kristy

We will be spending a week each in Maui and the Big Island this summer. Does anyone know if there is an observatory on either island that is open to the public? My 14 year old daughter would love it! Many thanks.

Albert

It's an ASTRONOMICAL observatory, not an astrological observatory.

Astronomy is a science. Science is about power with explanation.

Astrology is a pseudoscience which is about power without explanation.

There is an observatory on Maui (Haleakala) and one on the Big Island (Mauna Kea Observatory). Do a search on Google under these names for more information.

Uncle Albert

molly

Check out the Keck Obseratory on Mauna Kea on the Big Island. The drive up this dormant volcano at is like exploring the surface of the moon. A few years ago we took our then 14 year old son. We took a tour with Arnott's Lodge, and got to see a portion of the obsservatory. The lodge has a web site. Great trip. There may be other options as well. Have a great time!

just wondring

Uh, Uncle Al, in this day and age how do you know the poster didn't mean ASTROLOGICAL observatory? Or are you psychic?

Sam

Cuz if astrologers used observatories, they'd have noticed that the constellations have moved since they set up their systems!

gitapany

The Hyatt in Kaanapali has a nice program, about an hour long. I think it's $25 per person.

John R.

Kristy -
If you have a 4WD vehicle there is a FREE tour of the Mauna Kea summit and the Keck Observatory that is given by volenteers from the Mauna Kea visitors center. A pay tour will probably set you back at least $100 per person, maybe more. Use the money saved to rent the 4WD, ignore the rental car company's warning that you aren't supposed to take the car up Mauna Kea (just drive carefully... no problem) and get the tour for FREE. Our tour spent about 30 min in the Keck Observatory and about the same amount of time in the NASA Observatory last October. Be aware that you can't look through the telescopes or anything... they aren't set up for that. The Visitor's Center also does a stargazing program afterwards... just don't go on the night of a full moon like we did.
Here is the website:
http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/
Click on Summit Tours. Enjoy!

Sue

Does Kauai have an observatory? Can the southern cross be seen with out an observatory in Kauai?

p.

Think you have to go south of the equator to see that one...

jpm

Actually, I believe you should be able to see the Southern Cross from Hawaii. It can be seen in the lower latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.

Albert

Sue

You have to be below latitude 30 degrees N to see the Southern Cross.

Lucky for you Hawaii is at 19 degrees N, so you should be able to see it.

I saw it on a cruise ship out of Australia & New Zealand and it was lovely.