Mauna Kea Observatories in Black and White
by Venetia Featherstone-Witty
Title
Mauna Kea Observatories in Black and White
Artist
Venetia Featherstone-Witty
Medium
Photograph - Photographs
Description
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii. Standing 13,803 ft (4,207 m) above sea level, its peak is the highest point in the U.S. state of Hawaii. However, much of Mauna Kea is below sea level; when measured from its oceanic base, its height is 33,100 ft (10,100 m) more than twice Mount Everest's base-to-peak height of 11,980 to 15,260 ft (3,650 to 4,650 m). Mauna Kea is about one million years old, and thus hundreds of thousands of years ago it passed the most active shield stage of life. In its current post-shield state, its lava is more viscous, resulting in a steeper profile. Late volcanism has also given it a much smoother appearance than its neighboring volcanoes: contributing factors include the construction of cinder cones, the decentralization of its rift zones, the glaciation on its peak, and the weathering effects of the prevailing trade winds. Mauna Kea last erupted 4,600 years ago.The Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) are an independent collection of astronomical research facilities located on the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawai'i, USA. The facilities are located in a 500-acre special land use zone known as the "Astronomy Precinct", which is located in the Mauna Kea Science Reserve. The Astronomy Precinct was established in 1967 and is located on land protected by the Historical Preservation Act for its significance to Hawaiian culture.The location is ideal because of its dark skies, good astronomical seeing, low humidity and position above most of the water vapor in the atmosphere, clean air, good weather and almost equatorial location. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii. Standing 13,803 ft (4,207 m) above sea level, its peak is the highest point in the U.S. state of Hawaii. However, much of Mauna Kea is below sea level; when measured from its oceanic base, its height is 33,100 ft more than twice Mount Everest's base-to-peak height of 11,980 to 15,260 ft (3,650 to 4,650 m), making it the tallest mountain on Earth. Mauna Kea is about one million years old, and thus hundreds of thousands of years ago it passed the most active shield stage of life.
FEATURED 3/27/15 in "Black and White"
FEATURED 3/27/15 in "The Collector's Gallery"
FEATURED 3/27/15 in "The World We See"
FEATURED 3/28/15 in "Premium FAA Artists"
FEATURED 3/29/15 in "Ansel Adams Influence"
FEATURED 1/11/2020 in "The Grayscale Outdoors"
Uploaded
March 25th, 2015
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