Researchers flew a helicopter over Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, capturing dramatic footage of its latest eruptive episode. Close-up aerial shots showed molten rock pouring from the crater as plumes of smoke billowed overhead,

"The Kilauea volcano has been erupting on and off since December 24. Wednesday's eruption was the 25th episode. (Credit: U.S. Geological Survey).

The latest eruption lasted about eight hours this Wednesday. Lava fountains shot from the northern vent with force. Some streams soared more than 1,000 feet into the air.