AstroDay Festival celebrates 12th anniversary in Hilo

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Louise H Good, (808) 956-9403
Media Contact, Institute for Astronomy
Gary Fujihara (IfA Hilo), 1-808-640-9161
Science Education and Public Outreach Officer, Institute for Astronomy
Posted: Apr 23, 2013

AstroDay Lego Robotics Discovery Zone. Photo courtesy Gary Fujihara.
AstroDay Lego Robotics Discovery Zone. Photo courtesy Gary Fujihara.

The 12th Annual AstroDay Festival will return to the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo on Saturday, May 4, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The event will showcase interactive exhibits and displays featuring astronomy/space science, geology, volcanology, invasive species, and robotics throughout the mall. Live Hawaiian contemporary music will be performed by notable local talents Keoki Kahumoku, John Keawe, Rupert Tripp, Jr, UHH Jazz Ensemble, and the Puna Taiko Drum group. 

AstroDay Festival is Hilo, Hawaiʻi's version of the National Astronomy Day event. Created in 2002, it has grown to become one of the largest events of its kind in the world and has earned national recognition each year, including the Astronomy Day of the Year award in 2002 and 2007. 

AstroDay Festival is a celebration of astronomy and Hawaiian culture, with a mission to educate the public on the cultural significance and scientific importance of Mauna Kea — and to help bridge the two through commonality such as Polynesian wayfinding.

"Wayfinders were explorers of their day, discovering new islands in the midst of a vast ocean using their eyes as instruments," said event coordinators. "Today's astronomers are explorers, too, discovering new vistas in the universe using telescopes and detectors as instruments."

AstroDay is supported by the UH Mānoa Institute for Astronomy, Subaru Telescope and the Mauna Kea Astronomy Outreach Committee.

The AstroDay Festival is a great opportunity for a shared learning experience for the whole 'ʻohana.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, call (808) 640-9161 (Hilo), email fujmon@mac.com or visit http://www.astroday.net.

For more information, visit: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/press-releases/AstroDay2013/