‘Maunakea Skies’ to feature photos, time-lapse movies

Take a pictorial journey of Gemini’s laser guide at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s next “Maunakea Skies” talk, at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17.

Learn how Joy Pollard of Gemini Observatory has captured the beauty of the Gemini Observatory’s laser guide star technology in stunning photos and in time-lapse movies of the night sky over Maunakea. This same technology is allowing astronomers to see the universe in unprecedented detail and obtain remarkably striking images of the cosmos.

Pollard will share the techniques she uses to create striking time-lapse movies of the night sky and experience the full-dome immersion of her images taken with state-of-the-art digital cameras with super wide-angle fish-eye lenses. Her images will put you on the mountain without the discomfort of freezing temperatures and thin air that she endures to obtain them.

“Doing photography on Maunakea is uniquely challenging,” Pollard said. “Conditions can be extreme with temperatures below freezing and the thin, dry air causing most people to run for the warmth of shelter.”

As a special gift, audience members will be given a print of one of Pollard’s most striking images after the talk.

The monthly Maunakea Skies planetarium presentations are held on the third Saturday of each month. Cost is $5, $3 for patron members, free for silver, gold and corporate members. Non-member rate is $8. Pre-purchase tickets at the ‘Imiloa front desk or by phone at 969-9703.

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii is located at 600 ‘Imiloa Place in Hilo, off Komohana and Nowelo streets at the UH-Hilo Science and Technology Park. For more information, go to www.imiloahawaii.org, or call 969-9703.