Astronomy
Astronomy
There isn’t a person who can dispute that the ancient Hawaiians were stargazers. In fact, they were such proficient at developing a star map that it allowed them to navigate open oceans for thousands of miles with nothing more than their memory and teachings to others of the stars, sun, and moon.
Past: Ancient Hawaiian Astronomy
Not only did our Hawaiian ancestors get to Hawaii by way of star navigation, but they also used the moon and stars to determine the best times to farm and fish. It is part of Hawaiian culture to use the weather patterns, bird migrations, tidal changes, and the stars to understand the environment, explore, and inhabit.
Present: Mauna Kea’s Role In World Discovery
Ground astronomy specifically from Hawaii Island on Mauna Kea has elevated the Hawaiian culture to important global status within the science community. Because many of these discoveries have been given Hawaiian names, our heritage and cultural integrity are preserved in the stars forever.
Mauna Kea telescopes have allowed scientists to identify humanity’s most important space discoveries in the last 50 years [like dark matter, black holes, exoplanets]. These 13 telescopes have helped us see everything we can with their technology and now we must expand our knowledge to the next space frontier with the technology.
Future: A Path for All Mankind
The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) will revolutionize ground astronomy for the entire planet which affects our daily lives. If you are concerned about global warming, natural resources being consumed past replenishment, and the ability to better diagnose and treat the human body against diseases, TMT will offer opportunities to heal – heal the earth and heal its people.
If that isn’t a noble cause for what is considered a sacred space, we don’t know what is.