More than 3,000 children and adults attended the first AstroDay event held in Kona on November 4. AstroDay, held at the , featured activities and demonstrations from more than 30 astronomy, space and science organizations.
”We have hosted AstroDays in Hilo for the past 16 years, but did not have the opportunity to bring an event of this scale to the Kona side,“ said Carolyn Kaichi, event organizer from the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ , ”This partnership with the Kona Commons was an opportunity we couldn¡¯t refuse!“
AstroDay West Â鶹´«Ã½ featured the observatories from Maunakea, Maunaloa and Haleakal¨¡. Also included were science-related organizations such as PISCES, , Natural Energy Laboratory and Â鶹´«Ã½ Electric Light.
Students from were a big hit with their table full of fun activities. natural sciences department added to the science fun, and the showed visitors the features of the sun with solar telescopes.
”This is one of the busiest event we have experienced here at Kona Commons,“ said Nancy Sakamoto, Kona Commons general manager. ”We are thrilled to be a part of such a great community experience,“
AstroDay is an event inspired by the a Astronomical League, a national amateur astronomy group dedicated to promote the science of astronomy and appreciation of the night sky. In Â鶹´«Ã½ AstroDay is sponsored by the , comprised of scientists, education and outreach personnel and students from Oʻahu, Â鶹´«Ã½ Island and Maui.
The fun doesn¡¯t stop here—AstroDay Hilo is scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the Prince K¨±hi¨ Plaza.
