A study by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization found that astronomy produced $110 million in direct spending in the state in 2019. The $110 million was generated through purchases from local businesses, salaries and wages, and spending by students and visiting researchers.
Santa Claus won't be the only one flying through the sky on Christmas this year. NASA is launching a space telescope developed by the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy on Christmas morning from Kourou, French Guinea.