Kīlauea volcano on Hawaiʻi Island erupted again, shooting lava as high as 1,300 feet into the air. This dramatic event was the 42nd episode in the current eruptive cycle that began in December 2024. The eruption lasted nearly 10 hours, bright orange lava lighting up the crater floor. Experts say the activity is part of an ongoing cycle with breaks lasting days or weeks. Then the volcano erupts again with renewed force. People watched in awe as ash and gas plumes rose more than 35,000 feet above sea level. The lava fountains were visible from miles away. The USGS livestream showed vivid scenes of bright orange lava flowing and heat waves shimmering in the air. Kīlauea is known for its unpredictable power. Since 1952, it has erupted many times, with major activity from 1983 to 2018 along the East Rift Zone. The Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent was very active during those years. A lava lake stayed in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater from 2008 to 2018. A big 2018 eruption caused the summit to collapse and changed the crater’s shape. Experts say these changes affect how Kīlauea erupts in the future. This current eruptive phase has short and long episodes, with small pauses that feel like calm but are not. On Sunday, the eruption was particularly impressive, with lava shooting high like a giant fountain. Observers called it mesmerizing but reminded everyone it is dangerous. A massive ash and smoke column climbed over 10,000 meters, one of the tallest this cycle. Small tremors around the volcano kept residents alert to its power. Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes worldwide and the most active on Hawaiʻi Island. Though Mauna Loa is bigger, Kīlauea erupts more often and unpredictably. About 90% of its lava flows are less than 1,100 years old, constantly renewing the landscape. Despite the risks, many are fascinated by Kīlauea’s spectacular eruptions. Experts say this also helps them understand and predict the volcano’s future behavior better.