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Kilauea explosion captured on video

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A collapse of a rock from the wall of a crater inside Halemaumau at Kilauea’s summit triggered explosion of lava splatter early Sunday.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory released video of the explosion and lava splatter Scientists said the collapse happened at about 1:15 a.m. and was captured by cameras that monitor the activity at Halemaumau Crater.

The spatter fell around the Halemaumau Overlook, which is within an area closed to the public because of the danger from the lava.

The summit lava lake in Halemaumau Crater is about 520 feet by 690 feet in an elliptical shape.

The lake level has varied from about 25 yards to more than 200 yards below the floor of Halemaumau Crater. 

The Overlook Crater inside Halemaumau has been more-or-less continuously active since it opened during a small explosive event on March 19, 2008. 

Small collapses in the overlook crater are common, and over time have resulted in a gradual enlargement of the crater. 

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