Over 1,400 students gathered on Hawaii's Big Island from Oct. 19 to Oct. 22 for the Journey Through the Universe program, an annual astronomy education event now in its 23rd year.
The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education originally developed the program. The Gemini Observatory, part of the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab, introduced it to Hawaii and partnered with the Department of Education Hilo-Waiākea to bring it to local public schools.
Participants ranged from preschoolers through high school seniors. Nineteen volunteer educators from institutions including Maunakea Observatories led hands-on activities and lessons that moved from classrooms to outdoor stargazing under the Milky Way.
The program exposes younger students to astronomy for the first time while helping older students explore possible careers in STEM fields.