Learners of all ages are invited to Kona Commons Shopping Center on Saturday, November 8, for an entertainment-filled day of astronomy and natural sciences. AstroDay Kona is a FREE, open-air event sponsored by the Maunakea Observatories. Join us for an interactive day of learning that will feature family-friendly activities, free giveaways, science demonstrations, and educational fun for all ages.

This year, attendees can use a solar telescope to safely view the surface of the sun, courtesy of the UH Institute for Astronomy, and keiki will be able to enter the Maunakea Coin Contest (open to grades K through 12)!

The Hawaiian Volcano Education & Resilience Institute will also be hosting a special activity called “Elephant Toothpaste,” where keiki will learn how trapped gas can lead to the differences between Hawaiian-style shield volcanoes and explosive, strata-type volcanoes.

Participants in AstroDay include:

• Maunakea Observatories: UH Institute for Astronomy, Subaru Telescope, WM Keck Observatory, TMT International, Gemini Observatory, Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope

• Observatories on Maui: Las Cumbres Observatory, UH IfA Maui

• Other Institutions: Maunakea Visitor Information Station, UH Hilo Astrophysics Club, NASA Solar System Ambassadors, Onizuka Space Science Program, International Lunar Observatory Assoc., Thelma Parker Memorial and School Library, PISCES, Hawaiian Volcano Education & Resilience Institute (HVERI).