(BIVN) – The annual Solar System was held in Waimea this weekend. The Maunakea Observatories provided video of the event, and issued this media release:

It’s a milestone year for an event that brings a one-mile celestial experience to the entire community. This weekend, the annual Waimea Solar System Walk is returning to Waimea, marking 10 years since this free event first launched.

“This is one of our favorite community traditions,” says Shelly Pelfrey, outreach coordinator at W. M. Keck Observatory. “It’s a fun way for everyone to experience the science that is being conducted right here in our beautiful Hawaii Island home.”

The Solar System Walk was held on Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The family-friendly event transforms Waimea into a scale model of the solar system, inviting the public to explore our neighboring planets through hands-on activities.

“We love sharing astronomy with friends, family, neighbors, community members, and especially kids,” says Mary Beth Laychak, director of strategic communications at Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope (CFHT). “This event provides an opportunity for observatory staff to interact with our community as they explore planets – just as professional astronomers do – while walking through town.”

Space travelers began their journey by picking up a passport at Keck Observatory’s lobby (65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy). They prepared for ‘liftoff’ outside the headquarters, started their interstellar trip with a visit to the sun, went planet-hopping, continued down the sidewalk towards Pluto and its icy friends, then finished the walk at Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope’s (CFHT) headquarters (65-1238 Mamalahoa Hwy) where people can enjoy face painting, complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as a keiki costume contest with prizes. Kids who complete the walk will receive free admission to `Imiloa Astronomy Center.

Big Island Video News will the Solar System Walk Costume Contest in an upcoming video story.

The Waimea Solar System Walk is hosted by CFHT, Keck Observatory, University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (IFA), and the Thelma Parker Library.