Haleakala Shadow with Clouds Flowing into Haleakala Crater

Photographer: Rob Ratkowski
Summary Authors: Rob Ratkowski; Jim Foster

The photo above shows the shadow of Haleakala Volcano, in the background at center, as observed from its summit. Mountain shadows are visible only because they're projected onto a layer, or in some cases multiple layers, of atmospheric dust. The dust outside of the shadow scatters sunlight. However, within the shadow, this scattered sunlight is absent.

Standing at 10,023 ft (mt), Haleakala last erupted more than 400 years ago. It's not obvious from this still photo, but clouds are actually flowing into the Haleakala Crater. Photo taken on January 29, 2024, at 6:28 am local time.

Haleakala Volcano, Maui, Hawaii Coordinates: 20.7101,-156.2531

Related Links:
Shadow of Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Geology and History of Haleakalā