The Life Cycle of Discovery at the W. M. Keck Observatory”Topic for Astronomer and Keck Director Dr. Taft Armandroff

08/04/2009

Hawai‘i Island, HI – Dr. Taft Armandroff will present his lecture, “The Life Cycle of Discovery at the W. M. Keck Observatory,” Thursday, August 13 at the Keck Observatory’s Hualalai Learning Theater in Waimea and Saturday, August 15 at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s planetarium in Hilo. Both programs begin at 7 p.m. and space is limited to first-come, first served.

Director of W. M. Keck Observatory, Armandroff leads the most scientifically productive astronomical research facility in the world. In his presentation, he will describe how the light collected by the Keck telescopes is transformed into discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of the Universe. Finding evidence of dark energy, dark matter, or identifying planets beyond the Solar System requires years of collecting data, analyzing it for clues, and “ultimately feeling the excitement of knowing we have the data we need to draw firm conclusions about our cosmos,” said Armandroff, who is also a well-recognized observational astronomer.

Prior to becoming Director of Keck Observatory in 2006, Armandroff worked for 19 years at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) in Tucson, Arizona, holding positions of Associate Director and Director of the NOAO Gemini Science Center. In that capacity, he spearheaded U.S. contributions to and scientific use of the international twin Gemini telescopes in Hawaii and Chile.

A 1982 graduate of Wesleyan University, Armandroff holds a B.A. in astronomy with high honors. He continued his studies at Yale University, earning an M.S., M. Phil., and Ph.D. in astronomy. His research areas are dwarf spheroidal galaxies, globular clusters, dark matter, stellar populations in the Milky Way galaxy and nearby galaxies, and the chemical evolution of galaxies.

Armandroff’s presentations are part of the monthly Maunakea Directors’ Lecture Series to commemorate the International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009), a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, with events happening worldwide in 140 countries. Hosted by ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and W. M. Keck Observatory, the free Lecture Series introduces Hawai‘i astronomy and the latest research being done by the thirteen observatories located on Maunakea.

The programs in Hilo take place in ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s 120-seat planetarium on the third Saturday of each month during 2009. This special year-long program replaces the Center’s monthly “Maunakea Skies” planetarium talks, which will resume in 2010. In addition to hearing the lecture, guests may also choose to dine before hand at ‘Imiloa’s Sky Garden Restaurant which will be open for dinner service from 5 pm to 8 pm. For dinner reservations, call the restaurant directly at (808) 935-8888.

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 for recorded information, or (808) 969-9703.

The programs in Waimea take place at the W. M. Keck Observatory headquarters in the Hualalai Learning Theater at 65-1120 Mamalahoa Highway. Keck Observatory operates two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes located on the summit of Maunakea. The vision of the Keck Observatory is a world in which all humankind is inspired and united by the pursuit of knowledge of the infinite variety and richness of the Universe. The Observatory operates a small visitor gallery at the telescopes and an information center at headquarters open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www.keckobservatory.org or call (808) 881-3827.

Contact:
Gloria Chun Hoo
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
808-969-9705

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

Ashley Yeager
Keck Observatory
808-881-3827
ayeager@keckhawaii.edu