What do you picture? When we think of the night sky, we usually think of the twinkling stars and the moon guarding earth until the morning sun appears. When we look to the sky, some might even think of the astronauts that have braved the great unknown and have gone “where no man has gone before.” But have we ever thought about constellations, the planets or what it takes to see things that are so far away?

Through this Celebrating Science experience, students will see and learn about Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii and understand why it is called the “gateway to the universe.” Students will look at the solar system and explore their place on earth. Students will also learn how to make a telescope, find constellations, and gain an appreciation of the wonders above.