In a dazzling volcanic display, Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano sent lava skyward on Tuesday, with towering fountains predicted to reach new heights in a series of intermittent eruptions.
The latest eruption began on December 23, originating from a crater atop Kilauea, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Kilauea is renowned for being one of the planet’s most consistently active volcanoes.
Tuesday marked the 12th occurrence of the eruption. Initially characterized by sporadic and minor lava flows, the event quickly transitioned into a continuous spectacle of fountaining by the afternoon, as confirmed by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The dramatic lava fountains reached elevations between 150 to 165 feet (45 to 60 meters), with expectations of further growth.
A live webcam captured the striking image of the bright red lava erupting vigorously into the air.
Fortunately, no residential areas have been endangered by the volcanic activity. Meanwhile, many visitors have made their way to observation points within the national park to witness the fiery phenomenon firsthand.
The durations of each fountaining event have varied widely, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days. These spectacular episodes have been interspersed with pauses ranging from under 24 hours to as long as 12 days, according to observational data.