Mauna Loa eruption - latest: Satellite captures view of advancing lava from space as crowds flock to volcano

Follow for the latest updates on Mauna Loa’s first eruption in 38 years

Mauna Loa: World’s largest active volcano erupts in Hawaii

A satellite has captured stunning images of the Mauna Loa eruption from space, as crowds flock to the Hawaii volcano to watch the rare event.

The photos, taken when the eruption began on 28 November, were released after the US Geological Survey warned there was a “high probability” a stream of molten lava would reach a main highway on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Officials are preparing for the possibility that the Daniel K Inouye Highway, which connects the communities of Hilo and Kona, could be shut down within the week despite the flow slowing its advance.

“It’ll probably come around the north side of Pu’u Huluhulu, which is right at the Mauna Kea turnoff on Saddle Road,” said Ken Hon, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist-in-charge, at a news conference Wednesday.

The lava flow was previously moving at a rate of 130 meters an hour, but as of Thursday night, Mr Hon confirmed that it had slowed to just 30 yards per hour as the lava hit flat terrain.

Key Points

• USGS warns ‘high probability’ lava could reach highway
• Tourists flock to see volcano erupting and pose for selfies
• Rare dual-eruption event as pair of volcanoes light up the sky
• Residents shared concerns weeks before eruption
• Videos and photos show red glow from volcano eruption
• New map shows path of eruptive activity
• Hawaii officials warn about risks of air quality hazards

[2 December 2022 19:01 · Megan Sheets]

Satellite photos capture Mauna Loa eruption from space

Stunning satellite images of the Mauna Loa eruption - the volcano’s first in nearly four decades - have been captured by Maxar Technologies.

The photos, taken just after the eruption began on Hawaii’s Big Island on Monday, show molten red lava flowing from the volcano’s caldera.

A satellite image shows lava flowing from Hawaii's Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii (via REUTERS)

In this satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies, lava flows from the Mauna Loa volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii on Monday 28 November (AP)

A handout satellite image made available by Maxar Technologies shows a night time overview of lava flows from Mauna Loa (EPA)

The European Space Agency also released its own captivating image of the eruption, showing lava at the centre and smoke rising from the peak.

This image from a European Space Agency satellite shows the Mauna Loa eruption on 28 November (European Space Agency)

The US Geological Survey issued a brief update on Friday morning, saying that the eruption is ongoing at the Northeast Rift Zone.

A more comprehensive update is expected later in the day.