2024 Waimea Solar System Walk & 45th Anniversary of Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope
On October 26, the Maunakea Observatories hosted its 2024 Waimea Solar System Walk in Waimea Town on Hawaiʻi Island. This free, family-friendly event took participants on an engaging journey through the solar system, beginning at the W. M. Keck Observatory headquarters and concluding at the Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope (CFHT) offices.
“I think it’s important to have community events like this, and we have guiding principles. One of them is to exchange knowledge, and we’re able to share the studies of astronomy with the community, and in turn, learn things about the community as well,”
This year’s walk was especially significant as it marked the 45th anniversary of the CFHT. To celebrate this milestone, the CFHT expanded its traditional barbecue lunch to include a variety of fun activities for attendees of all ages. Families enjoyed a bounce castle, face painting, and a charity dunk tank, with donations benefiting the Waimea Middle School mentoring program. The event was filled with joy and laughter, complemented by live music performances that added to the festive atmosphere.
“The Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope headquarters has always been here in Waimea. Our staff lives on the island and is part of this community, and so for us, as we celebrate 45 years, this is an accomplishment that we would not have ever been able to reach without the support of the community.”
Mahalo to CFHT, the W. M. Keck Observatory, the University of Hawai'i Institute for Astronomy, the University of Hawai'i College of Engineering, Solar System Ambassadors, and Thelma Parker Library for bringing the community together to celebrate science, education, and the wonders of our solar system.
