Press Releases

The Origins of Astronomy in Hawai`i

05/12/2008

Free Talk by Dr. Walt Steiger

Hilo, Hawai‘i – Dr. Walt Steiger, professor emeritus of physics and astronomy, University of Hawai‘i, and a towering figure over the last 50 years in the development of astronomy in the Hawaii, will present a talk on the Origins of Astronomy in Hawai‘i on Saturday, May 17, at noon at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. This free talk will be offered in the Earl and Doris Bakken Moanahōkū Hall (Ocean of Stars).

“Knowledge of the night sky was very much a part of early Hawaiian culture,” said Dr. Steiger. “Western astronomy sporadically entered the scene but did not achieve a permanent foot-hold until 1957 with the advent of the International Geophysical Year (IGY), leading to a solar observatory on Oahu and later atop Haleakalā. The incredibly clear skies above Hawai`i’s mountains soon attracted some of the world’s major telescopes.”

Since arriving in Hawai‘i in 1953, Dr. Steiger has played a historic role in advancing astronomy in the Islands. He has been a teacher and mentor, and a leader in furthering major physics and astronomy programs and projects, including creating the first solar observatory on Haleakalā. He will share his understanding and knowledge of the historic roots of star gazing in the Hawaiian islands, from Polynesian astronomy, the significance of the 1874 British expedition to Hawai‘i to observe the Transit of Venus, to the key developmentWalter R. Steiger is professor emeritus of physics and astronomy, University of Hawaii. He came to the UH Department of Physics in 1953, straight s in the last 100 years.

Walter R. Steiger is professor emeritus of physics and astronomy, University of Hawaii. He came to the UH Department of Physics in 1953, straight from graduate school, interested in developing research projects appropriate to Hawai`i’s environment. It was the IGY that enabled his dream of a solar observatory on Haleakalā. Along his career path he helped establish the Kaua`i Community College and also served for a time as the director of the Science Center and Planetarium at the Bishop Museum. In 1987 he took a position with the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) as Site Manager of the Mauna Kea telescope. During this period he became associated with the UH-Hilo as adjunct professor, teaching a number of different physics courses. Today, he still enjoys the use of an office at CSO and contributing to outreach activities.

Opened in 2006, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center celebrates both Hawaiian culture and Maunakea astronomy. Through its exhibits and program, ‘Imiloa strives to share inspiring examples of science and culture together advancing knowledge, understanding and opportunity. The Center is located at 600 ‘Imiloa Place in Hilo, off Komohana and Nowelo Streets at the UH-Hilo Science and Technology Park. For more information, go to www.imiloahawaii.org" or call (808) 969-9700.

Media Contact:
Gloria Chun Hoo
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
808-969-9705
gchunhoo@imiloahawaii.org

Vincent Recinto
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
808-969-9714
vrecinto@imiloahawaii.org