For the second time since the Maunakea Scholars program’s inception in 2015, student proposals from 11 Waiakea High School astronomy students were honored with six of the students awarded time to conduct astronomical research using a Mauna Kea observatory to support their submitted proposals.
For the second time since the Maunakea Scholars program’s inception in 2015, student proposals from 11 Waiakea High School astronomy students were honored with six of the students awarded time to conduct astronomical research using a Mauna Kea observatory to support their submitted proposals.
“We never thought our project would get chosen,” said students Mason Mihkel and Marc Agpawa. “We’re excited for the opportunity to use the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope.”
Mihkel and Agpawa were awarded 30 minutes of observing time with the CFHT using the instrument Megacam for their proposal, “Orion Nebula.”
The students were selected by a time allocation committee comprised of professional astronomers. After months working alongside mentors from the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy in Hilo, analyzing data and preparing professional-style research proposals, the student observers were selected based on the technical viability, creativity and scientific potential of their submitted proposals.
The committee selected the winning proposals:
• Cicily Pa and Georgia Carter were awarded three hours of observing time with Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, which includes a telescope on Maui, for their proposal, “Exploring the Asteroid Belt.”
• Thomas Pakani and Rylan Salvador were awarded one hour of observing time with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope using the instrument Megacam for their proposal, “Nebulas.”
Honorable mentions include:
• Kayla Silva, Taylor Nobriga and Nathan Kamakea for their proposal, “Supernova.”
• Ezekiel Peralto and Mason Morimoto for their proposal, “Galileo.”
Designed to bring Hawaii’s high-schoolers into one of the most advanced observatory communities, Maunakea Scholars helps aspiring astronomers envision their potential of pursuing a career in STEM-related fields. It is the first program of its kind internationally to allocate observing time at major observatories for the direct educational advancement of students.
To qualify, students in participating schools must conduct astronomical research and assemble a comprehensive proposal that can be conducted at an observatory. Selected proposals are then matched with graduate students from the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy and telescope staff to individually guide them through their research.
“For almost two years, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work alongside Maunakea Scholars students as they formulate these ingenious proposals,” said Mary Beth Laychak, outreach program manager at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. “I am very excited by the proposals submitted by the Waiakea students. It is remarkable to see the magic that occurs when students have the tools and confidence to ask big questions about our universe.”