The Summit of Science
As I flew over Mauna Kea, I was struck by its sheer size and prominence. It is the tallest mountain in all of Hawaii, reaching nearly 14,000 feet in height. But what really caught my attention was the plethora of scientific observatories perched on its summit - more than a dozen in total, belonging to nations and organizations from around the world. I carefully recorded my observations of the various telescopes and instruments, as well as the austere landscape around them. I also researched the history of Mauna Kea and learned about its sacred significance to the Hawaiian people. As always, I compared these findings with other places I have visited, in order to deepen my understanding of Earth and its inhabitants.