Trek to a Star Party

You won’t find celebrities at a Big Island “star party,” but having the Southern Cross, Jupiter, Saturn and the Great Andromeda Galaxy at your fingertips draws awe just as well.

A regular feature of the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station, the stargazing program is held every evening from 6 to 10 p.m. It begins with an astronomy video, followed by a discussion focused on astronomy and Mauna Kea, where the center is located. There, state-of-the-art telescopes and guided tours to Mauna Kea’s summit are your passports to the stars.

It’s a good idea to call (808) 935-6268 for the latest weather conditions before making the trip. For more information about the Onizuka Center, call (808) 961-2180 or log on to www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis.