Mauna Kea: A Portal to the Universe A highly regarded site both scientifically and culturally, Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano located on Hawaii’s Big Island. With an elevation of 13,803 feet, it’s the highest point in all of Hawaii and therefore offers unprecedented views of the heavens above. More than 11 countries operate 13 telescopes and observation stations at the summit, as the high altitude, low humidity, and lack of artificial light make it an ideal location to observe atmospheric conditions, visible and infrared light spectrums, and various wavelengths in the universe above. A Scientific MarvelOne of the best sites in the world for astronomical observation, Mauna Kea is home to 13 different observation facilities which collect funding from as many as 11 countries. Nine telescopes operate in the visible and infrared spectrum, three observe the submillimeter spectrum, and one works in the radio spectrum. Observation on Mauna Kea is unique largely due to its conditions. While it’s hardly the highest point on earth, the lack of artificial light pollution (thanks largely to a state mandate that limited the brightness and color intensity of street lamps), its position above the inversion layer, and the low humidity allow for near-uninhibited observations of the heavens above. Even the faintest astronomical objects can be seen from Mauna Kea, making it a world-class stargazing location in addition to the scientific benefits. A boom in astronomical interest in the early 1960s led to the development of Mauna Kea. Led by University of Arizona astronomer Gerard Kuiper, site testing was performed in 1964 to determine the site’s viability in measuring infrared light and an intense funding competition broke out between Kuiper, Harvard University, and the University of Hawaii to establish a long-term observation facility at Mauna Kea. While the University of Hawaii won out, the first telescope wasn’t completed until 1970, but was at the time the seventh largest optical and infrared telescope in the world. By the time a third observation station was completed, local organizations raised concerns about the rush in development of a sacred geographic landmark. Ultimately, only a fraction of the mountain was committed to scientific research facilities, while more than 10,000 acres was deemed protected for natural and cultural purposes. A 14th observation telescope is planned for construction and was approved in April 2013, but a local preservation movement stalled plans in 2015 and a Supreme Court of Hawaii case was brought forward. In September of 2017, after extensive public hearings, the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources Approved the Conservation District Use Permit, so construction should start on the TMT in 2018.
Mauna Kea: A Portal to the Universe
