Mauna Kea's summit is one of the best sites in the world for
astronomical observation due to favorable observing conditions.
[26][61][62]The arid conditions are important for
submillimeter and
infrared astronomy for this region of the
electromagnetic spectrum. The summit is above the
inversion layer, keeping most
cloud cover below the summit and ensuring the air on the summit is dry, and free of
atmospheric pollution. The summit atmosphere is exceptionally stable, lacking
turbulence for some of the world's best
astronomical seeing. The very dark skies resulting from Mauna Kea's distance from city lights are preserved by legislation that minimizes
light pollution from the surrounding area; the darkness level allows the observation of faint
astronomical objects.
[61] These factors historically made Mauna Kea an excellent spot for stargazing.
[46]