The program started at 5:00 pm with a presentation on the importance of preserving our dark skies. Mauna Kea has some the darkest and clearest night skies in the world, which is a precious resource not just for professional astronomers, but also migratory birds, sea turtles, plants, insects and people.

In addition to the presentation, the public was treated to views of celestial objects through telescopes operated by VIS staff and volunteers, members of the Hilo and West Hawaii Astronomy Clubs.

Attendees of the Dark Sky Star Party walked away with door prizes, including a beautiful astronomy photograph print by Wally Pacholka. Pacholka is a three-time Time-Life Picture of the Year award recipient, whose amazing photographs of America's great parks and landmarks can be seen on his website BrightNightGallery.com.

As a fun kickoff for the 2009 International Year of Astronomy, the UH Institute for Astronomy sponsored a Dark Sky Star Party at the Visitor Information Station (VIS) at the 9300 foot elevation of Mauna Kea on Thursday, January 15, from 5:00-10:00 pm. The event brought awareness to the importance of maintaining Hawaii's dark night skies, while showcasing some of the jewels therein through telescopes set up at the VIS. A presentation was given by Audrey Fischer (Chicago Astronomical Society, International Darksky Association Board member), Kimberly Maison (NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional) and photographer extraordinaire Wally Pacholka.

Greg, Wally, Audrey and Kim at Hale Pohaku, the midlevel observatory facility.

Audrey giving her presentation on light pollution to a rapt audience

Wally, Audrey, Kim and Gary pose under the IYA banner inside the VIS

The gang signed one of Wally's beautiful print of Haleakala - look for it at the VIS