and to consider extending their academic endeavors
to possibly acquire employment here at home
Quite frankly, we decided to create AstroDay to reach the public and particularly children. We want to increase the Big Island resident employment presence at the Mauna Kea Observatories. "Say what?" We want to see more local people working at the observatories. And we're not just talking about drivers, cooks or telescope operators (although all these support positions are very important), but rather astronomers, physicists, optical, electrical and software engineers.
"So how is that going to happen?" Well, it won't happen very quickly. Drastic change will not happen over night. It won't happen in a year, or five. Not even ten years will show much of a difference. Perhaps it may take twenty years or more for changes to occur in the population to produce a larger cross section of qualified individuals in the employment pool and for changes to occur in the 'system' to provide more opportunities for these people.
"Twenty years?" Sounds daunting, but nothing worth doing ever comes easy and without a price. But if we can inspire ONE kid to become interested in science... if we can motivate ONE student to work a little harder in school... if we can inspire ONE child to expect more from themselves and achieve, then all the work put into AstroDay would have been worth the effort. And the twenty years? Well, it would give that child time to prepare themselves for that opportunity when it becomes available.
A Chance To Make A Difference
AstroDay 2K2 was a chance for us to make a difference in our society. A chance for the astronomical community to give back a little bit to the people. An opportunity for the Hawaiian people to educate the public about their culture with regard to the "White Mountain". Mauna Kea is perhaps the *Best* location in the northern hemisphere (if not the world) from which to observe the celestial heavens. Observatories have been constructed on this mountain to provide mankind with a great vantage point from which to conduct astronomical research. But most local residents of the Big Island have no idea what goes on atop their familiar mountain. Many astronomers (and local people) have no idea about the cultural importance of Mauna Kea to the Hawaiian people.
The idea to bring awareness about astronomy and the place from which it is conducted was realized with the creation of AstroDay. April 20th, 2002 was the inaugural celebration of AstroDay in Hilo, Hawaii. It would be the largest event of its kind in the state.
The Big Show - What We Planned To Offer
AstroDay would bring together under one roof, astronomical organizations, Hawaiian groups and educational institutions with a cohesive theme. It would include representation of every observatory on Mauna Kea. There would be portable StarLab planetarium shows and infrared camera and liquid nitrogen demonstrations throughout the day. Astrophysics professors from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and astronomers from the observatories and Institute for Astronomy would give exciting and informative multimedia presentations. Hawaiian cultural representatives would educate people about the relationship ancient Hawaiians had with Mauna Kea and how they navigated the oceans with the stars. A huge 'Kid's Corner' would provide activities and games for the youngsters including a comet making 'kitchen'. Science projects by elementary, intermediate and high school students would be showcased. Several telescopes would be on display for the public to get hands on experience with them. Stargazing activites would be conducted after darkness for the people to fully experience the wonder and beauty of astronomy. And over $4000 worth of prizes would be given away throughout the day.
AstroDay would certainly live up to all of those aspirations and then some. It would go on to exceed any and all expectations for an event of this kind.
IRTF Student intern Lance Ishida
Radio personality DC in the Morning checking out the lunar samples with Kaumana AstroKid, Joy