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
Maunakea Observatories Join the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum for Kaʻū Career Day
The Maunakea Observatories (MKOs) joined the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum (HSTM) for the very first HSTM Career Day at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Career Day is a workforce-development and career-focused event for high school students that brings hands-on activities, information, and opportunities to local communities.
W.M. Keck Observatory Represents Maunakea Astronomy at the 2025 Hawaiʻi On The Hill
W.M. Keck Observatory was proud to participate in its very first Hawaiʻi On The Hill, an annual week of advocacy for local businesses and organizations in Washington, D.C., organized by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi. This marks the ninth year of the advocacy week, and the first year that astronomy has been represented.
The 2024 Maunakea Wonders Teacher Workshop
Since 2017, the Maunakea Wonders Teacher Workshop has connected 126 local Masters of Arts in Teaching students at UH Hilo to the observatory and educational resources. This year, 15 students participated in this two-day event hosted by the East Asian Observatory.
MKOs and Community Come Together for Tanabata Block Party
On August 17, Maunakea Observatories celebrated the Tanabata Star Festival along with 25 years of astronomy discoveries from Gemini North and Subaru telescopes. The block party, held on North Aʻohōkū Place adjacent to ʻImiloa, brought the community together for food, crafts, bon dance, and lots of STEM activities for keiki.
More than 1,500 attend 22nd Annual AstroDay in Hilo
AstroDay 2024 transformed Hilo’s Prince Kūhiō Plaza into a galaxy far, far away! Falling on May 4, 2024, this year’s free science and astronomy event paid special tribute to the Star Wars theme of “May the Fourth Be With You,” and welcomed more than 1,500 keiki and families for a day of scientific activities, games, and giveaways.
Journey Program Hilo Finishes its 20th Year
Journey Through the Universe in Hilo marked its 20th anniversary, wrapping up on Feb. 9, 2024, amid a 5.7 magnitude earthquake. Throughout Journey Week (Feb. 5 - 9), volunteers engaged over 4,000 students in Hilo-Waiākea public schools with astronomy and STEM presentations tailored to teacher requests, highlighting careers in science and technology, including community events like a reception, lecture, stargazing, and a movie screening.