Submitted by Megan Perdue on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences…
Aloha! One of my favorite excursions in Hawaii has been summiting Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii. We started our journey around 4:00 pm to make it to the top by sunset. We climbed up to a perfect sunset/ stargazing spot about 9,000 feet above sea level, which was above the clouds! The sun was setting through the clouds and left the sky in an array of colors. After watching the sunset, we stayed to star gaze. Because there is no light pollution on the top of the volcano, we were able to see so many stars. I have never seen so many stars (and shooting stars)! Contrary to typical belief that everywhere in Hawaii is warm and tropical, it was only 40 degrees here. After watching the stars, we made the long trek back and headed home.
