April 15, 2025 — UAS view into north vent

During UAS (uncrewed aircraft systems) overflights on April 15, the north vent within Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea was not emitting as much volcanic gas as its southern counterpart, and it did not glow as hot in thermal images. However, faint incandescent glow was visible in the western portion of the vent cone (just above center), as captured in this low-level oblique aerial photo. These UAS flights were conducted with the permission of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, owing to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's mission to monitor active volcanoes in Hawaii, assess their hazards, issue warnings, and advance scientific understanding to reduce the impacts of eruptions. Unauthorized launching, landing, or operating of a UAS from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited under 36 CFR Closures & Public Use. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.