Behind every astronomical discovery are the stories and experiences of the people who made it possible. Explore the latest from across the Maunakea Observatories.
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“Not Our Everyday Supernova”: Superluminous Supernova Brings Together Collaborators Across the World
A global team of researchers has coalesced around the discovery of one of the most distant, extremely bright supernovae ever found, highlighting the collaborative nature of modern astronomy. The unique benefits of Maunakea as a site for cosmos exploration and the unparalleled power of W.M. Keck Observatory’s instruments made this discovery possible.
Subaru and Keck Help Discover Two Rare Companions in Distant Solar Systems
As part of the new OASIS program, Subaru Telescope and W.M. Keck Observatory helped discover two rare companions orbiting distant stars — a giant planet, and a brown dwarf that could play a starring role in NASA’s new Roman Space Telescope.
Keck & CFHT Join Community Effort To Feed Keiki
This summer, W. M. Keck Observatory served as a hub of community care each Monday. Over 40 staff from both W. M. Keck Observatory and Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope (CFHT) came together once again to pack and distribute meal kits for children as part of the Kaukau 4 Keiki program, an initiative that has become a lifeline for many families across Hawaiʻi Island.
Keck Observatory’s Ilihia Gionson Named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40
Ilihia Gionson, Chief Public Affairs Officer at W. M. Keck Observatory, has been named to Pacific Business News’ 2025 40 Under 40 list, which honors Hawai‘i’s emerging leaders for their professional excellence, leadership, and service to the community. The Maunakea Observatories team joined him at the August 14 awards dinner to celebrate this recognition.
Kaʻala Deitch Named to Pacific Business News’ Inno Under 25
Kaʻala Deitch, an engineering student who has contributed to both technical projects and community outreach at W. M. Keck Observatory, was recently named one of Hawai‘i’s top young innovators by Pacific Business News. The annual Inno Under 25 awards recognize those under 25 in the tech space and entrepreneurs across various sectors.
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.
All Hands on the Mauna: MKO's Coordinate Safety Plans with Local Agencies
While being on the summit may feel isolating at times, there is an entire village of first responders just a call away to ensure that Maunakea personnel are safe 24/7. On April 4, observatory personnel attended a convening at Hale Pōhaku to discuss the collaboration and coordination between the Maunakea Observatories, Maunakea Rangers, and first responders.
UH Student Applies Engineering Skills to W. M. Keck Observatory Project
Kaʻala Deitch, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, is finding his path at the intersection of science, culture, and service. A graduate of Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, Kaʻala’s early education in Hawaiian language immersion gave him more than just fluency. It grounded him with a strong sense of place and purpose. In 2023, Kaʻala joined the W. M. Keck Observatory through the Akamai Workforce Initiative, which places local students in STEM internships across Hawaiʻi.
2024 Waimea Solar System Walk & 45th Anniversary of Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope
On October 26, the Maunakea Observatories hosted its 2024 Waimea Solar System Walk in Waimea Town on Hawai‘i Island. This free, family-friendly event took participants on an engaging journey through the solar system, beginning at the W. M. Keck Observatory headquarters and concluding at the Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope (CFHT) offices.
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.