August 18, 2025 — UAS close-up of north vent

This close-up view of the Kīlauea summit eruption's north vent was captured during an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) overflight conducted by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists on August 18. Looking down to the southwest, the Halema‘uma‘u crater wall is out of view to the top of the frame. Lava was visible within the vent, with its height fluctuating in gas piston cycles every 10 minutes. During high stands, lava was flowing into a void in the eastern (lower-left) part of the vent. The scientists estimated that the lava pond measured approximately 15 meters (50 feet) across. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.