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KECK OBSERVATORY
MAUNA KEA SUMMIT
ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I

2007 April 4

In this unusual view looking east from the Subaru Telescope catwalk 12 meters above the ground, the nearby Keck I telescope and dome appear deceptively larger than the Keck II twin farther back. Yet they are identical, each with a 10-meter mirror and 37-meter dome.
 
As dusk settles upon the summit, the Kecks “smile” briefly for the camera. The majestic sight is fleeting; in a few seconds the domes will darken and rotate toward the first objects of the night. From remote terminals at Keck Headquarters in Kamuela, astronomers are poised to begin their much-anticipated observations. 

Directly behind the camera and less than a meter away, the unseen silver skin of the giant Subaru dome glides by in virtual silence. Astronomers in an adjacent control building are ready. What discoveries await this international cadre of observers tonight?

A VIEW FROM MAUNA KEA ~ SACRED MOUNTAIN OF HAWAI‘I

Mauna Kea holds profound religious and cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. It embodies their divine ancestral origins and connection to Creation. At 13,796 feet / 4,205 meters in elevation on the Island of Hawai‘i, it last erupted about 4400 years ago. The now-dormant volcano is only 120 feet higher than its active neighbor Mauna Loa 27 miles to the south. Seen from below and framed by palm trees and azure waters, the snow-cloaked summit of Mauna Kea inspires awe and veneration—its Hawaiian name means “White Mountain”. The star-filled sky above offers unsurpassed clarity for some of the world’s most advanced telescopes as they unravel mysteries of the universe. Upon its flanks are hallowed Hawaiian sites, ancient paths, rare plants and animals, and a unique and fragile ecosystem. Please walk gently and respectfully on Mauna O Wākea, the Sacred Mountain of Hawai‘i.

EXPOSURE DATA

Nikon D2x
Nikkor 18-200 DX f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
ISO digital: 100  /  f/8
Exposure: 1.1 seconds

COPYRIGHT

All images and text are property of Laurie Hatch Photography; unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law. You are welcome to email me with your useage requests.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

W. M. Keck Observatory

Subaru Telescope

‘Imiloa: Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i

Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station

The photographer thanks the astronomers and Keck staff for their invaluable assistance and collaboration in producing this photograph. Special thanks are extended to Subaru Telescope Director Hayashi, Associate Director Nishimura, and the Subaru staff for their generous and memorable hospitality. 

PUBLISHERS ~ This image is also available in vertical format.

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