Learners of all ages are invited to Kona Commons Shopping Center in Kailua Kona on Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for an entertainment-filled day of astronomy 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 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 noon and 2 p.m.
Participants in AstroDay include:
• Maunakea Observatories: UH Institute for Astronomy, Subaru Telescope, WM Keck Observatory, TMT International, Gemini Observatory, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope
• Observatories on Maui: Las Cumbres Observatory, UH IfA Maui
• Other Institutions: Maunakea Visitor Information Station, UH Hilo Astrophysics Club, NASA Solar System Ambassadors, Onizuka Space Science Program, International Lunar Observatory Assoc., Thelma Parker Memorial and School Library, PISCES, Hawaiian Volcano Education & Resilience Institute (HVERI).
A special activity titled “Elephant Toothpaste” will be offered by HVERI. This exciting, foamy eruption uses safe ingredients to show how gas builds up under pressure, just like in a volcano. The result is a tall burst of bubbly, water-soluble foam that looks like giant toothpaste. Through watching this reaction keiki will learn how trapped gas can lead to the differences between Hawaiian-style shield volcanoes and explosive, strata-type volcanoes. This featured demonstration will happen a few times during the course of the event at the center stage area near Jean’s Warehouse.