View source for Mauna Kea Observatories

{{short description|Astronomical observatories in Hawaii}}
{{Infobox observatory|locmapin=Hawaii
|telescope1_name = [[Caltech Submillimeter Observatory|CSO]] (closed 2015)
|telescope1_type = 10.4 m submillimeter
|telescope2_name = [[Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope|CFHT]]
|telescope2_type = 3.58 m visible/infrared
|telescope3_name = [[Gemini Observatory|Gemini North]]
|telescope3_type = 8.1 m visible/infrared
|telescope4_name = [[NASA Infrared Telescope Facility|IRTF]]
|telescope4_type = 3.0 m infrared
|telescope5_name = [[James Clerk Maxwell Telescope|JCMT]]
|telescope5_type = 15 m submillimeter
|telescope6_name = [[Subaru Telescope]]
|telescope6_type = 8.2 m visible/infrared
|telescope7_name = [[Submillimeter Array|SMA]]
|telescope7_type = 8×6 m arrayed radio telescopes
|telescope8_name = [[United Kingdom Infrared Telescope|UKIRT]]
|telescope8_type = 3.8 m infrared
|telescope9_name = [[Very Long Baseline Array|VLBA]] receiver
|telescope9_type = 25 m radio telescope
|telescope10_name = [[W. M. Keck Observatory|Keck Observatory]]
|telescope10_type = 2×10 m visible/infrared telescopes
|telescope11_name = [[UH88]]
|telescope11_type = 2.2 m visible/infrared
|telescope12_name = UH Hilo Hoku Ke'a Telescope
|telescope12_type = 0.9 m visible
}}

The '''Mauna Kea Observatories''' ('''MKO''') are a group of independent astronomical research facilities and large telescope observatories that are located at the summit of [[Mauna Kea]] on the [[Hawaii (island)|Big Island of Hawaiʻi]], United States. The facilities are located in a 525-acre (212&nbsp;ha) special land use zone known as the "Astronomy Precinct", which is located within the 11,228-acre (4,544&nbsp;ha) Mauna Kea Science Reserve.<ref name=uhero>{{cite web|title=The Economic Impact of Astronomy in Hawai'i|url=http://www.uhero.hawaii.edu/assets/UHERO_Astronomy_Final.pdf|publisher=University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization|access-date=14 July 2015|date=28 August 2014}}</ref> The Astronomy Precinct was established in 1967 and is located on land protected by the [[National Historic Preservation Act of 1966|Historical Preservation Act]] for its significance to Hawaiian culture. The presence and continued construction of telescopes [[Opposition to the Mauna Kea Observatories|is highly controversial]] due to Mauna Kea's centrality in native Hawaiian religion and culture, as well as for a variety of environmental reasons.

The location is near ideal because of its [[light pollution|dark skies]] from lack of light pollution, good [[astronomical seeing]], low [[Relative humidity|humidity]], high elevation of {{convert|4,205|meter}}, position above most of the water vapor in the atmosphere, clean air, good weather and low latitude location.<ref name="About Mauna Kea Observatories">{{Cite web|url=https://maunakeaobservatories.org/|title=Home|website=Maunakea Observatories}}</ref>

==Origin and background==
Significantly predating the current observatories there is evidence of active astronomy on Mauna Kea in the 1901 Land Office Map of the Island of Hawaii showing the "Hawaii Astronomy Station" near the Mauna Kea summit.

After studying photos for [[NASA]]'s [[Apollo program]] that contained greater detail than any ground-based telescope, [[Gerard Kuiper]] began seeking an arid site for infrared studies.<ref name="Zirker2005" /><ref name="Inc.1964">{{cite journal|author=Educational Foundation for Nuclear Science, Inc.|title=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Science and Public Affairs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8gcAAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA35|date=November 1964|publisher=Educational Foundation for Nuclear Science, Inc.|page=35|issn=0096-3402}}</ref> While he first began looking in Chile, he also made the decision to perform tests in the Hawaiian Islands. Tests on [[Maui]]'s [[Haleakalā]] were promising, but the mountain was too low in the inversion layer and often covered by clouds. On the "Big Island" of Hawaiʻi, Mauna Kea is considered the [[List of islands by highest point|second-highest island mountain]] in the world. While the summit is often covered with snow, the air is extremely dry.<ref name="Zirker2005" /> Kuiper began looking into the possibility of an observatory on Mauna Kea. After testing, he discovered the low humidity was perfect for infrared signals. He persuaded Hawaiʻi Governor [[John A. Burns]] to bulldoze a dirt road to the summit where he built a small telescope on Pu{{okina}}u Poli{{okina}}ahu, a cinder cone peak.<ref name="Zirker2005" /><ref name="Yount1996">{{cite book|author=David Yount|title=Who Runs the University?: The Politics of Higher Education in Hawaii, 1985-1992|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZtnBE9CcxOAC&pg=PA232|date=1 January 1996|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|isbn=978-0-8248-1821-0|page=232}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Astronomy Now|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CB7yAAAAMAAJ|date=1991|publisher=Intra Press|page=45}}</ref> The peak was the second highest on the mountain with the highest peak being holy ground, so Kuiper avoided it.<ref name="PARKER2013">{{cite book|author=Barry R. PARKER|title=Stairway to the Stars: The Story of the World's Largest Observatory|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RbkACAAAQBAJ&pg=PA25|date=11 November 2013|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-1-4899-6052-8}}</ref>{{rp|25}} Next, Kuiper tried enlisting NASA to fund a larger facility with a large telescope, housing and other needed structures. NASA, in turn, decided to make the project open to competition. Professor of physics, John Jefferies of the [[University of Hawaii]] placed a bid on behalf of the university.<ref name="Zirker2005" /><ref name="Leverington2012">{{cite book|author=David Leverington|title=A History of Astronomy: from 1890 to the Present|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r47qBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA276|date=6 December 2012|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-1-4471-2124-4|page=276}}</ref><ref name="KaminsPotter1998">{{cite book|author1=Robert M. Kamins|author2=Robert E. Potter|author3=University of Hawaii (System)|title=Måalamalama: A History of the University of Hawaiʻi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q8jyzfUmFvgC&pg=PA211|date=January 1998|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|isbn=978-0-8248-2006-0|pages=210–211}}</ref> Jefferies had gained his reputation through observations at [[National Solar Observatory#Sacramento Peak|Sacramento Peak Observatory]]. The proposal was for a two-meter telescope to serve both the needs of NASA and the university. While large telescopes are not ordinarily awarded to universities without well-established astronomers, Jefferies and UH were awarded the NASA contract, infuriating Kuiper, who felt that "his mountain" had been "stolen" from ''him''.<ref name="Zirker2005" /><ref name="Tatarewicz1990">{{cite book|author=Joseph N. Tatarewicz|title=Space Technology & Planetary Astronomy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MnXQtlBcRFIC&pg=PA82|date=1990|publisher=Indiana University Press|isbn=0-253-35655-5|page=82}}</ref> Kuiper would abandon his site (the very first telescope on Mauna Kea) over the competition and begin work in Arizona on a different NASA project. After considerable testing by Jefferies' team, the best locations were determined to be near the summit at the top of the cinder cones. Testing also determined Mauna Kea to be superb for nighttime viewing due to many factors, including the thin air, constant trade winds and being surrounded by sea. Jefferies would build a 2.24 meter telescope with the State of Hawaiʻi agreeing to build a reliable, all weather roadway to the summit. Building began in 1967 and first light was seen in 1970.<ref name="Zirker2005">{{cite book|author=J. B. Zirker|title=An Acre of Glass: A History and Forecast of the Telescope|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TYYVXIePsy4C&pg=PA94|date=18 October 2005|publisher=JHU Press|isbn=978-0-8018-8234-0|pages=89–95}}</ref>

Other groups began requesting subleases on the newly accessible mountaintop. By 1970, two {{convert|24|in|m|1|abbr=on}} telescopes had been constructed by the [[United States Air Force]] and [[Lowell Observatory]]. In 1973, Canada and France agreed to build the 3.6&nbsp;m [[Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope|CFHT]] on Mauna Kea.<ref name="astro-timeline">{{cite web|title=Timeline of Astronomy in Hawaiʻi|url=http://mkooc.org/css-timeline.html|publisher=Mauna Kea Observatories Outreach Committee|access-date=October 2, 2010|first=Andrew|last=Pickles|date=2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727090520/http://mkooc.org/css-timeline.html|archive-date=July 27, 2011}}</ref> However, local organizations started to raise concerns about the environmental impact of the observatory. This led the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prepare an initial management plan, drafted in 1977 and supplemented in 1980. In January 1982, the University of Hawaiʻi [[Governing boards of colleges and universities in the United States|Board of Regents]] approved a plan to support the continued development of scientific facilities at the site.<ref name="uh-2009"/>  In 1998, {{convert|2033|acre|ha|0|abbr=on}} were transferred from the observatory lease to supplement the Mauna Kea Ice Age Reserve. The 1982 plan was replaced in 2000 by an extension designed to serve until 2020: it instituted an Office of Mauna Kea Management,<ref name="uh-2000">{{cite web|title=Mauna Kea Science Reserve Astronomy Development Plan 2000–2020 – Summary |url=http://www.hawaii.edu/maunakea/appendix_a.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090920100909/http://www.hawaii.edu/maunakea/appendix_a.pdf |archive-date=September 20, 2009 |publisher=[[Institute for Astronomy (Hawaii)|Institute for Astronomy]] – [[University of Hawaii]] |access-date=August 19, 2010 |date=August 1999 |url-status=dead }}</ref> designated {{convert|525|acre|ha|0|abbr=on}} for astronomy, and shifted the remaining {{convert|10763|acre|ha|0|abbr=on}} to "natural and cultural preservation". This plan was further revised to address concern expressed in the Hawaiian community that a lack of respect was being shown toward the cultural value the mountain embodied to the region's indigenous people.<ref name="uh-2009">{{cite web|title=Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan: UH Management Areas|url=http://archive.jan2013.hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/mauna-kea-management-plan/comprehensive-management-plan|format=PDF|author=[[Institute for Astronomy (Hawaii)|Institute for Astronomy]] – [[University of Hawaii]]|publisher=Hawai`i State Department of Land and Natural Resources|access-date=August 19, 2010|date=January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045751/http://archive.jan2013.hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/mauna-kea-management-plan/comprehensive-management-plan|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref>

{{As of|2012}}, the Mauna Kea Science Reserve has 13 observation facilities, each funded by as many as 11 countries. It is one of the world's premier observatories for optical, infrared, and submillimeter astronomy, <!---ref has not been updated, other observatories now numerically more telescopes'<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/|title=Mauna Kea Observatories|publisher=University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy|access-date=January 18, 2012}}</ref><---> and in 2009 was the largest measured by light gathering power.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.jan2013.hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/random-files/mauna-kea-files/Mauna_Kea_CMP-Sect5-7.pdf|title=Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan|author=University of Hawai`i|date=January 2009|publisher=Hawai`i State Department of Land and Natural Resources|pages=6–1|access-date=January 18, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071537/http://archive.jan2013.hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/random-files/mauna-kea-files/Mauna_Kea_CMP-Sect5-7.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> There are nine telescopes working in the visible and infrared spectrum, three in the submillimeter spectrum, and one in the radio spectrum, with mirrors or dishes ranging from {{convert|0.9|to|25|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="telescope-table"/> In comparison, the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] has a {{convert|2.4|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} mirror, similar in size to the UH88, now the second smallest telescope on the mountain.<ref name="telescope-table">{{cite web|title=Mauna Kea Telescopes|url=http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/telescope_table.shtml|publisher=[[Institute for Astronomy (Hawaii)|Institute for Astronomy]] – [[University of Hawaii]]|access-date=August 29, 2010}}</ref>

===Controversies===
Planned new telescopes, including the [[Thirty Meter Telescope]], have attracted controversy due to their potential cultural and ecological impact.<ref name="tmt">{{cite web|title=Thirty Meter Telescope Selects Mauna Kea|url=http://www.tmt.org/news-center/thirty-meter-telescope-selects-mauna-kea|work=Press release|publisher=[[California Institute of Technology]], [[University of California]], and the Association of Canadian Universities for Research in Astronomy|access-date=August 29, 2010|date=August 21, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810235601/http://www.tmt.org/news-center/thirty-meter-telescope-selects-mauna-kea|archive-date=August 10, 2010}}</ref><ref name="pan-starrs">{{cite web|title=University of Hawaii Develop New Telescope for "Killer" Asteroid Search|url=http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/~kaiser/pan-starrs/pressrelease/|work=Press release|publisher=[[Institute for Astronomy (Hawaii)|Institute for Astronomy]] – [[University of Hawaii]]|date=October 8, 2002 |url-status= dead <!-- it is listed but not available at http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/press-releases/ --> |archive-date= June 12, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100612064030/http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/~kaiser/pan-starrs/pressrelease/ }}</ref> The multi-telescope "outrigger" extension to the [[W. M. Keck Observatory|Keck telescopes]], which required new sites, was eventually canceled.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ruling could block Mauna Kea projects|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2006/08/07/daily18.html?jst=b_ln_hl|access-date=November 4, 2010|newspaper=Pacific Business News|date=August 8, 2006}}</ref> Three or four of the mountain's 13 existing telescopes must be dismantled over the next decade with the [[Thirty Meter Telescope|TMT]] proposal to be the last area on Mauna Kea on which any telescope would ever be built.<ref name="nature.com">{{Cite journal|title=Hawaii prunes Mauna Kea telescope hub|first=Alexandra|last=Witze|date=June 4, 2015|journal=Nature News|volume=522|issue=7554|pages=15–16|doi=10.1038/522015a|pmid=26040874|bibcode=2015Natur.522...15W|doi-access=free}}</ref>
<br />
With all the controversy, the building of telescopes has led to the creation of the Hawaii Night Sky Protection Act.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SB2402.DOC |url=https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2012/Bills/SB2402_.HTM |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=www.capitol.hawaii.gov}}</ref> As artificial light forms a light cloud above the land, the excess light disrupts the clear pictures taken by the telescopes. On July 1, 2013, the Hawaii Night Sky Protection Act was initiated, affecting both the Big Island and Maui. A large difference between the Hawaiian islands and the mainland United States can be observed: street lighting. Almost all streets are dark as the lamps have either not been built, have been removed, or have been dimmed.

===Scientific discoveries===
The Mauna Kea Observatories involves thirteen large telescopes. In November 2020, in collaboration with Europe's low-frequency ARray radio telescope, Mauna Kea's Gemini observatory and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (NITF), discovered the first Super-Planet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 8, 2020 |title=Maunakea Telescopes Confirm First Super-Planet Discovered by Radio |url=https://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/press-releases/radiobd/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421201742/https://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/press-releases/radiobd/ |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |access-date=September 11, 2022}}</ref> 
In October, 2011, the [[List of Nobel laureates in Physics|Nobel Prize in Physics]] was awarded to [[Saul Perlmutter]], [[Brian P. Schmidt]], and [[Adam G. Riess]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://keckobservatory.org/nobel_prize_in_physics_awarded_for_accelerating_expansion_of_the_universe/|title=Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for Accelerating Expansion of the Universe – W. M. Keck Observatory}}</ref> the prize recognized their findings, based on research on supernovae at the observatories, that dark energy is a force causing the universe [[Accelerating expansion of the universe|to expand at an accelerating rate]].

==Management==
The Reserve was established in 1968, and is leased by the [[Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources|State of Hawaiʻi's Department of Land and Natural Resources]] (DLNR).<ref name="burns">{{cite web |url=http://www.malamamaunakea.org/about-us/history |title=History |publisher=Office of Mauna Kea Management |access-date=February 2, 2015}}</ref> The [[University of Hawaii|University of Hawaiʻi]] manages the site<ref name="burns"/> and leases land to several multi-national facilities, which have invested more than $2 billion in science and technology.<ref name=uhero/> The lease expires in 2033 and after that 40 of 45 square kilometers (25 of 28 square miles) revert to the state of Hawaii.<ref name="nature.com"/>
Currently, pressure has been placed on the University based management. Locals never agreed to thirteen telescopes atop the mountain and demand a say in the legislation process. House Bill 2024 pushes for new stewardship on the summit. The area will be integrated in terms of management.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/03/legislation-would-dramatically-improve-stewardship-of-mauna-kea/|title = Legislation Would Dramatically Improve Stewardship of Mauna Kea|date = 20 March 2022}}</ref> Some land will be jurisdicted by the local community. The Bill pushes for future laws and regulations in terms of new building. As always, the cultural and environmental sites will be heavily recognized as a factor for consideration.

==Location==
[[File:Mauna Kea Observatories.jpg|alt=Mauna Kea Observatories seen from the base of Mauna Kea|thumb|Mauna Kea Observatories seen from the base of [[Mauna Kea]]]]
The altitude and isolation in the middle of the [[Pacific Ocean]] makes Mauna Kea one of the best locations on Earth for ground-based astronomy. It is an ideal location for submillimeter, infrared and optical observations. The [[astronomical seeing|seeing]] statistics show that Mauna Kea is the best site in terms of optical and infrared image quality; for example, the CFHT site has a median seeing of 0.43 arcseconds.

Accommodations for research astronomers are located at the [[Onizuka Center for International Astronomy]] (often called Hale Pōhaku), {{convert|7|miles}} by unpaved steep road from the summit at {{convert|9300|ft|m}} above sea level.

An adjacent visitor information station is located at {{convert|9200|ft|m}}. The summit of Mauna Kea is so high that tourists are advised to stop at the visitor station for at least 30 minutes to acclimate to atmospheric conditions before continuing to the summit, and scientists often stay at Hale Pōhaku for eight hours or more before spending a full night at observatories on the summit, with some telescopes requiring observers to spend one full night at Hale Pōhaku before working at the summit.

==Telescopes==
[[File:Submillimeter Array Night.jpg|thumb|right|The Submillimeter Array of radio telescopes at night, lit by [[Flash photography|flash]].]]
[[File:Panoroma of Mauna Kea Observatories.jpg|thumb|400x400px|From left-to-right: United Kingdom Infrared Telescope, Caltech Sub-Millimeter Observatory (closed 2015), James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, Smithsonian Sub-Millimeter Array, Subaru Telescope, W.M. Keck Observatory (I & II), NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, Gemini North Telescope]]

Telescopes found at the summit of Mauna Kea are funded by government agencies of various nations. The University of Hawaiʻi directly administers two telescopes. In total, there are twelve facilities housing thirteen telescopes<ref name=Telescopes>{{cite web|title=Mauna Kea Observatories|url=https://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/telescope_table.shtml|website=Maunakea Telescopes|publisher=University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy|access-date=3 December 2015}}</ref> at or around the summit of Mauna Kea.

* [[Caltech Submillimeter Observatory]] (CSO): [[California Institute of Technology|Caltech]]&nbsp;— closed 2015&nbsp;— removed to be moved to Chile as the Leighton Chajnantor Telescope<ref>https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/caltechs-submillimeter-observatory-has-been-removed-from-maunakea</ref>
* [[Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope|Canada–France–Hawaiʻi Telescope]] (CFHT): [[Canada]], [[France]], [[University of Hawaii|University of Hawaiʻi]]
* [[Gemini Observatory|Gemini North Telescope]]: [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Australia]], [[Argentina]], [[Brazil]]
* [[NASA Infrared Telescope Facility]] (IRTF): [[NASA]]
* [[James Clerk Maxwell Telescope]] (JCMT): [[China]], [[Japan]], [[South Korea]], [[Taiwan]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]]
* [[Subaru Telescope]]: [[National Astronomical Observatory of Japan]]
* [[Submillimeter Array|Sub-Millimeter Array]] (SMA): [[Taiwan]], [[United States]]
* [[Thirty Meter Telescope]], proposed for Mauna Kea, alternatively the [[Canary Islands]]<ref>{{cite news |url= https://mauinow.com/2019/08/10/thousands-take-to-the-streets-to-protest-tmt |title= Thousands Take to the Streets to Protest TMT |date= Aug 10, 2019 |publisher= [[Maui Now]] }}</ref>
* [[United Kingdom Infrared Telescope]] (UKIRT): [[Lockheed Martin]] Advanced Technology Center, [[University of Hawaii|University of Hawaiʻi]], [[University of Arizona]]
* [[UH88|University of Hawaiʻi {{convert|88|in|m|adj=on}} telescope]] (UH88): University of Hawaiʻi
* University of Hawaiʻi {{convert|36|in|mm|adj=on}} telescope (Hoku Kea): [[University of Hawaii at Hilo]]
* One receiver of the [[Very Long Baseline Array]] (VLBA): [[United States]]
* [[W. M. Keck Observatory]]: California Association for Research in Astronomy

CSO, UKIRT, and Hoku Kea are scheduled for decommissioning as part of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Third Maunakea observatory set for decommissioning|url=http://www.hawaii.edu/news/2015/10/21/third-maunakea-observatory-set-for-decommissioning/|website=University of Hawaii News|publisher=University of Hawaii|access-date=3 December 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Mauna Kea Telescope.jpg|thumb|]]

==Opposition and protests==
{{main|Opposition to the Mauna Kea Observatories}}
[[File:Snowy_Sunrise_on_Maunakea.jpg|thumb|400x400px|Snowy sunrise on Maunakea]]

In Honolulu, the governor and legislature, enthusiastic about the development, set aside an even larger area for the observatory after the initial project, causing opposition on the Big Island, in the city of [[Hilo, Hawaii|Hilo]]. [[Native Hawaiians]] (kānaka ʻōiwi) believed the entire site was sacred and that developing the mountain, even for science, would spoil the area. Environmentalists were concerned about rare native bird populations and other citizens of Hilo were concerned about the sight of the domes from the city. Using town hall meetings, Jefferies was able to overcome opposition by weighing the economic advantage and prestige the island would receive.<ref name="Zirker2005" /> There has been substantial opposition to the Mauna Kea observatories that continues to grow.<ref name="Oswalt2003">{{cite book|author=Terry D. Oswalt|title=The Future of Small Telescopes in the New Millennium|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9ZqLBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA18|date=2003|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-94-010-0253-0|page=18}}</ref> Over the years, the opposition to the observatories may have become the most visible example of the conflict science has encountered over access and use of environmental and culturally significant sites.<ref name="DearKetchum2011">{{cite book|author1=Michael Dear|author2=Jim Ketchum|author3=Sarah Luria|author4=Doug Richardson|title=GeoHumanities: Art, History, Text at the Edge of Place|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zwrJBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT476|date=13 April 2011|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-88347-7|page=476}}</ref> Opposition to development grew shortly after expansion of the observatories commenced. Once access was opened up by the roadway to the summit, skiers began using it for recreation and objected when the road was closed as a precaution against vandalism when the telescopes were being built. Hunters voiced concerns, as did the [[National Audubon Society|Hawaiian Audubon Society]] who were supported by Governor [[George Ariyoshi]].<ref name="PARKER2013" />{{rp|56}}

The Audubon Society objected to further development on Mauna Kea over concerns to habitat of the endangered [[Palila]], a species [[Endemism|endemic]] to only specific parts of this mountain. The bird is the last of the finch billed honeycreepers existing on the island. Over 50% of native bird species had been killed off due to loss of habitat from early western settlers or the introduction of non-native species competing for resources. Hunters and sportsmen were concerned that the hunting of feral animals would be affected by the telescope operations.<ref name="Gordon2007">{{cite book|author=Mark Gordon|title=Recollections of "Tucson Operations": The Millimeter-Wave Observatory of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iWPbIrwEKpMC&pg=PA136|date=18 July 2007|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-1-4020-3236-3|pages=136–140}}</ref> A "Save Mauna Kea" movement was inspired by the proliferation of telescopes, with opposition believing development of the mountain to be sacrilegious.<ref name="Oaks2003">{{cite book|author=Robert F. Oaks|title=Hawaii:: A History of the Big Island|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HDVNJ5wzcisC&pg=PA131|date=1 November 2003|publisher=Arcadia Publishing | isbn=978-1-4396-1403-7|page=131}}</ref> Native Hawaiian non-profit groups, such as Kahea, whose goals are the protection of cultural heritage and the environment, oppose development on Mauna Kea as a sacred space to the Hawaiian religion.<ref name="Kaufman2009">{{cite book|author=Ned Kaufman|title=Place, Race, and Story: Essays on the Past and Future of Historic Preservation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5fCTAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA14|date=11 September 2009|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-88972-2|page=14}}</ref> The land is protected by the United States Historical Preservation Act due to its significance to Hawaiian culture, but still allowed development.<ref name="Schachter2013">{{cite book|author=Judith Schachter|title=The Legacies of a Hawaiian Generation: From Territorial Subject to American Citizen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OTTUAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA43|date=15 September 2013|publisher=Berghahn Books|isbn=978-1-78238-012-2|page=43}}</ref>

==2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake==
A number of the telescopes sustained minor damage during the October 15, [[2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake]] and aftershocks. JCMT was performing an inclinometry run and recorded the earthquake on its tilt sensors.<ref>{{cite web |first=Gary|last=Davis|title= News from the JCMT |date= 2007 |url=http://www.casca.ca/ecass/issues/2007-ve/news/jcmt/index.html|publisher=[[Canadian Astronomical Society]] |access-date= 14 July 2015}}</ref> Both CFHT and W. M. Keck Observatory were operational and back online by October 19.<ref>{{cite web |title= 2006 October 15 Earthquake Aftermath at CFHT | publisher=[[Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope|Canada–France–Hawaiʻi Telescope]]  |url= http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/EARTHQUAKE/ |date= January 11, 2007 |access-date= August 27, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Earthquake Update from W. M. Keck Observatory |publisher= W. M. Keck Observatory |url= http://keckobservatory.org/news/earthquake_update_from_w._m._keck_observatory/  |access-date= August 27, 2010 }}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:MaunaKeaSunset.jpg|Sunset over Mauna Kea Observatories
File:At_the_Foot_of_Maunakea.jpg|At the Foot of Maunakea<ref>{{cite web|title=At the Foot of Maunakea|url=https://noirlab.edu/public/images/iotw2129a/https://noirlab.edu/public/images/iotw2129a/|access-date=July 26, 2021}}</ref>
File:Mauna Kea at Sunset.jpg|Sunset at Maunakea
File:Maunakea by Moonlight (iotw2310a).jpg|Maunakea is home to a number of astronomical observatories, including Gemini North, one half of the International [[Gemini Observatory]], operated by NSF’s NOIRLab.
</gallery>

==See also==
* Lists and comparisons
** [[Timeline of telescopes, observatories, and observing technology]]
** [[List of largest optical reflecting telescopes]]
** [[List of largest optical telescopes historically]]
** [[Extremely large telescope]]
* Other major international observatories (under active development):
** [[Roque de los Muchachos Observatory]]
** [[Paranal Observatory]]
** [[Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory]]
** [[Llano de Chajnantor Observatory]]
** [[La Silla Observatory]]
* Historically important observatories (not undergoing substantial development):
** [[Mount Wilson Observatory]]
** [[Kitt Peak National Observatory]]
** [[Palomar Observatory]]
* Projects
** [[Ohana project]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Mauna Kea Observatory|Mauna Kea Observatories}}
* {{official website}}
* [http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/ Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station]
* [http://kiloaoloa.soest.hawaii.edu/ Mauna Kea Weather Center]
* [http://www.malamamaunakea.org/ Office of Mauna Kea Management]
* [http://www.malamamaunakea.org/management/comprehensive-management-plan Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920004134/http://www.malamamaunakea.org/management/comprehensive-management-plan |date=2020-09-20 }}

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[[Category:1967 establishments in Hawaii]]
[[Category:Astronomical observatories in Hawaii]]
[[Category:Astronomy institutes and departments]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Hawaii County, Hawaii]]
[[Category:Discoveries by the Mauna Kea Observatories|*]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1968]]
[[Category:Research institutes in Hawaii]]
[[Category:University of Hawaiʻi]]