Mount Pinatubo and its surroundings seen from space. This view is looking roughly west over the Philippine island of Luzon. The crater of Mt.Pinatubo is seen right of centre, surrounded by a thick covering of volcanic ash. Ash and mud streams may be seen running in various directions. The abandoned runways of Clark Field, a former US Air Force base, are seen below the crater. This photograph was taken from Shuttle Columbia during the STS-50 mission of 25 June to 9 July 1992, about one year after Mt.Pinatubo's violent eruptions. Mud slides follow heavy rains even now, and dust from the eruptions will remain in the atmosphere for several more years.