July 9, 2025 – Aerial view of episode 28 of Halema‘uma‘u Kīlauea summit eruption

In this view from an eruption monitoring helicopter overflight on Wednesday, July 9, new lava flows can be seen traveling across the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor—these appear as fluid forms with a shiny, silvery crust over incandescent red-hot lava. Older lava flows from previous eruptive episodes have a darker or duller appearance. The lava fountain during episode 28 reached heights of approximately 1000 feet (300 meters) above the vent. The plume rising above the fountain includes particles of ash and Pele’s hair, giving a brown color to the core of the plume, as well as volcanic gases such as sulfur species that can lend a wispy blue appearance. While another team of scientists measured these gases from a site on the caldera rim (out of view of this photo), the helicopter team landed on the crater floor to find a safe location to approach and sample the fresh lava. USGS photo by K. Wall.