Is Your Nighttime Economy Looking Up?

UHERO is the Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawai’i.

In April 2022 UHERO researchers published a report on the impact of the presence and practices of astronomy in Hawai’i, finding astronomy to be “a sizable and stabilizing source of economic activity.”

UHERO concluded that astronomy had a “sizable and stabilizing” effect in the state. “Equivalent to 78% of the total farming output statewide.”

Including indirect and induced benefits, Hawai’i’s astronomy sector had a total impact on the output of goods and services in the state of $220.95 million (up from $189.47 million in 2012). Astronomy activities also generated $68.05 million in labor income, $10.10 million in state taxes, and 1,313 jobs statewide (compared to $58.99 million, $9.20 million, and 1,394 jobs respectively in 2012).

Who would have thought that natural, night would have such an impact on a state’s economic vibrancy?

How is your city capitalizing its night?

Download a PDF “Economic Impact of Astronomy in Hawai‘i: 2019 Update.”

Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash