Summer Nights on Mauna Kea Volcano
Following my memorable after-dark experience on Mauna Kea Volcano in May 2025 (see post below), I returned two months later hoping to capture images and time-lapse video of both W.M. Keck Observatory telescopes’ lasers in action.
Circumstances stood in the way of a complete success, but the visit was nonetheless a highlight of my 2025 travels.
In retrospect, only the Keck I telescope was operational during July 2025, while Keck II was down for maintenance. The conditions while I was there were not ideal for photography, with cold temperatures and a variable breeze, but I came away happy nonetheless. Problems with my star tracker and power bank made for a good learning experience, and any night on Mauna Kea under the stars is a special one.
