HILO >> A study by the University of Hawaii has concluded that astronomy is big business on the Big Island.

The UH Economic Research Organization report says Hawaii Island in 2012 took in in $91.48 million from direct and indirect effects of the astronomy sector.

Throughout the islands, the figure was $168 million.

The report says direct expenditures accounted for $58.43 million on the Big Island, $25.8 million on Oahu, $2.58 million on Maui and $1.28 million on Kauai.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports more astronomy economic benefits are coming.

Sandra Dawson of the Thirty Meter Telescope project says construction on Mauna Kea will begin in spring and construction alone will be more than a billion dollars.