcano (Alaska) began erupting on May 13, jetting lava fragments into the air and spewing an ash cloud to an elevation of 6000 m (about 20000 ft). Forecasting the location of ash clouds as they travel downwind is critical for aviation safety and to warn communities in the path of ashfall. This image was taken from the International Space Station by Expedition 36 crew.