History of AstroDay

Recognizing Astonomy Day

Learn more about the event that inspired AstroDay from the Astronomical League: http://www.astroleague.org/al/astroday/astroday.html

Astronomy in the Community

Astronomy Day is a grass roots movement created to share the joy of astronomy with the general population - with a mission of, "Bringing Astronomy to the People." On Astronomy Day, thousands of people who may have never looked through a telescope will have an opportunity to see and experience the sights that excite so many amateur and professional astronomers. Astronomy clubs, science museums, observatories, universities, planetariums, laboratories, libraries, and nature centers host special events and activities to connect their local communities with astronomical resources. One of the goals is to highlight opportunities for people to get involved with astronomy events and provide information on careers and education. 

AstroDay in Hilo and Kona

In Hilo, AstroDay is tradionally celebrated in April or May. In 2017, AstroDay was introduced on the west side of the island with a partnership with Kona Commons and the Kailua-Kona Public Library. In 2019, AstroDay was held at Kealakehe High School, in conjuction with the HI-RES Hawaii Island Robotics Expo & Showcase event.

AstroDay Worldwide

Astronomy Day events take place at hundreds of sites across the United States. It is also hosted internationally in England, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Sweden, the Philippines, Argentina, Malaysia, New Guinea, as well as a growing number of countries each year. Each region or country adds their own cultural flavors to the science-based event.

What is AstroDay?

Dozens of astronomy and space science organizations around the state are staffed with scientists, engineers, educators and graduate students, providing activities and demos for all age groups. Activities include moon rock displays, gravity simulations, games, prizes, scale models of the solar system, space hardware, space themed dance and poetry, and guided observations of the sun. Teachers use the opportunities offered during AstroDay to promote the study of astronomy in their classrooms.

History of Astronomy Day

The concept of Astronomy Day began in California by Doug Berger, president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California (AANC). in 1973, Berger convinced the members of AANC, an amateur astronomy club, to set up telescopes and displays in locations where people congregated--parks, shopping areas or busy streets--instead of having the public travel long distances to remote observing locations. While not ideal for serious astronomical observation, this strategy proved successful, introducing more people to the rewards of the night sky, as well as encouraging their participation in other astronomy related events. 

AstroDay origins in Hilo

AstroDay in Hilo was founded by Gary Fujihara, telescope/instrument operator at Subaru Telescope, in 2002. Gary learned about Astronomy Day through the Astronomical League and organized AstroDay in Hilo to promote collaboration and understanding of the culture and science that takes place on Maunakea and throughout the state of Hawai'i.

Hilo's first AstroDay was a great success. The event won the 2002 Astronomy Day of the Year award from the Astronomical League, which was presented at ALCON 2002.

Today AstroDay is an annual tradition in Hilo, bringing scientists and science educators into the community, sparking interests in science careers and discoveries for children and adults of all ages.