January 17, 2025 — UAS photo of spattering eruptive vents in Halema‘uma‘u

On Friday, January 17, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologists flew an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS, or "drone") into Halema‘uma‘u crater to capture this close-up photo of spattering at the two active vents of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. Friday's UAS flight was conducted with the permission of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, owing to HVO'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.