Kilauea volcano erupts again, promising high lava fountains

In the United States, Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, began a new eruption episode on April 8, 2025. This event marks the 17th episode in a series of ongoing eruptions that have captured the attention of both scientists and the public. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that initial lava activity included low spatter fountains measuring between 15 to 30 feet, or 4.5 to 9 meters, high. As the eruption progresses, scientists anticipate that these low fountains will give way to significantly higher lava fountains, potentially reaching heights of over 1,000 feet (305 meters), which have been observed in previous episodes in recent weeks. The impressive display of lava has drawn numerous visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where they can safely view the glowing spectacle from designated areas. The lush landscape adds to the breathtaking visuals as molten rock spews from the volcano. A video livestream provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has allowed viewers to witness the eruption in real-time, with over 1,200 viewers tuning in to watch as bright-red molten rock erupted from Kilauea. As of this eruption, no residential areas have been threatened, with all lava activity contained within the confines of the volcano's summit caldera and the national park. This ongoing phenomenon not only allows scientists to study the geological processes involved in volcanic eruptions but also serves as a reminder of the natural power contained within the earth. The Kilauea volcano, located on the Big Island's southeastern end, remained within its boundaries, assuring the safety of the surrounding communities even as the spectacular display of lava attracts many to witness this grand natural event.