Photo and Video Chronology — January 10, 2025 — Kīlauea summit overflight
On the morning of January 10, 2025, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff conducted a monitoring overflight of Kīlauea summit. Although the eruption has remained paused since the evening of January 3, 2025, glow has since persisted from the inactive vents and lava was observed within them during the overflight. On January 10, 2025, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists (HVO) collected data from two semi-permanent GPS sites on Kīlauea's caldera floor. GPS stations record changes in elevation on the caldera floor and can track ground deformation changes that HVO uses for monitoring unrest. Some GPS stations are telemetered, meaning that their
Photo and Video Chronology — January 3, 2025 — Overflight of Kīlauea summit eruption
The eruption at Kīlauea volcano that began on Monday, December 23 continues this morning. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted a monitoring overflight at approximately 7 a.m. HST. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists captured these videos of the Kīlauea summit on January 3, 2025, during a morning overflight at approximately 7 a.m. HST. With permission from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, geologists landed in Halemaʻumaʻu, which is home to the Native Hawaiian elemental force associated with lava, Pele. Geologists collected a molten sample of lava, which is quickly quenched with water in a metal bucket. Later geochemical analyses of the sample will provide
Overflight of National Parks
In May, National Park Service (NPS) Rangers noticed a tour helicopter flying dangerously low and close to the Montezuma Castle cliff dwelling. In doing so, the pilot was risking serious damage to the site’s ancient architecture. To help protect Montezuma Castle-and other noise sensitive areas, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advises pilots maintain a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above National Park units (FAA Aeronautical Information Manual, AIM 7-4-6) . While this is a request, damage to archeological sites caused by low flying aircraft can also result in civil and criminal penalties. Many companies offer packages that allow tourists to