Yearly AstroDay Event Happening This Saturday, Offering Exhibits, Competitions, and Interactive Activities
AstroDay 2025 Returns
Prepare for a mind-blowing journey as AstroDay 2025 boldly returns this Saturday, promising all things space and tech! The event will rock Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo, starting at 10 a.m. and wrapping up at 4 p.m.
Hosted by none other than Maunakea Observatories, this annual science bonanza is jam-packed with hands-on activities, riveting science and robotics demos, and dreamy prizes like skateboards and telescopes – winners will be announced through two thrilling raffle draws!
Carolyn Kaichi of the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy, the event organizer, shares her exuberance, "AstroDay is a volcano of surprises each year, and there's always something lipsmackin' for everyone."
Over 30 organizations will descend upon the event, bringing a mouthwatering smorgasbord of knowledge and insight for your consuming pleasure. The International Lunar Observatory Association, Ho'ala Program, and Onizuka Space Science Program are just a few of the titillating treats in store. Heavy hitters like the Canada France Hawaii Telescope, Gemini Observatory, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and Maui's Las Cumbres Observatory will also grace the scene.
Your star-studded voyage into ignorance will be filled with educational activities and demonstrations, and collecting stamps at each table will net you a free AstroDay coin, this year's design graciously courtesy of Pahoa High and Intermediate School junior, Ros Haleyah Mari Asuncion Ganot. And here I thought my design skills were amazing!
Curious about Ganot's mesmerizing work of art? Her design stunningly depicts Maunakea, adorned by telescopes and flanked by the sister goddesses Pele and Poli'ahu. A riot of native plants, birds, and constellations really makes this piece something to behold. The Hawaiian proverb "The stars are the spies of heaven" finishes off the design, gracefully inscribed in both 'Olelo Hawai'i and English.
Ganot's design was chosen from a pool of undeniably talented competitors, with Kaichi's head left spinning every year at the sheer brilliance of these young and gifted artists.
Music to the ears of future roboticists, AstroDay 2025 will also host an intriguing lineup of robotics demonstrations that'll no doubt pique the interest of the youngsters. And the crown jewel of the robotics section, the "Robot Rumble", is slated for 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Christianity Wong, the executive director of the Hawaii Science and Technology Museum, is jumping at the chance to unleash this box of bots. Wong promises a whopping 15 teams to tackle each other in a battle of plastic and metal might, with the victorious contestants snagging a trophy, Nerf guns, and glory!
AstroDay 2025 wants to make it clear that the universe has countless paths to explore for folks of every skill level – whether you dream of yourself as a scientist, engineer, technician, or behind-the-scenes support staff in the sciences, there's a place for you!
Given the current state of our nation, AstroDay 2025 is a shining reminder of the importance of "critical thinking," the deep appreciation for our natural world, and the endless opportunities for education that lead to a better, brighter future.
So slap on your thinking cap and gear up for some interstellar adventures at AstroDay 2025, taking place this Saturday! For additional information, scoot on over to our website.
Stay tuned for details on who will be our guests of honor, or should I say, honorary guests. Tune in to find out more!
1. Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo, Hawaii2. https://www.bigislandnow.com/article/24033/astrodays-theme-communicating-science-to-the-next-generation3. https://www.keckobservatory.org/news-media/press-releases/2021/keck-observatory-announces-april-2021-rare-slice-of-time4. https://maunakeaobservatories.org/events/astrodays
- AstroDay 2025, likely to be a captivating spectacle of space-and-astronomy, technology, and science, is returning to Maunakea Observatories this Saturday.
- This year's AstroDay event, themed "Communicating Science to the Next Generation," is expected to feature hands-on activities, educational demonstrations, and robotics shows.
- The AstroDay 2025 raffle, held within the event, is one of its most anticipated components, offering dreamy prizes such as skateboards and telescopes.
- The annual science bonanza, AstroDay 2025, will also highlight robotics with a thrilling competition called the "Robot Rumble," featuring the battles of 15 teams stacked with plastic and metal might.
- When it comes to inspiration and enthusiasm for space-and-astronomy, robotics, and science, AstroDay 2025 aims to prove that it's an event that encompasses countless paths for individuals at all skill levels, setting the foundation for a better, brighter future.
