April 15, 2025 — UAS view into south vent

On April 15, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists flew UAS (uncrewed aircraft systems) into Halemaʻumaʻu to monitor the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. This low-level oblique aerial view of the south vent shows an absence of active lava, although the opening in the base of the vent cone (center) was vigorously emitting volcanic gases and glowed hot in thermal images. These UAS flights were conducted with the permission of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, owing to that 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.