The Maunakea Observatories started a temporary suspension of telescope operations following Gov. David Ige’s stay-at-home order issued March 23 aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
While scientific observations are on hold, the observatories launched an innovative public outreach effort for K-12 students and families, providing remote learning resources from expert scientists, staff and educators.
“The health and safety of our staff and community will always be our highest priority,” said Doug Simons, director of Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. “As one of Hawaii Island’s largest employers, we understand the necessity of doing whatever we can to stunt the spread of COVID-19. That’s why our teams are staying home.”
The employees of the Maunakea Observatories — more than 500 technicians, astronomers, instrument scientists, engineers and support staff — will stay home, focused on work that can be advanced without in-person engagement at the summit or base facilities. In compliance with Ige’s order any interaction at the facilities will be limited to emergency response, and essential functions, provided that social distancing requirements are maintained.
Recognizing the unprecedented need to convert in-person learning to a virtual environment, the Maunakea Observatories education and outreach teams are launching new pilot initiatives three times a week, designed to provide innovative multimedia science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, learning opportunities to students and families for the duration of the stay-at-home order and beyond. Available resources will include videos, live virtual engagement, downloadable materials and more.
These resources will be available at www.maunakeaobservatories.org, www.facebook.com/MKOOC/ and the newly created Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee YouTube channel.
“We’re committed to supporting Hawaii with STEM distance learning, sparking students’ curiosity about the universe around us and inspiring them to push the boundaries of their imagination,” said Mary Beth Laychak, program lead for Maunakea Scholars and strategic communications director at CFHT.