May 21, 2025 — UAS view of north vent

During UAS (uncrewed aircraft systems) overflights on May 21, the north vent within Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea was occasionally spattering and consistently glowing with incandescence. This oblique aerial view from directly above the south vent shows the north vent structure, with a circular pit 5–10 meters (16–33 feet) wide that fed lava fountains during recent eruptive episodes, and an irregularly shaped spatter cone built within; geologists noted that this structure resembled a wasp nest, being nested within a pre-existing feature and having a bumpy surface texture with irregular openings. These UAS flights were conducted with the permission of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, owing to the 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.