Cascades Volcano Observatory update for Friday, June 5, 2026: All volcanoes in the Cascade Range of Oregon and Washington were at normal background levels of activity for the last week. Small earthquakes were detected at Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Newberry, and Mount St. Helens. Field staff performed station maintenance at Mount Hood and Mount Rainier.
In this exclusive footage, we observe USGS volcano scientists in their natural habitat.
Clad in their distinctive orange flight suits, the scientists cautiously traverse the steaming lava dome of Mount St. Helens, formed during the volcano's remarkable 1980–1986 dome-building period. Despite the rugged terrain, they appear completely at ease, stopping periodically to inspect rocks, collect samples, and point enthusiastically at things invisible to the untrained eye.
The bright orange plumage serves two purposes: visibility in the field and easy identification by helicopters. Their diet consists primarily of coffee, trail mix, and curiosity.
The lava dome, still warm and steaming in places, provides an ideal environment for the volcano scientist. Notice how the two work together. This behavior helps maximize productivity while also maintaining a high level of safety and situational awareness. Remarkable.
The expedition concludes with successfully maintained monitoring equipment, valuable observations, and dozens of photos that all look identical to everyone else.
Nature is truly amazing.
📹: USGS field engineers can be seen maintaining a monitoring station on the 1980-1986 lava dome inside the crater of Mount St. Helens. Photo Credit: USGS
The first of two major planetary alignments of June is about to unfold as Jupiter and Venus shine side-by-side in the evening sky. https://t.co/WCfddfcSHh
The two brightest planets in the night sky are appearing to inch toward each other ahead of a close conjunction on Tuesday, June 9. On that date, Venus and Jupiter will appear in the post-sunset sky less than the width of a thumb held at arm’s length, according to Sky & Telescope.
Read more: https://t.co/PhLLscJFEa
Photo: Sky and Telescope