University of Hawaii at Hilo astronomy majors will receive more hands-on telescope time than ever before thanks to a recent agreement between the Institute for Astronomy at UH-Manoa and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UH-Hilo.
University of Hawaii at Hilo astronomy majors will receive more hands-on telescope time than ever before thanks to a recent agreement between the Institute for Astronomy at UH-Manoa and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UH-Hilo.
These fortunate students have a unique opportunity afforded to few other programs in the country, namely the opportunity to study the universe in the world’s largest observatories for optical, infrared and submillimeter astronomy, located on the summit of Mauna Kea. The public is invited to get an update about these and other developments in UH-Hilo’s astronomy program during ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s Maunakea Skies talk at 7 p.m. Friday.
The discussion will be presented by Marianne Takamiya, associate professor of astronomy and chairwoman of the UH-Hilo Department of Physics and Astronomy.
“I will present the latest results of the research of faculty and students in astronomy, how our academic program has developed in the last five years and what we envision for the future,” Takamiya said. “UH-Hilo has unique elements that can make ours a novel astronomy program that produces not only astronomers, but also skilled professionals who are able to work in complex systems.”
Takamiya, an expert in physical properties of material between stars in distant galaxies, has presented throughout the United States, Chile, Japan, South Africa and Europe about research she accomplished using the Mauna Kea telescopes while heavily involving undergraduate students. Takamiya is a graduate of Universidad de Chile and the University of Chicago, where she received her doctoral degree in astronomy and astrophysics. She was one of the first Gemini Science Fellows at Gemini North during its commissioning phase and had a postdoctoral position at UH-Hilo before joining its faculty.
‘Imiloa’s monthly Maunakea Skies program includes observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawaii, hosted by planetarium technician Emily Peavy. The audience can view prominent constellations and stars visible during this time of year.
Maunakea Skies planetarium presentations are on the third Friday of each month. General admission is $10 or $8 for ‘Imiloa members. Tickets can be purchased at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by calling 932-8901.