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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A Discovery Rooted in Community: How a Citizen Scientist's Discovery Brings Leilani to the stars
When volunteer citizen scientist Todd Fisher discovered a new asteroid using data from the Subaru Telescope, he had the opportunity to propose a name. He chose Leilani, honoring a Hawaiʻi community that holds deep meaning for his family and preserving its memory in the night sky.
Stars of the Maunakea Coin Contest: Pāhoa High and Intermediate School
One small school in the quiet community of Pāhoa overwhelmingly shines in the Maunakea Coin Contest every year. What’s their secret?
AstroDay East 2026 Brings World-Class Science to the Heart of Hilo
On Saturday, May 2, Prince Kūhīō Plaza in Hilo was transformed into a lively hub of science, discovery, and community as more than 30 organizations came together for the 24th annual AstroDay East. Hosted by Maunakea Observatories, the free, family-friendly event welcomed keiki and families for a full day of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and interactive fun.
Listening Across the Pae ʻĀina: 2026 MKSOA Community Workshops
In early 2026, the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) hosted ten community engagement workshops across the state as a key part of the Authority’s active planning process, gathering input directly from community members to inform the development of a new Maunakea management plan.
These workshops created spaces to listen, connect, talk story, and reflect on the future stewardship of Maunakea with a focus on access and aspiration.
Community Astronomy and Mutual Stewardship at the AAS Winter Meeting
Maunakea Observatories, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, and the Hawaiʻi I Ke Alo Mutual Stewardship Project, in partnership with the American Astronomical Society (AAS), convened a three-day, in-person summit focused on implementing community models of astronomy and mutual stewardship.
Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Day Returns to Hilo!
For the first time in five years, Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day returned to the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (UHH). Nearly 350 students and adults explored science, astronomy, and Hawaiian culture at this community event celebrating Ellison’s incredible legacy as Hawai‘i’s first astronaut and the first Asian American astronaut to reach space.
Maunakea Observatories Join in the Fun at AstroDay West 2025
Families and keiki got a chance to explore the cosmos at this year’s AstroDay West at Kona Commons, hosted by Maunakea Observatories.
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.
Pathways to the Cosmos: Mutuality in Astronomy
For the October edition of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach series, "Pathway to the Cosmos," Christine Matsuda, from the Maunakea Observatories, and Kelly Blumenthal, Director of the Office for Astronomy Outreach, sat down for a conversation titled "Mutuality in astronomy: Transforming astronomy through community."
Residents and Maunakea Observatories Staff Connect at the Tanabata Block Party
More than 700 people braved rainy weather to attend the second annual Tanabata Block Party at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Science & Technology Park. Attendees enjoyed facility tours, Japanese cultural performances, and appearances by special guests. The tours were a major highlight, allowing nearly 200 visitors to step inside the “office” of Hawai‘i’s astronomers.
Maunakea Observatories Join UH Mānoa College of Engineering for Career Expo
The Maunakea Observatories joined the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa College of Engineering’s Career Expo in Honolulu. For the MKOs, the Career Expo is an important opportunity to connect with UH Mānoa Engineering students, raising awareness of the diversity of technical jobs within the observatories.
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.
Maunakea Observatories Participate in Hawaiʻi Island Summer Fun Programs
Every year in support of ʻohana and keiki during summer vacation, the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Parks and Recreation hosts the Summer Fun Programs, providing recreational opportunities for keiki at public parks and gyms across Hawaiʻi Island. For over ten years, the International Gemini Observatory, along with other Maunakea Observatories, has had the great pleasure of working with the Summer Fun Programs and coordinating a variety of educational activities and visits.
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.
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.
Overall Winner of the 2025 Maunakea Coin Contest Announced
The overall winner of the 2025 Maunakea Coin Contest was announced at AstroDay on May 3. Ros Haleyah Mari Asuncion Ganot, an 11th grader at Pāhoa High and Intermediate School, took home first place with her incredible design.
23rd Annual AstroDay Brings Science and Discovery to Hilo
The 23rd annual AstroDay lit up Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with hands-on exploration and out-of-this-world excitement. This year’s event, themed “Expanding Your Universe,” welcomed families from across Hawaiʻi Island for a free day of space, science, and technology.
A Hua He Inoa: Calling Forth a Name
Astronomy has a deep-rooted history in Hawaiʻi, beginning with the ancient Polynesian wayfinders who brought the science of celestial observation with them to the islands when they first journeyed here across the vast Pacific Ocean. We had hundreds of names for the stars that fill the night sky, as well as names for other astronomical objects and concepts. Led by ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, the A Hua He Inoa program honors that legacy and the contemporary contributions of today’s Hawaiʻi-based astronomers.
Space science bill helps students soar
By Gail Takai for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser
As an advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in Hawaii, I have seen firsthand how transformative opportunities to explore careers in these fields are for youth. House Bill 563, a bill being considered by the Hawaii Legislature, presents a pivotal opportunity for our state to invest in the future of our youth and economy by expanding workforce development programs.