News Release

Have Fun in the Sun at Haleakalā National Park’s Solar Week

A park ranger looks through telescope at Sun.

NPS Photo by Laurel McKenzie

News Release Date: March 16, 2022

Contact: Jin Prugsawan

Contact: Laurel McKenzie

Kula, Maui —Join Haleakalā National Park in celebrating the Solar Week! Starting Sunday, March 20 through Saturday, March 26, 2022, visit the “House of the Sun” to explore daytime astronomy and learn about our closest star. In partnership with the National Science Foundation’s National Solar Observatory, Solar Week will provide a variety of opportunities for people to connect with a feature of the park they may not think much about: the Sun.

“When people hear the word ʻastronomy,’ they probably think of constellations and dark skies,” said Laurel McKenzie, the park’s night sky program coordinator. “But astronomy is happening 24/7. Solar Week reminds us of the astronomical wonders in front of our very eyes - even when the Sun is shining!” All planned activities are outdoors and free to the public with the park entrance fee. No advance reservations or sign-ups are required to participate. Activities include:

Solar Telescope Observation: Take advantage of mobile solar telescopes to safely observe the Sun. Telescopes will be available daily from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Haleakalā Visitor Center at 9,740 feet. Get the chance to see solar activity, live and in person, when peering through a scope.

Sun Discovery Table: What is our Sun made of? How do we know, and why do we study it? Learn all this and more at the Sun Discovery Table, open daily from 1 pm to 4 pm by the Haleakalā Visitor Center at 9,740 feet. Participate in hands-on activities for all ages, learn and discover.

Sun Science Talks: Join solar scientists who will answer questions about our Sun and the ways we study it. A half-hour talk will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, March 20; Friday, March 25; and Saturday, March 26. Meet at the Puʻuʻulaʻula (Red Hill) Summit parking lot.

Planning to visit? Plan ahead and recreate responsibly. Make the park website and event calendar your first stop to learn how to have a safe and memorable visit: www.nps.gov/hale  

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