The Kīlauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island put on a stunning display on Tuesday, erupting for nine hours and shooting fountains of lava up to 1,300 feet into the air, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The eruption resulted in significant heat and ash, with six inches of tephra, a mix of volcanic material, accumulating on a nearby golf course. Some glassy material known as “Pele’s hair” even traveled as far as the city of Hilo, which is approximately 30 miles away. Throughout the eruption, an estimated 16 million cubic yards of lava were released, accompanied by an ash plume that reached heights exceeding 30,000 feet.
This eruption marked the 43rd eruptive episode since Kīlauea began erupting regularly in December 2024. As a shield volcano, Kīlauea is characterized by its wide, low-profile shape, making it one of the largest volcanoes on Earth. Despite its lack of towering height, shield volcanoes like Kīlauea produce slow-moving lava flows and have been active for as long as humans have been recording their eruptions.
The U.S. Geological Survey has been closely monitoring Kīlauea’s activity, providing updates on the volcano’s eruptions and thermal activity. A live thermal image captured from the west rim of the summit caldera showcases the volcanic activity at Halemaʻumaʻu. Additionally, a GIF of a live webcam view offers a 24-hour glimpse into the Kīlauea caldera and the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.
For those passionate about science and supporting impactful journalism, it’s crucial to stand up for the importance of science. By subscribing to publications like Scientific American, readers can help ensure that coverage remains focused on meaningful research and discoveries, support scientists, and advocate for the value of science in society. Subscribers gain access to essential news, podcasts, infographics, newsletters, videos, games, and top-notch scientific writing. This is a critical time to show why science matters and to support the mission of promoting scientific understanding and discovery.
