The ongoing eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater continues at western vents

The ongoing eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater continues at the western fissure vents. Yesterday morning, December 26 around 2:40 a.m. HST, all three vents increased in eruptive vigor and were sending channels of lava into the lava lake. The increase in lava discharge from the western vents continued into yesterday afternoon (left photo). Today, December 27, the eruptive activity appears to have slightly decreased. This morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. HST (right photo) the western-most vent (left) had a small skylight visible with occasional spatter ejected. The central vent channel was crusted over, but a swift stream was visibly entering the lava lake near the tubes base. The eastern (right) vent continues to produce an open channel that feeds into the lava lake. USGS photos by M. Patrick.