In early 2010, the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull started an epic eruption that would continue for months and disrupt the lives of millions of people across Europe and the world. The ash plume extended for hundreds of kilometers west and southwest, creating chaos by closing airports in London and other major cities.

This image, taken by NASA's Aqua satellite in May 2010, shows the plume reaching south toward England.

Image credit: NASA