The fun is back: Institute for Astronomy open house returns
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Pōwehi
Interstellar object ʻOumuamua discovered by UH astronomers
2020 Total solar eclipse
Infrared exhibit at previous IfA Open House
Link to video (details below): https://bit.ly/3O4seXR
After a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute for Astronomy (IfA) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will hold its annual open house on Sunday, April 10, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at its Mānoa headquarters at 2680 Woodlawn Drive.
The event will offer hands-on activities, demonstrations and short talks about astronomy, space science and physics. Keiki-friendly activities include sundial making, bottle-rocket launching, a digital planetarium, viewing space-themed Lego creations, and makahiki games. Participants will also be able to “Ask an Astronomer,” test drive robots and rovers, and stroll through a scale model of the Solar System. Special telescopes will be on hand to observe the Sun and its spectrum. IfA astronomers will host brief presentations throughout the day.
“We look forward to helping inspire keiki to get excited about science,” said Doug Simons, IfA director. “The open house gives IfA the opportunity to directly connect with the community, and highlight the world-class research and education program at work right here in the islands.”
The event falls on Pōwehi Day, a day Gov. David Ige proclaimed in honor of the world’s very first image of a black hole captured by telescopes, including those on Maunakea. The supermassive black hole’s name means embellished dark source of unending creation at the center, which was chosen by UH Hilo Hawaiian language professor, Larry Kimura.
Related UH News story: Data from Maunakea telescopes unravel Pōwehi mysteries September 23, 2020
This year’s guest organizations include the Hawaiʻi Space Flight Laboratory and Hawaiʻi Space Grant Consortium. Displays will be provided by W.M. Keck Observatory, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, TMT, Bishop Museum, Hawaiʻi Lego Users Group, National Solar Observatory, Hawaiian Astronomical Society, and the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum.
Admission and parking will be free.
VIDEO BROLL: (1 minute, 30 seconds)
0:00-1:30 - previous IfA Open House event