Mauna Kea telescopes in Hawaii
Americas Spring Land
Travel
March 12 - March 20, 2023

Waitlist Only: Astronomy and Natural Wonders of Hawaii

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Michael Strauss, Chair Department of Astrophysical Sciences

Michael Strauss is interested in all aspects of extragalactic astronomy and observational cosmology, especially in the context of wide-field imaging and spectroscopic surveys of the sky. He has used large surveys including IRAS and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, to study the large-scale distribution of galaxies to constrain cosmological parameters, the relationship between galaxy properties and their environment, and the nature and evolution of AGN and quasars at large redshifts. He is now using data from the Hyper Suprime-Cam on the Subaru Telescope to search for distant quasars and study the properties of the galaxies in which they live. He is involved in planning for the next generation of large surveys, including the Prime Focus Spectrograph on Subaru and the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time.


About the Journey

Discover the wonders of the universe on this eight-day adventure to the islands of Maui and Hawaii alongside Michael Strauss, Chair of Princeton’s Department of Astrophysical Sciences.

Our small group will gain special access to the Mauna Kea Observatory Complex on the Big Island of Hawaii and Project Pan-STARRS at the summit of Haleakala on the island of Maui. A behind-the-scenes tour will showcase the array of astronomical cameras, telescopes, and computing facilities that search the sky for new asteroids, comets, variable stars, and other celestial objects. At the Imiloa Astronomy Center, we will learn about the links between early Polynesian navigation history and the current renaissance of Hawaiian culture and wayfinding with parallel growth of astronomy and scientific developments on Hawaii Island.

This journey also provides plenty of time to experience Hawaii’s natural splendor with a stargazing catamaran cruise, walks through the North Kohala backcountry, a geologist-led exploration of Volcanoes National Park, and a visit to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, once an important residence of Hawaiian royal chiefs and place of refuge.

About the Accommodations

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
All-suite, 5-star oceanfront resort nestled on the soft white sands of Wailea’s Polo Beach.

Hawaii Kilauea Lodge, Big Island of Hawaii
Historic and romantic lodge just outside of Volcanoes National Park at the foot of Mount Kilauea.

Hawaii Fairmont Orchid, Big Island of Hawaii
Inspired by culture of aloha, Fairmont Orchid is a 5-star, luxury resort located on the majestic Kohala Coast.

Reservations

This journey is waitlist only. Please email journeys@princeton.edu or call 609.258.8686 to be added to the waitlist.

Trip Details