Also called Mauna a Wākea in Hawaiian culture, Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii. A major part of the Mauna Key is submerged in the ocean so that it is 4,205 m (13,796 ft) above sea level, but its total altitude is actually more than 10,000 m (33,000 ft), if it is measured from its base in the ocean. What this means is that Mauna Key is much taller than Mt. Everest, regarded the highest peak in the world. The higher you go the clearer becomes the visibility of the sky mainly because the air is free from all atmospheric pollutants that impede the clear vision. Moreover, the summit is above the inversion layer which keeps the clouds below its location ensuring thereby that it is surrounded by dry and stable air-flow. Since Mauna Kea is situated far from the city lights, it is, free from light pollution, which means that you can observe even the smallest astronomical objects in the sky. Thirteen powerful telescopes funded by eleven countries have been set up at the summit which is accessible by road.