Kilauea Eruption 12/23/24

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

I spoke with a park ranger yesterday about inflation at the crater - the eruption has started, live video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w0KulR_3wQk

[dobanion]

Biggun right now. Inside the main crater, looks like it's "back in the corner" so you can't see the fountains unless you go to the hike in viewing area on the far side.

Whole crater covered within a hour, fountains look like they could be 200ft+. Seems like the biggest event since 2018. Will see how long it lasts.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

More updates, video and photos from USGS:

https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/n...t-eruption

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Hawaii Volcanoes Park has now posted info for viewing. Scroll down to Where Are The Best Eruption Viewing Areas:

https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/e...aldera.htm

[Durian Fiend]

We had made plans yesterday for a park visit today, prior to the eruption. Arriving mid morning, we parked at Pu'upua'i after discovering Devastation trail lot was already full. Many people are walking in from there to the good viewing area used during previous eruptions, but we stuck with our original plan of hiking Byron ledge to the visitor center and then loop back via Halemaumau trail. Turns out there are several spots affording a good view of the eruption along Byron ledge.

Upon returning to the usually vacant parking lot approximately 2 hours later we found it packed with cars. Not many folks on the trail when we started, quite a few heading against us as we neared the parking lots.

[kalianna]

Thanks for the recon, Durian Fiend.

[MyManao]

quite a few heading against us as we neared the parking lots.

Sounds like the tourist from the other side.. it takes a while to hear about it and change the plans, eat and finally get the fam in the car and over the saddle.. the real draw is at the end of the day when the whole lot of 'em get over.. Though I'm thinking maybe this show's pau already? Or if not completely pretty close to.. taking a siesta maybe?

Here's the seismic trace from a station near by showing the last 24 hours.. and what looks like a dramatic decrease in amplitude around 3:15 this afternoon..

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

The fountains have stopped, the crater is filled with a layer of new lava, orange glow from cracks on the crater floor.  Photo from sunset today.  Park was jam packed, cars parked any place that looked like a space.  Overlooks full with people.

   

[Durian Fiend]

The fountains have stopped, the crater is filled with a layer of new lava, orange glow from cracks on the crater floor.  Photo from sunset today.  Park was jam packed, cars parked any place that looked like a space.  Overlooks full with people.

Wow, that was quick.  We met a young French couple that was trying to figure out a way to see the spectacle at night without missing their 7AM flight today out of Kona. They can consider themselves quite lucky for catching the eruption at all.

[BlackAkita]

Interesting that the youtube videos are saying Madame Pele has a mind of her own. Well, show some respect for Auntie Pele. If she needs some tribute, there are plenty of politicians who can be flown to the center of the caldera.