Keiki to kupuna enjoyed the day learning about the cosmos through exhibits and hands-on activities at Astro Day Saturday at Kona Commons.
Organized by the Institute for Astronomy, which represents Maunakea Observatories, the 20 stations offered educational opportunities in astronomy, robotics and natural sciences.
“We feel it is important to come to Kona Commons and bring these activities to the west side of the island and give the community a chance to interact,” said event organizer Carolyn Kaichi. “Science is for everyone.”
Observatories participating in this year’s event included UH Institute for Astronomy, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, Gemini Observatory, TMT International, W.M. Keck Observatory, JCMT/East Asian Observatory, Submillimeter Array, Subaru Telescope, and The Las Cumbras Observatory and Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, both from Maui.
Science organizations on hand were Center for Mauna Kea Stewardship, Shadow the Scientist Program (USCS), The Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes, HCC Natural Sciences Dept. (Palamanui), Hawaii Keiki Museum, National Weather Service (NOAA) Mauna Loa, NASA Solar System Ambassadors and Project PANOPTES.
Keiki went from station to station learning about astronomy and the planets with hands-on activities such as making UV glowing bracelets, buttons, creating Lego sets and touching and feeling different types of lava rock.
There were many ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ as Max Brodheim, a science software engineer from Keck guided people to look through a solar telescope and observe the sun and solar flares emitting from it.
“Each flare is larger than the earth,” he explained to a group patiently waiting to get a glimpse.
Esvin Martinez was fascinated by the information he received at the event.
“I learned about the moon and lava and how the sun looks,” the keiki said. “I’m having a lot of fun and learning a lot.”
Emily Peavy is Gemini Observatory’s education and engagement specialist. She loves participating in these events and seeing the wonderment in the children as they explore science.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to share all the wonders of the universe,” she said.
Samuelu Puletasi, an NOAA meteorologist, agreed.
“This is very good for kids and adults. They learn about the environment and atmosphere,” he said as he handed out pamphlets about storms and storm preparedness.
Each child attending received a “passport” that could be stamped at each station. Once complete, they were eligible for one of two drawings for a cosmos themed skateboard.
“We hope to light the spark in young people and open their minds to the world,” said Kaichi.
