REACHING FOR THE STARS: MAUNA KEA, EARTH'S TALLEST MOUNTAIN

Perched high atop the island of Hawaii rests a colossal mountain known as Mauna Kea. Rising above the clouds at an astounding magnitude, it reaches into the heavens, becoming Earth's most prominent peak when measured from its base on the ocean floor. Its rocky slopes are home to a variety of unique ecosystems, ranging from lush tropical forests at