Geography 321, Chapter 17 - Telescope in top of Hawai'i and the Pacific Islands

(https://www.flickr.com/photos/chanc/9104146473)

Mauna Kea Observatories is a famous astronomy observatory located on the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawai'i. The summit of 11,500 feet (3500 meters) is dry due strong temperature inversion keeps clouds  from climbing 4000 feet to 8000 feet (1200 to 2450 meters). In addition, there is no city on the Big Island make light pollution that can interfere the night sky observation.

(http://imgkid.com/mauna-kea-observatory.shtml)

One of the observatory is W. M. Keck Observatory, one of the largest astronomical telescopes in operation.

The Mauna Kea controversy starts recently due the Thirty Meter Telescope build proposal caused native Hawaiian protest. So far the telescope is temporary halted. It seems politics will become considering for Mauna Kea Observatories in future.

http://www.welivemana.com/articles/sacredness-mauna-kea-explained