Published: March 11,2015
Blizzard conditions have forced a delay in the construction of a large telescope in Hawaii.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the Big Island's volcanic peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The warning says that 5-8 inches of snow is possible above 11,500 feet through Thursday. Winds were forecast to be sustained at 45 to 65 mph with gusts to 85 mph possible.
Blizzard Warning
Webcam from the summit of Mauna Kea. May be difficult to view based on weather conditions and time of day. Ryan Lyman, meteorologist for the Mauna Kea Weather Center, told The Associated Press that winds were pounding the area and that snow was all over the place.
The telescope construction is a $1.4-billion project and should help scientists see some 13 billion light years away for a glimpse into the early years of the universe.
However, some are against the construction of this telescope since its being built near the summit of a mountain held sacred by Native Hawaiians. Last year, a groundbreaking and Hawaiian blessing ceremony were disrupted by protesters.
Is Hawaii Snow Unusual?
Though it may sound unusual to have snow in the forecast for Hawaii, it's more common than you might think.According to Ken Rubin, an assistant professor of geology and geophysics at the University of Hawaii, "it snows here every year, but only at the very summits of our three tallest volcanoes (Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and Haleakala)."
"The snow level almost never gets below 9,000 feet in Hawaii during the winter, but since these mountains are taller than 13,600 feet, 13,700 feet and 10,000 feet, respectively, they get dusted with snow a few times a year. It rarely stays on the ground for more than a few days though."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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