Hawaii had been teasing us for several weeks with its clear nights and the absence of almost any light pollution. Watching the stars is mind blowing in general, but when we got to 13,796 ft (4,205m), it turned into something surreal.
Solid lunch by the beach, ready to head out to the highest point of the island. Brad enjoying the 4×4 required to reach the summit.
The road itself wasnt that bad, but it was steep as fuck.
Emerging from the clouds. In the background is Mauna Loa, largest volcano on Earth.
After 3hrs, the summit is finally in sight.
At the top sits one of the best observatories in the world. Signs make you realize that there are pro-stargazers around here.
Altitude change makes you dizzy, i think Solene liked it <3
Finding these 3 craters at that altitude was surreal.
Picture time, all the time!
Our stargazers’ crew made it to the summit! Left to right: Oscar, Solene, Brad, Kaisu and Logan.
Now time to find a good spot to catch the sunset and watch the stars.
In the distance, a sea of clouds is reflecting the sunset’s last lights.
//Astronaut encounter//
Last sun ray of the day.
Stargazers ready for some action!
Jeeps. Probably the most rented cars on the island. They kinda scream “tourist” but they are pretty cool!
Mauna Kea’s summit
I wish i had more amazing night images of what we saw (still working on these long exposure shots). Or could share all the info about stars, planets and galaxies given by the volunteers during the stargazing session.
But laying down on the road at the summit and contemplating the beauty that is above our heads made me feel like a little boy again, full of dreams, full of hopes and full of life.
Below a nice write up by Kataleya:
I’m gazing up, I’m gazing high.
Let me watch the stars tonight.
It mightn’t give me better grades,
or wash my clothes or clean the plates,
or make me famous, make me rich,
or change the direction of my fate.
And it won’t just fix the politics,
or save the falling economy,
or cease these tiring, endless wars
and it won’t eradicate poverty.
But even if there’s nothing right,
let me watch the stars tonight.
Hitchhiking through the galaxy,
a blazing comet passes by,
and waves to billion specks of light,
those sparkling diamonds in the sky.
Tomorrow I may change the world,
or I might even exercise.
Tonight I’m gazing up and high,
I’m looking at the stars tonight.