Sunday, December 24, 2017 29 Astronomy today on Maunakea is the result of a man, a mission, a chamber and a culture of achievement. Over 55 years later, the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce continues its support of astronomy, science, culture and environmental stewardship on Maunakea. VERY LONG BASELINE ARRAY A Continent-Sized Telescope The 25m Mauna Kea VLBA antenna is one of ten composing a continent-wide array of 10 radio telescopes. The VLBA provides the highest imaging angular resolution in all of astronomy and contributes to a rich spectrum of science from asteroids to black holes. Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce “The Voice of Business on Hawai‘i Island” 117 Keawe St. Suite 205, Hilo 808-935-7178 • www.hicc.biz www.lbo.us companies to remove their restrictions from using the cross-island route, and the rise of social media. In 2014, MKSS estimated about 750 people a day went to the VIS, though some were counted more than once if they went up to the summit. During the summer nights, stargazing events can attract 450. The popular events allow visitors to peer through some of its seven telescopes, which range in size from 4 inches to 16 inches. Stargazing is held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Volunteers also provide talks on constellations and Hawaiian navigation. Parking is limited. The VIS opens at noon. “We look at things millions of years away from us, as far as light travels,” said Margaux Mellott, VIS interpretive guide. There’s also an “amazing” view of the Milky Way, she said. Despite limitations, Scheer said 98 percent of people leave happy, which she credits her staff. “I think we’re all here for the same purpose,” she said. “We like being on the mountain. We like to provide support and services to the public.” Visitors come from countries all over the globe, with an increasing number from South Korea and China, Scheer said. That means staff have to answer questions in multiple languages. Most commonly, they want to know where is the restroom. Occasionally, they’ll get asked about where the restaurant or bar is located. While they can’t offer the latter, Scheer said they do try to keep the VIS stocked to meet visitors’ needs. That includes a small selection of beverages and sandwiches. For the adventurous, there’s freezedried ice cream called an “astrosandwich” But since most don’t pack winter clothing for a trip to Hawaii, the most popular items are no surprise. At the VIS, temperatures can be near freezing at night. “Sweatshirts are our No. 1 seller,” Scheer said. “Then zipup shirts and sweatpants. Socks have been an amazingly effective seller.” Hunter said they try to source local and avoid items that might look gimmicky. “(Sales) help the VIS but it’s not our focus,” he said. Working on the mountain is about more than just a job for Scheer. It’s also a chance to enjoy the peace it offers. “For me, coming up here, is more of a spiritual thing for me,” she said. “Just because when you’re up here at 6 o’clock on the morning, there is nothing happening … and if you go up to any of the pu‘us or you go to the summit, it’s quiet and you can just breathe and nothing else matters.” Email Tom Callis at tcallis@ hawaiitribune-herald.com. GATEWAY From page 28 HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald Margaux Mellott, Maunakea Visitor Information Station interpretive guide, explains the capabilities of the different telescopes kept at the VIS on Maunakea. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
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