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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Subaru Telescope’s New Compound Eye to Start Exploring the Universe in February
The Subaru Telescope studies objects that are relatively close together in the distant universe, and it is enhancing its capabilities with a new instrument called the Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS). The PFS is a powerful compound eye that allows the telescope to simultaneously observe 2,400 celestial bodies with 2,400 prisms scattered across the telescope's ultra-wide field of view.
Nānā ao: Maunakea Observatories’ New Instrument
Nānā ao, “watcher of clouds” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian), is a new instrument that will be shared by the Maunakea observatories to facilitate the detection of oncoming banks of clouds by our nighttime observers.
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.
Bryan Silver: 2025 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year and Maunakea Scholars Teacher
Bryan Silver, a science and Career and Technical Education at Kalani High School was named 2025 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year by the state Department of Education! Bryan has spent the last 24 years teaching in the Honolulu district and has been a Maunakea Scholars (MKS) teacher since 2016 providing Honolulu students with project-based, hands-on STEM learning experiences. This honor reflects the profound impact he’s had on his students and community.
Leinani Lozi Named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40
Leinani Lozi, Hawaiʻi Education & Engagement Manager at the International Gemini Observatory, a program of NSF’s NOIRLab, has been named one of Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40, recognizing her contributions to science education and dedication to serving her community. The annual event honors leaders from across Hawaiʻi for their professional and philanthropic achievements.
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.
MKO Website Relaunched With a New Look and a New Approach
Welcome to the new Maunakea Observatories website! With fresh design, photography, science, and storytelling, the updated website reflects the evolution of MKO and offers a glimpse into our work, people, approach, and role in community.
New Subaru Telescope Observations Reveal the Structure of the Outer Solar System
Dr. Tsuyoshi Terai, Subaru Support Astronomer, gives a deeper look into the process behind the new observations about the outer solar system released by the Subaru Telescope in partnership with the New Horizons spacecraft and discusses what they potentially mean for our understanding of the solar system.
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.
Omidyar Fellows Spotlight - Rich Matsuda
The Omidyar Fellows program is recognizing Rich Matsuda for his stellar leadership as the director of W.M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea!
Mary Beth Laychak Wins 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award
In recognition of her unwavering commitment to educating the next generation of astronomers, Mary Beth Laychak has been honored with the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award. Mary Beth is the Director of Communications and Community Engagement at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and leads several programs within the Maunakea Observatories community.
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.