Oct. 5 is National Manufacturing Day. To celebrate, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope will open its doors that day to students and the public from across the Big Island. Schools are invited to attend one of three sessions to tour CFHT’s machine shop and electrics lab in the morning.
From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the event is open to the general public. Other Big Island manufactures are also invited to attend to share their work done at CFHT with the community.
This year’s Manufacturing Day is sponsored in part by SolidWorks, who is providing busing for Kona, Hilo and Pahoa/Keaau students to attend. For more information or to register a group, check out the official Manufacturing Day event website at www.mfgday.com/events/2018/canada-france-hawaii-telescope-corporation.
The Solar System is coming back to Waimea Oct. 27. The free event, hosted by CFHT, the W.M. Keck Observatory and UH’s Institute for Astronomy, provides the community an opportunity to talk with staff from the world’s most scientifically productive telescopes and explore the planets — just like professional astronomers do — as they walk through Waimea.
The Solar System Walk turns Waimea into a scale model of the solar system, inviting keiki to explore our neighboring planets through hands-on activities. The walk starts with the sun at the Keck Observatory headquarters at 65-1120 Mamalahoa Highway and continues down the sidewalk to Pluto and its icy friends at CFHT headquarters at 65-1238 Mamalahoa Highway.
Each planet features an activity where solar system explorers can participate in a fun planetary activity and learn about a groundbreaking discovery from the Maunakea Observatories — the site where most of the world’s astronomy discoveries are made. Keiki can get a Solar System Explorers Passport stamped at every booth. Those with a completed passport at the end of the walk can redeem it for a coupon for free admission to the Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. A complimentary BBQ lunch is also available for all explorers at the end of the walk.
The Halloween costume contest returns to the walk this year. The contest begins at 1 p.m. at CFHT’s headquarters. It is free and open to participants of all ages. Prizes will be awarded to the top costumes in five categories: preschool, elementary, 11 and over, best group costume and best space costume. We will also crown a grand prizewinner. All those participating in the costume contest will receive a special prize.
“The Solar System Walk is a great way to get outside and enjoy Waimea. The sense of wonder that the keiki have as they explore each planet is inspiring to all the volunteers,” Mary Beth Laychak said, CFHT’s outreach program manager. “We are very excited about the addition of the Halloween costume contest. We can’t wait to see what costumes the contestants come up with!”
CFHT’s Facebook page will feature regular updates on Manufacturing Day and the Solar System Walk as the event draws closer at www.facebook.com/cfhtelescope.
For questions about either event, call Mary Beth Laychak at 885-3121.
