The Solar System is coming back to Waimea on Oct. 29. ADVERTISING The Solar System is coming back to Waimea on Oct. 29. The free event, hosted by Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), the W.M. Keck Observatory and UH’s Institute for Astronomy
The Solar System is coming back to Waimea on Oct. 29.
The free event, hosted by Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), the W.M. Keck Observatory and UH’s Institute for Astronomy (IFA), provides the community an opportunity to talk with staff from the world’s most scientifically productive telescope and explore the planets — just like professional astronomers — as they walk through Waimea.
The Solar System Walk turns Waimea into a scale model of the solar system, inviting keiki to explore our neighboring planets through hands-on activities. The walk starts at 10 a.m. focusing on the sun at the Keck Observatory headquarters at 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy. and continues down the sidewalk to Pluto and its icy friends at the CFHT headquarters at 65-1238 Mamalahoa Hwy.
Each planet features an activity, where solar system explorers will participate in a fun planetary activity and learn about a groundbreaking discovery from the Maunakea Observatories — the site where most of the world’s astronomy discoveries are made.
Keiki get their Solar System Explorers Passport stamped at every booth. Those with a completed passport at the end of the walk can redeem them for free admission to Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. A complimentary BBQ lunch is available for all explorers at the end of the walk.
A new edition this year is the Halloween costume contest. The contest begins at 1 p.m. at CFHT’s headquarters. It is free and open to participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded to the top costumes in four categories: preschool, elementary, 11 and over, and best space costume. A grand prize winner will also be crowned. Everyone participating in the costume contest will receive a special prize.
“The Solar System Walk is a great way to get outside and enjoy Waimea. The sense of wonder that the keiki have as they explore each planet is inspiring to all the volunteers,” said Mary Beth Laychak, CFHT’s outreach program manager. “We are very excited about the addition of the Halloween costume contest. We can’t wait to see what costumes the contestants come up with.”
CFHT’s Facebook page will feature regular updates on the Solar System Walk as the event draws closer at www.facebook.com/cfhtelescope/.
Questions: Mary Beth Laychak at 885-3121
Have an astronomy question that you would like to see answered in a future column? Email laychak@cfht.hawaii.edu and submit your question for an upcoming Reader’s Email column.
