Arts, culture and science

Observing the observatories

Call it big sky country. The Big Island volcano region hosts some of the world’s most advanced observatories, probing the heavens and our own planet.

With some effort and planning, the peak experience can be found atop the 14,000 summit of Mauna Kea. The observatories aren’t in the theme park business, so don’t plan on guided tours. Instead, you’ll stand on a lunar landscape and be treated to an awesome display of earth, clouds and sky that’s unique on the planet.

Many people find enough adventure with a trip to the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, where “unmanned” telescopes are the main attraction. Since the center is above the cloud cover, at 9,300 feet, visitors who stay past sunset have vivid views of the planets, stars, constellations, galaxies, supernovas and perhaps sunspots.

Close by in Hilo, just above the local University of Hawaii campus, is the tourist-friendly Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii. The $28 million facility, with its high-tech planetarium, seeks to “explore the connections between Hawaiian culture and astronomy.”

Exploring the Mauna Kea summit
High above the cloud cover, the summit of Mauna Kea hosts a cluster of 13 telescopes from around the world. Mauna Kea visitors usually can’t look through any of these giant optical devices, unfortunately — they’re always booked by astronomers and scientists studying things like global warming.

Most people who’ve made the trip come away with vivid memories of an otherworldly experience, however. You come for the mind-blowing view and the adventure.

Some basic considerations: A trip to the summit requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Rental car agencies do not permit cars to make the journey. The road is steep and unpaved in part. The Mauna Kea weather forecast is always … unpredictable. Warm clothing is a must due to high winds and the cold. (Winter months are December through early April.) Visitors are not allowed on the summit after dark, although you can stay to experience the sunset. The ride back is the trickiest part. Allow three hours for the roundtrip if starting in Hilo.

The W.M. Keck Observatory hosts a visitors gallery with a video, a viewing area and restrooms. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Subaru Telescope offers tours about 15 days a month. Telescope tour reservations must be made a week in advance via the web site. The presentation lasts about 40 minutes.

At a less intense 9,300 feet above sea level is the the Onizuka Center visitor station, a popular destination and altitude-adjustment waystation. The center has a group of high-quality telescopes that are available to the public. Volunteers from the University of Hawaii’s astronomy program often are on hand to educate and help with the telescopes. Some visitors recommend speaking up in order to get assistance, which can be spotty.

The stargazing operation runs 6 p.m.-10 p.m., although the center opens at 9 a.m. There are basic refreshments (including astronaut ice cream) and a video orientation.

Imiloa Center reaches for the stars
The tourist-friendly Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii builds upon the discoveries made by the Mauna Kea observatories.

The 40,000-square-foot planetarium and exhibition facility offers interactive exhibits and shows. The planetarium has a state-of-the-art stereoscopic 3D images and a 5.1 audio system. The main presentation is “Maunakea: Between Earth and Sky.” Recent shows included “Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity” and “Hawaii’s Observatories.” A Friday night presentation built around the music of U2 was another popular showcase for the (real) stars.

Admission is $17.50 for adults, $9.50 for most kids. Kamaaina rates are also available for Hawaii residents.  If you are planning for a group of 12 or more, the center offers special rates.  The Imiloa Center is closed Monday and on Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. The center is open from 9am – 4pm.

Atop Mauna Loa
The Mauna Loa Observatory is an atmospheric-research facility that offers tours by appointment. Mauna Loa is the world’s largest “shield” volcano and one of the most active. The observatory sits about 11,000 feet above sea level, on the volcano’s north flank.