June 26, 2025 — UAS view into north vent

This near-vertical view into the north vent within Halema‘uma‘u crater was captured during a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory UAS (uncrewed aircraft systems) flight on June 26, 2025. The aircraft was about 150 m (500 ft) above the vent, with north oriented to the upper left in this view. The opening in the vent was estimated to measure 5–10 m (16–33 ft) across, with a small pool of lava deep within. Every few minutes, weak lava spattering was observed in this pool. These UAS flights were conducted with the permission of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, owing to the 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.