NASA | Sarychev Volcano Eruption from the International Space Station

On June 12, 2009, a fortuitous orbit of the International
Space Station (|SS) made it possible for an astronaut on
board to capture Sarychev Volcano in the early stages of
eruption. The volcano is located on the northwestern end
of Matua Island, which is part of the Kuril Islands, a chain
of 56 islands northeast of Japan. The eruption sent a
plume of brown-colored ash and white steam rising into
the atmosphere. The plume was so immense that it cast a
large shadow on the island. Sarychev is one of the most
active volcanoes in the Kuril Island chain. Prior to June 12,
the last explosive eruption occurred in 1989, with
eruptions in 1986, 1976, 1954, and 1946 also producing
lava flows. Watch the video to see how the eruption looked
from space.
A fortuitous orbit of the International Space Station
allowed the astronauts this striking view of Sarychev
Volcano (Kuril Islands, northeast of Japan) in an early
stage of eruption on June 12, 2009. Sarychev Peak is one
of the most active volcanoes in the Kuril Island chain, and
it is located on the northvwestern end of Matua Island.