Journey Through the Universe — a partnership among NSF’s NOIRLab/Gemini, the Hawaiʻi Department of Education Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area, and the TMT International Observatory — returns to its in-person format to share with Hawai‘i students the wonders of the Universe and awareness of careers in science and technology. This year’s exciting program includes classroom presentations, career panels, a teacher workshop and more!

Hawai‘i Island’s leading astronomy education and outreach program, Journey Through the Universe (Journey), is returning for its 19th year from 27 February to 3 March 2023. And after two years of virtual programming, there is high anticipation from students and teachers who will be back in person for interactive lessons and hands-on activities. This year’s program will consist of science presentations and career panels for classes from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Journey Week — which last year was an entirely virtual experience reached over 8,000 students in Hilo-Waiākea, Honokaʻa, Waimea, Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi schools — will offer students a fun way to engage with the wonders of our Universe, from the worlds and moons of our Solar System to the most distant galaxies.

Journey, which began as an International Gemini Observatory program and is now coordinated by NSF’s NOIRLab/Gemini, the TMT International Observatory (TMT) and the Department of Education Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area, promotes science education and inspires students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) subjects by developing literacy in science. The program endeavors to foster curiosity and wonder about our Universe, possible observatory careers, and the cutting-edge research and technology that is allowing us to understand our place in the cosmos.

“I’m thrilled to see the Journey Through the Universe program return to classrooms across Hawai‘i this year. This ambitious and celebrated program would not succeed without the help of our community partners and sponsors, including the Thirty Meter Telescope, the Department of Education, Hawai‘i Island business community, Maunakea Observatories, and NASA, among many others,” said Christopher Phillips, NOIRLab’s Engagement and Education Manager for Hawai‘i and Journey Through the Universe co-lead. “These critical collaborations, both local and from across the nation, are a demonstration of the commitment to our community and the future of science education for students in Hawai‘i and beyond.”