August Maunakea Skies Talk

UH 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 Dept. 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 13,000-foot high summit of Maunakea. Join us to for an update on these and other developments in UH Hilo’s Astronomy Program, at ‘Imiloa’s Maunakea Skies talk on August 19 at 7:00 p.m. presented by Dr. Marianne Takamiya, Associate Professor of Astronomy and Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UH Hilo.

“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,” stated Takamiya. “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, who is an expert in physical properties of material between stars in distant galaxies, has presented throughout the United States, Chile, Japan, South Africa and Europe on research she has accomplished using the Maunakea 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 held a postdoctoral position at UH Hilo before joining its faculty. She currently serves as the chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Hilo campus.

‘Imiloa’s monthly Maunakea Skies program includes observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawai‘i, 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 held on 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 808-932-8901.

Member Level Discounts: $8 for Kupuna, Individual, Dual, Kupuna and Family Members; $6 for Patron Members; Free for Silver, Gold, and Corporate Members.