HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii — In partnership with the National Science Foundation’s National Solar Observatory, Haleakala National Park, the ”House of the Sun,” hosts the 2023 Solar Festival, March 16-18.

People are keen on learning about constellations and the seasonal rotating skyscape above, but what about the circular furnace that rises each day like clockwork? Over three days, the public can take part in free activities that explore methods of daytime astronomy and learn about Earth’s closest star.

See live solar activity through mobile solar telescopes and learn about “star stuff” at the Sun Discovery Table, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. daily next to the Headquarters Visitor Center at 7,000 feet. All ages can take part in hands-on discovery activities, too.

Solar scientists will also be on hand to answer questions about the sun and share how scientists study it in a 30-min. talk, 10 a.m. daily at the Headquarters Visitor Center.

Activities are free, but park entrance fees will apply. Dress warm for high elevations. Events are subject to cancelation due to weather conditions.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.