The Day Vesuvius Blew its Top

Ariel view of the ancient city of Pompei is seen near the mount Vesuvius volcano (in the background), is seen near the Italian city of Naples on March 31, 2009. Nearly 2,000 years after wiping out Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius is among the most closely monitored in the world, its every shudder recorded.

Credit: Mario Laporta/Getty Images