Late afternoon view of Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, January 26, 2021

This close-up view of the active western fissure in Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea's summit was captured through the lens of a laser ranging device used by HVO scientists to measure distances to features within the crater. Though somewhat concealed by spatter deposits, lava is assumed to be originating below the incandescent skylights near the top of the cone, which stands approximately 40 meters (44 yards) above the lava lake surface. From this source, the lava is streaming down into the lake at a speed of several meters per second. USGS photo by M. Zoeller.