MAUNA KEA OBSERVATORIES

The world's most important astronomy observatory. But it's not the snow or even the size of Mauna Kea that makes it one of the most famous and useful mountains in the world. It's the sky at its summit. Thanks to this unparalleled purity, Mauna Kea is the clearest point on the planet for stargazing. The most important astronomy observatory in the world was therefore naturally installed at its summit. It gathers 13 ultra-sophisticated telescopes, including the CFHT (Canada-France-Hawaii), which are precious work tools for researchers from the eleven countries that finance the observatory. However, it should be noted that researchers do not work in the observatories on site but at a distance, these ultra sophisticated devices are only tools. Visitors are not allowed to enter the different observatories, but astronomy enthusiasts will be delighted because this is really where the stars and the different constellations are best observed.

As for those who know nothing about astronomy, before going to the summit of Mauna Kea, they would be well advised to visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, which offers a real introduction to the science of the stars. The thirteen telescopes, some of them of considerable diameter, are spread over the 2 km² summit of the island of Hawaii. One can thus quote the W. M. Keck which uses two telescopes of 10 m of diameter each (a record!), the Gemini North observatory (8.1 m of diameter), or the Subaru telescope of 8.2 m of diameter. The other strong point that characterizes this observatory is its extreme altitude: 4 205 m! The view from Mauna Kea is sublime! Especially since seas of clouds can accompany a sky of absolute blue, contrasting with the domes of pure and intense colors. Some areas have been set up to allow visitors to admire part of the infrastructure, telescopes and domes (this is particularly the case for the Keck telescope).

An incredibly clear sky. If the sky is so clear at the top of Mauna Kea, it is not because of its altitude but because of the quality of its atmosphere. The very dry air, without pollution, clouds or humidity, allows us to accurately measure the infrared radiation of stars or planets. Finally, Mauna Kea is well protected from any light interference from cities (even the orange light from street lamps which is turned towards the ground on most of the island has been specially studied for) which makes the sky perfectly black; astronomers can then study it in its smallest details. This is how they were able to discover the existence of satellites around Jupiter and Saturn or asteroids around Neptune.

The magnificent spectacle of the sunset. Beyond the observation of the stars, the major tourist attraction at this altitude is the sublime spectacle of the sunset on Mauna Kea. The sky suspended above the sea of clouds takes on an unforgettable intense pink color, but to enjoy it properly, you should cover yourself very warmly from head to toe because it is really cold up there!

In order to visit the place, you have to fulfill a certain number of specific criteria because the altitude is not negligible: be in good health, be at least 16 years old, use a 4x4 vehicle, come with the appropriate equipment (warm clothes - all year long -, sunglasses, hat, drink, sun cream, etc.) and leave the place once the sunset is over. If the altitude itself is not necessarily delicate to manage for the body, it is especially the amplitude of altitude which poses problem because many visitors come from the sea level to then climb in a few hours only 4 000 m higher! It is thus necessary to be attentive to one's body and not to underestimate certain symptoms such as headaches, swollen hands and nausea, which oblige to go down again at once towards the Visitor Center 1 400 m lower.

Before going up to the summit, a short visit to the Visitor Information Station (VIS) at 2,883 m is therefore advisable, to confirm the possibilities of access to the domes, and at the same time to give the body a little time to get used to the altitude (drink a lot of water and breathe in and out for a long time) In the evening, while descending, it is also in this place that some "star parties" are organized (suspended until July 2019 because of works) that should not be missed under any pretext! As you can see, visiting Mauna Kea is a must for any astronomy enthusiast and sky lover.

For those who do not have a Jeep or are afraid of the road, there are two solutions. The more athletic can park at the Visitor Information Station (paved road) and continue on foot to the summit. Count on about 3 hours of walking to reach the summit, you must be in good physical condition because you will be quickly out of breath due to the lack of oxygen. The others can book a tour that takes you to the top. This has a certain cost, but it allows you to avoid the stress of driving (many accidents every year due to fatigue or inattention linked to altitude sickness) and to benefit from the comments of the guide, which is rather pleasant. Moreover, your guide will know how to determine the ideal time to reach the summit in time for the sunset.