The purpose of life is the investigation of
the Sun, the Moon, and the heavens.
— Anaxagoras, Philosopher
Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the planet for an astronomical observation. The elevation is about 4,200 meters (13,800 ft). The atmosphere above the mountain is extremely dry and cloud-free, the proportion of clear nights is among the highest in the world with minimum optical turbulence.
The Mauna Kea antenna is part of the VLBA (Very Long Baseline Array) — a continent-spanning radio telescope system that provides some of the highest-resolution observations in astronomy. Combining signals from antennas across the country creates a single “virtual telescope” the size of North America.
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| NASA Infrared Telescope Facility Hawaii Observatory |
Operated by NASA, the IRTF specializes in infrared studies of planets, comets, asteroids, and near-Earth objects. It plays an essential role in planetary defense and Solar System science.
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| Above the Clouds - Hawaii Mauna Kea Big Island |
Being above the inversion layer means that the summit sits above most weather, haze, and moisture. Standing at the top of Mauna Kea truly feels like being on an island floating in the sky.
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| Skydriving Hawaii Mauna Kea |
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| Sunset Hawai Mauna Kea |
Mauna Kea is famous for its spectacular sunsets. The sharp temperature drop and calm evening atmosphere create near-perfect observing conditions as the sky shifts from gold to deep blue.
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| Stargazing and Astrophotography near MaunaKea Visitor Information Station |
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| Night Sky MaunaKea Visitor Information Station |
The MaunaKea Visitor Information Station (VIS) is located at 9,300 ft (2,800 m) — well below the observatories but still far above city lights. It is one of the best places on the island for public stargazing, astrophotography, and safe acclimatization before heading up to the summit.
Night skies here are extremely dark, and the Milky Way is bright even to the naked eye.
Mauna Kea remains one of the most scientifically important sites in the world — a place where cutting-edge astronomy combines with some of the clearest skies on Earth. Whether you are an astronomer, astrophotographer, or simply someone who loves the night sky, visiting Mauna Kea is a powerful and unforgettable experience.
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