Episode 36 of the ongoing Kilauea eruption within Halemaumau crater at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park began today at 11:15 a.m.

Lava fountains erupted from the northern and southern vents, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Lava fountains reached about 500 feet high from the northern vent, while the fountains were about a third high from the southern vents.

Past episodes have produced lava shooting up more than 1,000 feet high and plumes of up to 20,000 feet above ground level.

Volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material such as Pele’s hair may be blown to the southwest of the summit. Pele’s hair are sharp hairlike strands of volcanic glass produced by the lava fountains.

“Strong winds may waft light particles, including Pele’s hair, to greater di

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