All ages are invited to celebrate science at AstroDay 2018 Saturday, May 5 at Hilo’s Prince Kuhio Plaza.
More than 30 science and community organizations from around the state including the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, Institute for Astronomy and more will fascinate participants of all ages. Free, fun, educational activities and programs will be ongoing throughout the day. Exciting science demonstrations, entertainment and awards will be at the mid-mall stage, with live broadcasts by KWXX Radio.
Highlights include Starlab–a portable planetarium provided by Gemini Observatory, solar viewing by experienced science guides, robotics clubs, educational games and toys and many hands-on activities. Colorful and informative material will be available, as well as displays from diverse organizations.
AstroDay sponsors the Maunakea Coin Contest, a graphic design competition open to all Hawaiʻi Island students grades K–12. The purpose of the contest is to promote awareness of the relationships between the science of modern astronomy and Hawaiian culture. One overall winner and several category winners are awarded. The 2018 coin contest winners will be announced at the opening ceremony of the AstroDay program, beginning at 10 a.m. The overall winning artwork becomes the the official design of the AstroDay collector coins, T-shirts and posters for the following year.
AstroDay is an annual event sponsored by the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee, a partnership of scientists, administrators and educators in astronomy throughout the state of Hawaiʻi. The committee’s mission is to coordinate and organize the collective outreach efforts of the astronomy community.
For information on the event, go to the AstroDay website or the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee Facebook.
