Mauna Kea Observatories

Photo

by Leijurv

/ CC BY-SA 4.0

The Mauna Kea Observatories in Hawaii are a world-renowned astronomical research facility situated atop Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. At an altitude of approximately 13,796 feet (4,205 meters), the location offers some of the best observing conditions on Earth due to its high elevation, minimal light pollution, and stable atmospheric conditions. The observatories host a collection of telescopes and instruments operated by various international institutions, enabling cutting-edge research in fields such as astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary science. Key facilities include the Keck Observatory, the Subaru Telescope, and the Gemini North Telescope, among others.

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