Stargazing on Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers an unparalleled astronomical experience. Its summit, reaching nearly 14,000 feet, provides an exceptionally dark, dry, and stable atmosphere, making it one of the world’s best locations for astronomical observation. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a casual observer, a trip to Mauna Kea promises breathtaking views of the night sky that you won’t soon forget.
The Science Behind Mauna Kea’s Superiority
Mauna Kea’s exceptional viewing conditions aren’t accidental; they’re a product of several key factors. First, its high altitude places it above a significant portion of the Earth’s atmosphere, which reduces atmospheric distortion and light pollution. The summit’s location above the inversion layer keeps it above most clouds, ensuring clear skies most nights. Furthermore, the surrounding ocean creates stable air flow, minimizing turbulence. All of these factors combine to create an exceptionally clear and steady view of the cosmos, making Mauna Kea a prime location for astronomical observatories. So many factors are in place that allow Mauna Kea to offer such a clear and brilliant view into our universe.
Planning Your Trip to Mauna Kea: Necessary Preparations
Going to Mauna Kea requires careful planning due to the high altitude and potential health risks. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare for your adventure:
Altitude Acclimatization: This is paramount. The summit of Mauna Kea is at 13,796 feet (4,205 meters), and altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness. To mitigate this, plan to spend at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour or two, at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy (Visitor Information Station) at 9,200 feet (2,800 meters) to acclimatize. This center is located along the Mauna Kea Access Road, and it’s a crucial stop for everyone heading to the summit for safety. Remember this is an important and essential step in making it safely, but also enjoying it,.
Health Considerations: If you have any pre-existing health conditions, such as heart or respiratory problems, consult your doctor before your trip. Individuals who are pregnant should also avoid the summit, as should children under 16 due to the potential risks. Avoid strenuous activity before and during your visit. It might be tempting to hike or run around to take pictures but it is important to keep yourself calm.
What to Wear: Even in Hawaii, the summit of Mauna Kea is cold, even in summer. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and wind chill can make it feel even colder. Dress in layers, including a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. You might not expect such brisk temperatures in Hawaii, but being prepared is key. Bring a blanket as well, whether for the car ride up or to sit and gaze at the stars.
Vehicle Requirements: The road to the summit beyond the Visitor Information Station is partially unpaved and requires a 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. Rental car companies often prohibit taking standard passenger vehicles to the summit, so it’s crucial to rent a suitable 4WD vehicle designed for off-road terrain. Check the specific rental agreement, as violating these restrictions can void your insurance. Another important thing to note is that, some rental companies include an altitude meter that can measure your altitude sickness, so be sure to ask about that.
Sun Protection: Despite the cold, the sun is intense at high altitude. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from sunburn and glare.
Food and Drink: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. The Visitor Information Station sells snacks and drinks, but it’s a good idea to bring your own, especially if you plan to spend several hours at the summit. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can exacerbate the effects of altitude sickness.
Navigating to Mauna Kea, From Hilo and Kona
Getting to Mauna Kea is an adventure in itself. Here are directions from the two main starting points on the Big Island:
From Hilo:
- Start by heading west on Saddle Road (Highway 200). This road cuts through the center of the island between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
- Continue on Saddle Road for approximately 33 miles (53 kilometers) until you reach the Mauna Kea Access Road on your left (south).
- Turn left onto the Mauna Kea Access Road. This is where the ascent begins.
- Drive up the Mauna Kea Access Road for about 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) to reach the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy (Visitor Information Station) at 9,200 feet.
- After acclimatizing at the Visitor Information Station, if you have a 4WD vehicle and feel well, continue up the Mauna Kea Access Road for another 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) to the summit.
From Kona:
- Head east on Highway 190 from Kona.
- Continue on Highway 190, also known as the Mamalahoa Highway, for approximately 44 miles (71 kilometers).
- Turn right onto Saddle Road (Highway 200) heading towards Hilo.
- Drive on Saddle Road for about 5 miles (8 kilometers) until you reach the Mauna Kea Access Road on your right (south).
- Turn right onto the Mauna Kea Access Road and follow the directions from Hilo, as outlined above.
Important Notes on the Saddle Road: Saddle Road has significantly improved in recent years, but it’s essential to drive cautiously. Watch out for changes in weather, and be aware of potential hazards like fog, rain, and uneven surfaces, especially if you’re driving at night. It is important to take regular rests while driving. Especially if you are driving at night.
Mauna Kea Stargazing Programs and Tours: Guided Experiences
Several tour companies offer guided stargazing tours on Mauna Kea. These tours typically include transportation in a 4WD vehicle, warm parkas, telescopes, and knowledgeable guides who can point out constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects. The cost can range from $200 to $300 per person, but it’s a worthwhile investment for a more informative and hassle-free experience. Here are a few reputable tour operators:
Mauna Kea Adventures: A popular choice, Mauna Kea Adventures provides comprehensive tours that include dinner, parkas, and the use of professional telescopes.
Hawaii Forest & Trail: This company offers both Mauna Kea summit tours and stargazing adventures that focus on the cultural significance of the night sky to Hawaiians.
Arnott’s Lodge: Offers affordable stargazing tours, focusing on the educational aspects of astronomy and Hawaiian culture.
Visiting the Visitor Information Station (VIS): Even without a paid tour, the VIS offers free stargazing programs most evenings. Check the VIS website for schedule details. The VIS operates a public stargazing program nearly every night, and the staff is extraordinarily knowledgeable. They typically have several telescopes set up, which are surprisingly high powered.
A self-guided visit to the summit can be rewarding if you’re comfortable driving the 4WD road and knowledgeable about astronomy. However, a guided tour offers added safety, convenience, and expert insights into the night sky.
The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy: Your Gateway to the Stars
The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, also known as the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS), serves as the primary access point and acclimatization facility for visitors heading to the summit of Mauna Kea. Located at the 9,200-foot elevation mark, this facility plays a vital role in ensuring visitors’ safety and enhancing their understanding of the astronomical significance of Mauna Kea.
Key Functions of the VIS:
Acclimatization: The VIS is crucial for altitude acclimatization. Spending an hour or two here allows your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. They strongly recommend arriving to the VIS at least one hour before sunset to give yourself time to adjust. This will give you time to use the restrooms as well before embarking to the peak.
Information and Education: The center provides a wealth of information about Mauna Kea, including its geology, cultural history, and astronomical importance. Exhibits, videos, and staff experts offer insights into the telescopes at the summit and the research conducted there.
Stargazing Programs: The VIS hosts free public stargazing programs most evenings, weather permitting. These programs feature telescopes, knowledgeable guides, and explanations of constellations, planets, and other celestial objects. Be sure to arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
Facilities: The VIS includes restrooms, a gift shop, and a snack bar. It’s a convenient place to stock up on water, snacks, and warm clothing before heading to the summit.
Safety Briefings: Staff at the VIS provide safety briefings to ensure visitors understand the risks associated with high altitude and the importance of adhering to guidelines.
The VIS is open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The stargazing program typically starts around sunset and lasts for a few hours. It’s important to check their website before your visit for the most up-to-date information and program schedules.
Ethical Stargazing: Respecting the Culture and Environment
Mauna Kea is not only a scientific treasure but also a culturally significant site to Native Hawaiians. It’s essential to approach the mountain with respect and sensitivity to its cultural and environmental value.
Cultural Significance: For Native Hawaiians, Mauna Kea is a sacred place, considered the home of deities and ancestral spirits. It’s a place of spiritual significance and cultural heritage. Demonstrating respect for Hawaiian culture involves several key practices:
Dress Modestly: Avoid wearing revealing clothing or swimwear on the mountain, as it’s considered disrespectful in Hawaiian culture. This applies to the VIS as well.
Silence and Reverence: Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while on the mountain. Avoid loud talking or disruptive behavior.
A Respectful Mindset: Be mindful of the cultural significance of the mountain and avoid any actions that could be perceived as disrespectful. Learn about the cultural stories associated with Mauna Kea and share them with others.
Environmental Protection:
Leave No Trace: Take all trash with you and avoid disturbing the natural environment. Do not remove any rocks or plants from the mountain.
Stay on Designated Trails: Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems.
Protect Native Species: Be aware of the native plant and animal species that inhabit Mauna Kea and avoid disturbing them. Do not introduce any non-native species to the area. The wekiu bug, for example, is only found at the summit of Mauna Kea.
By adhering to these ethical guidelines, you can help preserve Mauna Kea’s cultural significance and environmental integrity for future generations.
The Telescopes of Mauna Kea: A Glimpse into the Universe
The summit of Mauna Kea is home to a collection of the world’s most powerful telescopes, managed by various international institutions. These observatories play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the universe.
Notable Telescopes:
Keck Observatory: Consisting of two 10-meter telescopes (Keck I and Keck II), the Keck Observatory is among the largest and most advanced optical and infrared telescopes in the world. It has made significant contributions to our understanding of distant galaxies, black holes, and exoplanets.
Subaru Telescope: Operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the Subaru Telescope is an 8.2-meter optical-infrared telescope known for its wide field of view and its ability to study faint objects in the distant universe.
Gemini Observatory: The Gemini North Telescope is an 8.1-meter optical-infrared telescope that works in conjunction with its twin telescope in Chile to provide complete sky coverage. It is known for its adaptive optics system, which helps to correct for atmospheric distortion.
Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT): This 3.6-meter optical telescope has been at the forefront of astronomical research for over four decades. It is known for its wide-field imaging capabilities and its contributions to the study of supernovae and dark energy.
NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF): Dedicated to infrared astronomy, the IRTF is used to study planets, comets, asteroids, and other objects that emit infrared radiation.
Unfortunately, public access to the telescopes is generally restricted due to the sensitive nature of the equipment and the ongoing research activities. However, the VIS provides exhibits and information about the telescopes, allowing visitors to learn about their capabilities and the scientific discoveries they have enabled. You can also find a wealth of information online through the observatories’ websites.
Understanding the Night Sky: What to Look For
Even with the naked eye, the night sky from Mauna Kea is spectacular. Here are some celestial objects you can look for:
Constellations: Familiar constellations like Orion, Ursa Major, and Scorpius are easily visible. Use a stargazing app or a star chart to help you identify them.
The Milky Way: On a clear, dark night, the Milky Way stretches across the sky as a band of diffuse light. Binoculars can reveal even more detail within our galaxy.
Planets: Depending on the time of year, you may be able to spot planets like Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. They appear as bright, steady points of light.
Meteors: Keep an eye out for shooting stars, especially during meteor showers like the Perseids (August) and the Geminids (December). Dark skies are especially beneficial during the meteor showers.
Deep-Sky Objects: With binoculars or a telescope, you can explore deep-sky objects like nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. The Andromeda Galaxy, the Orion Nebula, and the Pleiades star cluster are all excellent targets.
For a more in-depth stargazing experience, consider bringing a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. There are also many stargazing apps available for smartphones and tablets that can help you identify celestial objects in real-time.
Photographing the Night Sky: Tips and Techniques
Capturing the beauty of the night sky on Mauna Kea requires some preparation and the right equipment. Here are some tips for astrophotography:
Camera Equipment:
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls is essential. Look for a camera with good low-light performance and the ability to shoot in RAW format.
Lens: A wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider) is ideal for capturing the Milky Way. A telephoto lens can be used to photograph planets and other celestial objects in more detail.
Tripod: A sturdy tripod is crucial for long-exposure photography. A remote shutter release or intervalometer can also be helpful to minimize camera shake.
Settings:
ISO: Start with a high ISO setting (e.g., 1600, 3200, or 6400) to capture as much light as possible. Adjust as needed to balance brightness and noise.
Aperture: Use the widest aperture setting on your lens (e.g., f/2.8, f/1.8) to allow maximum light to enter the camera.
Shutter Speed: Experiment with shutter speeds to find the right balance between brightness and star trails. Use the 500 rule (500 / focal length = maximum exposure time in seconds) to avoid star trails. For example, if you’re using a 24mm lens, your maximum exposure time would be around 20 seconds (500 / 24 = 20.8).
Focus: Use manual focus and focus on a bright star or distant object. Zoom in on the star to ensure it is sharp.
Composition: Consider the composition of your shots and look for interesting foreground elements, such as silhouetted rocks or the telescope domes.
Processing:
RAW Format: Shoot in RAW format to preserve as much detail as possible. RAW files can be processed in software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to bring out the colors and details in the night sky.
Noise Reduction: Use noise reduction tools to minimize noise in your images.
Stacking: Consider stacking multiple images together to reduce noise and increase detail. This technique involves taking multiple exposures of the same scene and combining them in software like DeepSkyStacker.
Photographing the night sky is a challenging but rewarding experience. With practice and patience, you can capture stunning images of the cosmos.
Potential Roadblocks: Weather and Closure Information
Mauna Kea’s summit road is sometimes closed due to inclement weather conditions, like snowstorms, high winds, or ice. Before planning your visit, always check the weather forecast and the Mauna Kea Access Road conditions. The University of Hawaii’s Mauna Kea Weather Center website and the VIS hotline provide up-to-date information and closure alerts.
Alternative Stargazing Locations on the Big Island
If you can’t make it to the summit of Mauna Kea, or if the summit road is closed, the Big Island offers other excellent stargazing locations. Some alternatives include:
Mauna Loa Observatory Road: This road, leading to another observatory on Mauna Loa, provides a clear (though lower) view of the night sky. It is at a slightly lower altitude so you don’t have to worry as much about the altitude sickness.
Volcanoes National Park: Areas within the park, away from light sources, offer dark skies and unique landscapes. Make sure you are safe and aware of your surroundings while there.
Pu’u O Umi Natural Area Reserve: Located in the Kohala Mountains, this reserve provides dark skies and stunning views of the night sky. This is definitely a great place to bring a blanket and enjoy yourself.
While these locations may not offer the same pristine observing conditions as the summit of Mauna Kea, they still provide excellent opportunities to observe the stars and planets.
FAQ Section
What is the best time of year to visit Mauna Kea for stargazing?
The best time to visit Mauna Kea for stargazing is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to September. During these months, the skies are generally clearer, and the chances of road closures due to weather are lower. However, stargazing is possible year-round, and the specific celestial objects visible will vary depending on the time of year.
Do I need a special permit to visit the summit of Mauna Kea?
No, you do not need a special permit to visit the summit of Mauna Kea for stargazing. However, you do need a 4WD vehicle to drive to the summit beyond the Visitor Information Station. If you plan to use the telescopes at the VIS, arrive early to secure a spot.
Is it safe to drive to the summit of Mauna Kea at night?
Driving to the summit of Mauna Kea at night can be challenging, especially on the unpaved section of the Mauna Kea Access Road. It is essential to drive slowly and cautiously, and to be aware of potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, fog, and other vehicles. Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition, and that you and your passengers are properly acclimatized to the altitude.
Can I see the Northern Lights from Mauna Kea?
While theoretically possible, seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) from Mauna Kea is extremely rare. The aurora is typically visible at higher latitudes, closer to the Earth’s poles. Under very specific conditions of intense solar activity, it might be possible to see a faint aurora from Mauna Kea, but it is not a common occurrence.
What should I do if I start feeling sick while at the summit?
If you start experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath, descend to a lower altitude immediately. The Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet is a good place to rest and acclimatize further before either returning to sea level or seeking medical attention if symptoms persist. Do not continue to the summit if you are feeling unwell.
Are there restroom facilities at the summit?
There are no restroom facilities at the summit of Mauna Kea. The nearest restrooms are located at the Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet. Be sure to use the restroom before ascending to the summit.
Can I camp on Mauna Kea?
Camping is currently prohibited on Mauna Kea. This is to protect the fragile environment and the cultural significance of the mountain. Follow any rules outlined by the VIS.
Can I bring my own telescope to the summit?
Yes, you can bring your own telescope to the summit of Mauna Kea, provided you have a 4WD vehicle and are comfortable driving the unpaved road. Be aware of the potential for dust and wind, and take precautions to protect your equipment. Also, be mindful of other observers and avoid shining bright lights that could interfere with their viewing.
References
University of Hawaii at Hilo, Institute for Astronomy, Mauna Kea Weather Center.
Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station.
Mauna Kea Observatories.
Ready for an experience that’s truly out of this world? Start planning your stargazing trip to Mauna Kea today! Coordinate a trip with friends, schedule time off work, and explore which tour is best for you. Don’t forget to book your accommodations, finalize your transportation, and most importantly, familiarize yourself with all the tips and safety guidelines to ensure you’re fully prepared for this celestial adventure. Trust us – the breathtaking beauty of the night sky from Mauna Kea is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the universe.
