AstroDay highlights joy
of astronomical discovery
The second annual celebration of AstroDay is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today in the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.
It will continue in the evening with a star party at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center so people can look through the telescopes, said Gary Fujihara, Subaru Telescope operator and founder of AstroDay.
He said he created the event "to share the joy of astronomy" with the public and to educate people about astronomy and the spiritual and cultural significance of Mauna Kea.
"There has been a lot of controversy about the use of the summit," he said, explaining the activities are intended to provide information on the different views in a nonadversial setting.
"Most importantly, the reason we created the event is to show young people how much fun science can be, to inspire them to stay in school, to extend their educational endeavors and quite possibly get employment right at home."
Last year's inaugural AstroDay received the Astronomy Day of the Year award from the Astronomical League and Sky and Telescope Magazine for the best program in the world, with more than 12,000 visitors, Fujihara said.
He said exhibits include every telescope on Mauna Kea -- including Keck Observatory, Subaru Telescope and Gemini North -- a portable planetarium, infrared camera display, interactive observations from the mountain and exhibits from elementary through high school students and the robotics group at Hawaii Preparatory Academy.
A kids' corner is planned with a "Comet-Making Kitchen" and other activities for children.
University of Hawaii-Hilo astrophysics professors will give presentations and lectures, and Hawaiian cultural representatives will describe the relationship of ancient Hawaiians with Mauna Kea and navigating the ocean with the stars.
All activities are free, and thousands of dollars in prizes will be awarded, including a telescope worth more than $1,200 as a grand prize, Fujihara said.
Astronomy Day events occur at sites throughout the United States and other countries during Astronomy Week, scheduled this year from Monday to May 11.
Fujihara said Dave Brennen, president of the Hilo Astronomy Club, thought of observing the day last year with a gathering of members at Wailoa State Park in Hilo. Then it was decided the day should be shared with other people, and AstroDay was conceived.