On a late Tuesday evening, going to the library usually isn't the first thing on my list of things to do, but on September 21 2010, that's exactly what a large group of community members from Kihei did. The Kihei Public Library hosted “A Night With The Stars”. The events center around the opportunity to use LCOGT's 2.0 meter Faulkes Telescope North at the summit of Haleakalā. This is the third in what has become a bi-annual event at the Kahului Public Library. Librarian Tracy Latimer arranges the events which draw record numbers of people. “81 attendees, for a school night, is outstanding, and the numbers seem to be growing every time we have one of these programs.” said Latimer.
After a brief talk I called the first member out of the audience. I never control the telescope at these events. It is an opportunity for community members to use a professional grade telescope. The first telescope operator was a girl about 10 years old, who had a quick hand. As soon as I had asked who wanted to use the telescope first, her hand shot up, beating several others. Shortly after the telescope began slewing to the first target, “An Unusual Error” occurred. I checked the status of the telescope and the rain sensor had begun closing the dome.
After talking with the audience for a few minutes it became apparent the the telescope would not open before our hour of time was up. I explained the situation to the audience, and offered that if they wanted to stay I could show them a selection of images taken with the Faulkes Telescope North by students here on Maui, and they could ask me questions. A few people filtered out, but most stayed. Question after question and image after image. Finally the library had to tell people, “One last question...."
In spite of the rain at the summit those who attended had a great time. “We also had several people come in and want to know when the next astronomy program was scheduled!” said Latimer. After packing away my equipment, and talking with the librarians for a few minutes I headed out to my car. Several people came up to me in the parking lot to say “thanks”. Most them turned around got in their cars and drove off. They had been waiting to say thanks and shake my hand. That's the kind of community we have here – the spirit of Aloha.