On her worldwide voyage, the Hokule'a will be joined by Hikianalia, the first wa'a to serve as an escort vessel. Both names come from sister stars that rise at about the same time, known as Arcturus and Spica in the West. They are important navigational stars in the star line Iwikuamo‘o ("Backbone") which runs from Hoku-pa'a (the North Star) at the North Celestial Pole to Hanai-a-ka-malama (the Southern Cross) near the South Celestial Pole (SCP). Today's post uses a simple astronomy phrase to help you locate them: "Arc to Arcturus, then drive a spike to Spica." Begin by finding the handle of the Big Dipper. Run your eyes down the handle, away from the bowl, and dive off in a graceful arc to Arcturus (Hokule'a). You'll notice this "Star of Gladness" is the brightest star in the western sky: bright enough to shine its yellow-orange glow through the city lights of Honolulu. Take a moment to wonder where the wa'a Hokule'a is on her journey and send a blessing to her crew. Now, drive a spike to Spica. She is south of Arcturus, and blue-white. Though not nearly as bright as her sister, she too can shine through a moonlit evening. Send out another blessing to her crew, and wish them both a wonderful huaka'i.
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