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
Akamai Internship Kicks Off 2026 Recruitment Following Stellar 2025 Cohort
Applications are open for the 2026 Akamai Internship Program, a cornerstone of Hawaiʻi’s STEM workforce development for 22 years. In summer 2025, the program supported 33 interns, each matched with a Hawaiʻi-based observatory — including 15 at Maunakea Observatories — for an immersive internship experience. Step inside the 2025 cohort and learn about their innovation and impact at the Maunakea Observatories.
What Does It Take To Become A Telescope Operator?
Derek Petrowski was always curious about working with telescopes, even as a child. While his path to becoming a Telescope Operator and Support Technician at W. M. Keck Observatory wasn’t necessarily linear, his diverse life experiences and career trajectory have led him to becoming a critical member of the Maunakea Observatories community.