HILO, HAWAII — Hundreds of protestors flocked to Mauna Kea on Wednesday to block construction of the world's largest optical telescope.
It's the second time in the past few months that demonstrations have broken out on the dormant volcano.
Astronomers want to build the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) there because the cloudless air and dark skies offer one of the most pristine windows into the universe on Earth. From such a lofty perch, the observatory could reveal parts of the cosmos we've never glimpsed before.
But some native Hawaiians consider the summit sacred and a home to several deities.
As I marched alongside protestors who wound their way up the mountain, however, I learned their animosity stems from something much bigger than a giant telescope or sacred mountaintop.
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The summit of Mauna Kea in Hilo, Hawaii, is nearly 14,000 feet above sea level. Straight stretches like this are rare; the road is mostly steep and curvy, and made me nervous as I drove up the mountain.
When I got to the Visitor's Center at 9,000 feet, many people had already gathered with signs, flags, and horns. I couldn't get over how every photo I took was above the clouds.
Some protesters spent the night on the mountainside to ensure they beat construction vehicles there. Even in the summer, nighttime temperatures on the volcano can dip near freezing. The huts and tents did not look warm.
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