ASTRODAY 2022 FREE Community Science Event @ Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo Saturday, May 14 • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

ASTRODAY 2022
FREE Community Science Event @ Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo
Saturday, May 14 • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island – For the first time in two years, one of Hawaiʻi astronomy’s signature events is
back to celebrating science in person with the community! All are invited to Hilo’s Prince Kuhio Plaza
on Saturday, May 14, 2022 for the 21st Annual AstroDay where attendees can learn all about the
exciting discoveries and cosmic detective work happening in the Aloha State.
“After two challenging years of doing what we could virutally, itʻs a huge relief to be able to now
engage with folks face to face,” says Carolyn Kaichi, event coordinator for the University of Hawaiʻi
Institute for Astronomy (UH IfA), “All of us love to see the look of excitement from kids and adults alike
as they participate in our activities.”
Over 20 local science and community organizations, from the UH IfA, to the Maunakea Observatories,
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, Hilo Viking Robotics Club, Haleakalā Observatories, Hawaiʻi Space Flight Lab,
and more, will share their passion for the science and technology with participants of all ages. Get
starry-eyed with free, hands-on educational activities, games, giveaways, and programs throughout the
day. Head to the mid-mall stage for fun science demos, entertainment, and awards, with live
broadcasts by KWXX Radio.
Event Highlights:
• Solar viewing – see the Sun safely through a telescope with help from experienced science
guides;
• DIY spectroscope – Keck Observatory will show you how to make your own simple instrument
that splits light into a colorful spectrum of wavelengths. You’ll see all kinds of rainbows!
• Ask-an-Astronomer – One of our resident astronomers will be on stage at various times
throughout the day to answer your questions about space and astronomy;
• Robotics galore – See some cool robots and other space technology offered from many
organizations throughout the mall
AstroDay also sponsors the Maunakea Coin Contest, a graphic design competition that’s open to all
Hawaiʻi Island students in grades K-12. Beginning at 10: 00 a.m., immediately following the AstroDay
opening ceremony, the 2022 Coin Contest winners will be announced and awarded prizes. The top
winning artwork will become the official design of the AstroDay collector coins, t-shirts, and posters for
the following year. Launched in 2011, this annual contest is designed to raise awareness and celebrate
the special relationship between astronomy, native Hawaiian culture, and Maunakea’s natural
environment. Learn more about the Maunakea Coin Contest: www.mkaoc.org/coin/2022
AstroDay is an annual science and astronomy event sponsored by the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach
Committee (MKAOC). MKAOC is a partnership of scientists, administrators, and educators in
astronomy throughout the state of Hawaiʻi. The mission of MKAOC is to coordinate and
organize the collective outreach efforts of the astronomy community and act as a forum for the
astronomy community and related organizations to plan and coordinate outreach activities. Learn
more about AstroDay: www.mkaoc.org/programming/astroday