“HULA with New UHH 0.9-meter Telescope”

11/06/2009

Topic for Dr. David James

Hawai‘i Island, HI – Learn more about the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo’s students and “get your hands dirty” approach to research-based astronomy education and professional development. Dr. David James will discuss this topic when he talks about plans for the university’s new educational 0.9-meter Hōkū Ke`a telescope on Thursday, November 19 at the Keck Observatory’s Hualalai Learning Theater in Waimea and on Saturday, November 21 at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s planetarium in Hilo. Both programs begins at 7 p.m. Space is limited to first-come, first served.

The talk is titled “Using the New 0.9-meter Hōkū Ke`a UHH Telescope to Promote Hawai‘i-based Undergraduate Leadership in Astronomy (HULA).” Dr. James is the director of the new Hōkū Ke`a telescope and an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. He will present an overview of plans for the new telescope which will be installed on the site of the old UH 0.6-meter observatory on Maunakea. For the first time, UHH physics and astronomy undergraduates will have the opportunity to use the new telescope to conduct dedicated observational astronomy projects.

“We will highlight several major research projects that UHH undergraduate students, under faculty supervision, will become involved with using the new telescope, and show how they can be used to enhance classical classroom-style book learning methods,” Dr. James said. He added that “such a modernized, independent style of learning allows for excellent career preparation for our students, as well as professional development of the future workforce.”

Hōkū Ke`a “will be a pivotal tool” in the long term to engage the island’s youth to pursue science-based careers and to help develop the “next generation of astronomers, scientists and working professionals,” which he hopes will come from Hawai‘i, he said. “Our express goal is to increase the number of home-grown students to enroll as astronomy majors at UH-Hilo.”

A graduate of the University of London, Dr. James received his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. His research focuses on the evolution of the rotation rate and lithium content of sun-like stars in young open clusters, such as the Pleiades (M45) and the Hyades, which are both located in the constellation Taurus. Dr. James said that the “burning question” is to understand how stars like the Sun end up rotating so slowly.

Dr. James’ 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 Hilo programs 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

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

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

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