Maunakea Observatories Bring Science Fun to Kona Commons

Learners of all Ages Will Enjoy AstroDay

KONA, HAWAI`I (October 12, 2024) – Learners of all ages are invited to Kona Commons Shopping Center in Kailua Kona on Saturday, November 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for an entertainment-filled day of astronomy, robotics, and natural sciences. Sponsored by the Maunakea Observatories, this free, open-air event is an opportunity for the community to meet with scientists and educators and learn how Hawai`i contributes to new and amazing discoveries in astronomy.

The Maunakea Observatories and other science-based and community organizations will offer fun and informative demonstrations and activities. Free giveaways will be available while supplies last and the UH Institute for Astronomy will have a solar telescope on site to safely view the surface of the sun. Four special grand prize drawings will include two beginner level telescopes and two NASA-themed skateboards. No purchase necessary but you do need to be present to win. Prize drawing times are 11:30am and 1:30pm.

Participants in AstroDay include:

• Maunakea Observatories: UH Institute for Astronomy, Subaru Telescope, WM Keck Observatory, TMT International, JCMT/East Asian Observatory, Gemini Observatory, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, Submillimeter Array.
• Observatories on Maui: Las Cumbres Observatory, UH IfA Maui
• Other Institutions: Project PANOPTES, Maunakea Visitor Information Station, UH Hilo Astrophysics Club, NASA Solar System Ambassadors, Onizuka Space Science Program, National Weather Service (NOAA), International Lunar Observatory Assoc., Thelma Parker Memorial and School Library, Hawaii Keiki Museum, PISCES.

 

About the The Mauna Kea Astronomy Outreach Committee
AstroDay is a science and astronomy event sponsored by the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee (MKAOC). MKAOC is a partnership of scientists, administrators, and educators in astronomy throughout the state of Hawaiʻi. The mission of MKAOC is to coordinate and
organize the collective outreach efforts of the astronomy community and act as a forum for the astronomy community and related organizations to plan and coordinate outreach activities.

About Kona Commons 
Kona Commons, owned by local partners MacNaughton and Kobayashi Group, offers something for everyone and is home to 27 national and locally owned shops, and restaurants.  Voted West Hawaii’s Best Shopping Center for 11 years, the property regularly holds free, family-friendly community events including monthly artisan markets featuring locally made products.  For additional information about Kona Commons visit www.konacommons.com.