Explore Planets at the Waimea Solar System Walk

The Annual Waimea Solar System Walk, slated for Oct. 24, is just around the corner.

Hosted by the Canada-France-Hawai’i Telescope and the W.M. Keck Observatory, the Solar System Walk turns Waimea town into a scale model of the solar system.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m,. kids are invited to explore the neighboring planets through hands-on activities.

Beginning with the sun, located at the Keck Observatory, the experience continues down the sidewalks and across the laws of Waimea from planet to planet.

“The sense of wonder I felt as a kid, learning about our planets for the first time, comes right back when I see how inspired these students are-running between the planets, discovering new ideas,” said Mary Beth Laychak, CFHT’s outreach program manager.  “It’s so much fun to bring our neighbors and friends together to learn about our solar system, getting to know the astronomers and engineers who run the Maunakea Observatories right here in Waimea town.”

Families attending the free event can explore each of the planetary sites, which will each host an activity booth that will feature a planetary activity. Children who make their way through the whole solar system with a stamped passport and end at Pluto, located at CHFT headquarters, will receive a free admission pass to ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.

To learn more about the Waimea Solar System Walk, visit the CFHT Facebook page.