When observing the sky on a very clear, dark night, one can see the soft glow of the Milky Way and its thousands of stars with the naked eye. Through the centuries since Galileo first pointed a telescope at the galaxy in 1609, this awe-inspiring yet easily visible panorama constituted our cosmos, our entire celestial world.
With each new scientific discovery, this cosmos has grown dramatically, expanding rapidly the past several decades. As we look deeper into space, the earlier phases of the cosmos are unveiled to us, but we know that even with the largest telescopes, we see only a tiny fraction of the vast expanse of the universe.
Learn more about this quest to understand our universe during ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s next Maunakea Skies talk at 7 p.m. Friday with Günther Hasinger, University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy director and author of “Astronomy’s Limitless Journey.”
In his book, Hasinger takes the reader on an exciting time travel journey to the far reaches of the universe, beginning with the incredibly hot fireball of the Big Bang roughly 13.8 billion years ago, and the suspected ending in distant eons with a cold, dark demise. In between is the period during which extensive structures, galaxies, stars and planets were formed.
Astrophysics and cosmology are experiencing a “golden age” because of larger telescopes, faster computers and more sophisticated algorithms. These fundamental changes are taking place in our understanding of space and time and of the origin and future of our universe.
Hasinger details this evolution and describes the methods used in modern astrophysics, while cautioning that the boundaries between knowledge and ignorance are constantly shifting. Every new discovery opens a further door to the unknown, and with every answered question we discover more locked doors yet to be opened.
Hasinger will share highlights from his book, followed by a question and answer segment. After the presentation guests are invited to join Hasinger in ‘Imiloa’s atrium for a book-signing. “Astronomy’s Limitless Journey” will be available for purchase on the evening of his presentation and is available for purchase in ‘Imiloa’s store.
Maunakea Skies planetarium presentations are the third Friday of each month. General admission tickets are $10, $8 for members (member-level discounts apply). Pre-purchase tickets at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by phone at 932-8901.
