When we retired and moved from California we were familiar with the constellations like Orion, Cassiopeia and so forth like this image (left)
Because of our
array of telescopes atop Mauna Kea, the island has very low lighting which
means we do have excellent star scapes.
However, the star chart for Hawaii is very different. Early Polynesian navigators used four distinct “Star lines” to navigate cross thousands of ocean miles.
The Hawaiian names are, of course, in the Hawaiian language and translated they are: Kite of Kawelo and the Fish hook of Maui which can be seen in the fall and winter sky (shown below.) During winter/spring and spring/summer the star lines seen are named The Bailer and the Backbone.
At Imiloa
Astronomy Center in Hilo on the Big Island, lectures and special events offer
educational opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s legacy of exploration.
The star line pictured
here is called “The Backbone” -- one that is easier for us to see because it
includes several more familiar constellations. It is Seen during the spring and
summer months
For
more information about star lines:
Hawaii Navigation by the Stars
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Email: haysmer@sonic.net