Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano spewed lava nearly 1,400 feet into the sky during an eruption that ended early Christmas Eve morning, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported.
The eruption, captured live on USGS webcams, took place at the Halemaʻumaʻu crater on the state's Big Island.
Kīlauea, located in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, experienced anearly 6-hour eruptive episodethat began the evening of Dec. 23 and ended just after 2 a.m. local time on Dec. 24.
The volcano shot lava fountains up to 1,000-1,400 feet into the air from its north and south vent.
Cameras first spotted the volcano erupting just after 2:30 a.m. local time, the USGS reported on its website.
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Photos of Kīlauea volcano erupting on Christmas Eve
Kīlauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes,according to the National Park Serviceand USGS.
The eruption marked the 39th episode this year, according to USGS. The 38th took place earlier this month, and lasted close to 12 hours.
The volcano formed about 280,000 years ago and grew above sea level nearly 100,000 years ago.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts on Christmas Eve
