Gold is one of the most coveted and valuable natural materials in the world, but where does it come from and how was originally it formed? It might be a surprise, but scientists are still searching for the definite answer to this question.
Learn more about this valued stone and the science behind it at 7 p.m. June 16 during ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s next Maunakea Skies talk, “The Search for the Origin of Gold,” with Michitoshi Yoshida, director of Subaru Telescope.
Scientists have discovered how most natural materials on Earth were originally created but they don’t know the birthplace of gold — and the hunt to discover it continues.
Using state of the art gravitational wave detectors, many astronomers and physicists are now searching for the birthplace of gold by implementing multiwavelength electromagnetic observations of gravitational waves. Yoshida will introduce these trials, including some attempts made with the Subaru Telescope based on Mauna Kea.
Yoshida was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan. He received his Ph.D. from Kyoto University and his career as a professional astronomer began at Okayama Astrophysical Observatory, a branch of National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
In 1995, he came to Hilo in support of the initial construction of the Subaru Telescope, also a branch of NAOJ. After the construction he returned back to OAO and became its director. He also was named director of Hiroshima University from 2010-17 until recently being appointed to his current post in April.
Yoshida’s main research field is optical-infrared observational astronomy of galaxies and high-energy transient objects. He recently gained interest in gravitational waves and its relation to astronomical phenomena.
Hosted by planetarium technician Emily Peavy, ‘Imiloa’s monthly Maunakea Skies program includes observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawaii, with the audience able to 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 tickets are $10, $8 for members (member-level discounts apply). Prepurchase tickets at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or call 932-8901.
For more information, visit www.ImiloaHawaii.org.
