Behind every astronomical discovery are the stories and experiences of the people who made it possible. Explore the latest from across the Maunakea Observatories.

STORIES

Gemini’s New Fall Journey Week Brings Hawai‘i Astronomy to Classrooms
Events, Community Olivia Cropper Events, Community Olivia Cropper

Gemini’s New Fall Journey Week Brings Hawai‘i Astronomy to Classrooms

This fall, more than 1,800 students across the Hilo-Waiākea School District learned about outer space and astronomy from 20 volunteer educators during Fall Journey Week. This weeklong educational series is the newest addition to the yearlong “Journey through the Universe” program led by the international Gemini Observatory, a program of NSF’s NOIRLab and the Department of Education Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area.

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Hawaiian Skies: Welehu 2025
Olivia Cropper Olivia Cropper

Hawaiian Skies: Welehu 2025

The night sky is full of stories, lessons, and wisdom that have been passed down for generations. During the Hawaiian month of Welehu (October 22 - November 20), we can see stories like that of Polo-ahilani, a chief who lost his vision, come to life above us. Leilehua Yuen, Gemini Observatory’s Hawaiʻi Culture and Language Resident, shares this story and more, guiding us through the moʻolelo of the constellations.

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Hawaiian Skies: ʻIkuwā 2025
Olivia Cropper Olivia Cropper

Hawaiian Skies: ʻIkuwā 2025

The Hawaiian month of ʻIkuwā (September 22 - October 21) has begun, its name meaning “noisy, clamorous, loud-voiced,” which is a fitting description for the weather we can see in our skies. As we transition from Mahoe Hope to ʻIkuwā, that same sky is full of stars that served as important navigational aids, as well as omens, portents, and signs. Leilehua Yuen, Gemini Observatory’s Hawaiʻi Culture and Language Resident, is sharing their stories and guiding us through the moʻolelo of the ʻIkuwā constellations. 

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Hawaiian Skies: Māhoe Hope
Olivia Cropper Olivia Cropper

Hawaiian Skies: Māhoe Hope

The night sky is full of stories, lessons, and wisdom that have been passed down for generations. During the Hawaiian month of Māhoe Hope (August 24 - September 21), we can see stories like that of Humu, a hoʻokele (steersman), and his two sons come to life above us. Leilehua Yuen, Gemini Observatory’s Hawaiʻi Culture and Language Resident, shares this story and more, guiding us through the moʻolelo of the constellations. 

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