The Milky Way galaxy is perhaps the most remarkable structure visible to our eyes in the night sky. But because our solar system lies inside the galaxy, we are only able to view the Milky Way from our vantage point
The Milky Way galaxy is perhaps the most remarkable structure visible to our eyes in the night sky. But because our solar system lies inside the galaxy, we are only able to view the Milky Way from our vantage point on the inside.
What would the Milky Way look like if we could see it from the outside?
Join Dr. André-Nicolas Chené of Gemini Observatory to explore “Mapping the Milky Way Without Leaving Earth” at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s next Maunakea Skies program at 7 p.m. Dec. 18.
It is only in the past century that astronomers learned the universe is not just one big assembly of stars and nebulae, etc., but actually is made up of countless separate galaxies, some larger and some smaller than the Milky Way. While we now can study the structure of neighbor galaxies in some detail, it is not so easy to obtain a complete picture of our own Milky Way — a feat comparable to trying to look at one’s own face before mirrors were invented.
Making the challenge more difficult is the fact dust, gas and stars block the visible light from many parts of our galaxy, so while we can look out in some directions and view the more distant universe, in other directions we can see only our nearby neighborhood..
In this Maunakea Skies presentation, Chené will provide an up-to-date description of the Milky Way and introduce some of the powerful techniques that astronomers have developed to measure distances, characterize astronomical objects and map structures in our galaxy. Using the data visualization tools in ‘Imiloa’s digital dome, he will take the audience through our galaxy’s spiral arms, to encounter stars, star clusters and dust clouds, and use the light of the twinkling stars to tell us what (and where) they are.
The Maunakea Skies program will be hosted by ‘Imiloa Planetarium technician Emily Peavy, who will provide observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawaii and point out prominent constellations and stars visible during this time of year.
‘Imiloa’s monthly Maunakea Skies planetarium presentations take place the third Friday of each month. Cost is $8 for individual, dual, kupuna and family members; $6 for patron members; free for silver, gold and corporate members; and $10 for nonmembers. For more information, call 969-9703 or visit www.imiloahawaii.org.
