The Maunakea Observatories invite the public to a free public block party from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday on North A‘ohoku Place in the University of Hawaii’s Science and Technology Park, above ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.
The event celebrates 25 years of discovery at both the Subaru and Gemini observatories and features a celebration of the Tanabata Japanese Star Festival. Everyone is welcome to participate in the free event and enjoy special astronomical activities and crafts, evening stargazing, bon dance lessons, taiko performances, entertainment, ‘ono food and more.
“This year’s event is especially significant with the joint 25th-anniversary celebrations of operations in Hawaii for both the Gemini Observatory and Subaru Telescope,” said Andy Adamson, associate director at the Gemini North telescope, in a press release.
“It is an honor to have observed from Maunakea for 25 years, and we appreciate the local communities’ support,” said Satoshi Miyazaki, director of Subaru Telescope. “Both Subaru and Gemini have added greatly to humanity’s understanding of the universe, and a huge part of that is due to the exquisite view that Maunakea provides of the sky.”
Like past years, the block party includes the Tanabata Japanese Star Festival. The story of Tanabata tells of the annual reunion of two star-crossed lovers — a weaving princess named Orihime and a cowherd named Hikoboshi. The two are separated by Orihime’s father, who places them on opposite sides of Amanogawa, the heavenly river (Milky Way). The couple is allowed to meet just once a year (on the seventh day of the seventh month).
In astronomy, Orihime is the star Vega, and Hikoboshi is the star Altair. Both are clearly visible in the summer sky.
In Japan, the Tanabata Festival is celebrated by writing wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku, which are hung on bamboo trees.
Entertainment at the block party include:
— Tours of observatory base facilities and remote operations centers;
— 5 p.m. Taishoji Taiko and the Hilo High School Taiko Club will open the event as well as showcase a special taiko performance followed by the opening ceremony;
— 6 p.m. Bon dance lessons and dancing;
— 7 p.m. Hilo High School Japanese Club storytelling;
— 7:30 p.m. Evening stargazing.
The Maunakea Observatories Block Party is sponsored by the Maunakea Observatories, including Subaru Telescope, Gemini Observatory, University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy, Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water, East Asia Observatory, SubMillimeter Array, Canada France Hawaii Telescope, and W.M. Keck Observatory.
Community partners include Hawaii Science and Technology Museum, Hawaii Keiki Museum, PISCES, Center for Maunakea Stewardship, ‘Imiloa, Thirty Meter Telescope, Maunakea Visitors Information Station, University of Hawaii at Hilo Astrophysics Club.
For more information, visit Instagram: @maunakeaobs @subaru_telescope @geminiobservatory.
