Snow on Mauna Kea Volcano, Big Island of Hawaiʻi
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi which last erupted 4000 years ago. At 13,796 ft (4,205 m) above sea level and over 33,000 ft (10,058 m) from the bottom of the ocean floor, Mauna Kea is the tallest sea mountain in the world. Its summit is home to the world’s largest observatory for optical, infrared and submillimeter astronomy. Research teams from eleven different countries operate 13 telescopes on the summit.
In Hawaiian mythology, Mauna Kea is home to the snow goddess Poli‘ahu. In ancient times, the summit was considered the realm of the gods and was kapu (forbidden) to all except the highest chiefs and priests.
Snow on Mauna Kea Volcano, Big Island of Hawaiʻi
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi which last erupted 4000 years ago. At 13,796 ft (4,205 m) above sea level and over 33,000 ft (10,058 m) from the bottom of the ocean floor, Mauna Kea is the tallest sea mountain in the world. Its summit is home to the world’s largest observatory for optical, infrared and submillimeter astronomy. Research teams from eleven different countries operate 13 telescopes on the summit.
In Hawaiian mythology, Mauna Kea is home to the snow goddess Poli‘ahu. In ancient times, the summit was considered the realm of the gods and was kapu (forbidden) to all except the highest chiefs and priests.