‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii 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 969-9703.
The Caltech Submillimeter Observatory has been studying the formation of stars by looking at proto-stars in the Cygnus X region, one of the richest known regions of star formation in the galaxy. Observations showed the rotation of the natal massive dense cold condensation and magnetic fields penetrating the area, play a key role in star formation.
Join Hiroko Shinnaga at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s “Maunakea Skies” will give a talk at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18 titled, “A Nursery for Young Massive Stars.” She will highlight the findings of this study and discuss how the long wavelength of submillimeter helps us understand how young massive stars are born.
“The life of massive stars is very dramatic. They are born so massive, evolve quickly, then die young and go out with a bang,” Shinnaga said. “These supernova blasts splash their ashes into space helping to kick-start the next generation of stars.”
Massive stars are rare compared to low or intermediate stars. They are the ones that regulate star formation in galaxies. The life of massive stars is still not understood, particularly at a very young age, because they are hidden deep within very thick cocoons of gas and dust, making direct observations difficult. Taking advantage of the long wavelength of submillimeter wave, astronomers can penetrate the thick cocoon and witness how such young massive stars are born within cold thick cocoons.
Shinnaga is a staff research scientist at the CSO, where she has worked since 2004. Immediately prior to that she worked at the Smithsonian-ASIAA Submillimeter Array for five years. She received her PhD at Ibaraki University in Japan and moved to Hilo in 2001. She studies how stars are born and how stars end their lives mainly at submillimeter wave.
The “Maunakea Skies” talk will be hosted by Peter Michaud of Gemini Observatory. After the guest speaker’s featured presentation, Michaud will provide observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawaii, pointing out prominent constellations and stars one can see during this time of year.
The monthly “Maunakea Skies” planetarium presentations are held on the third Saturday of each month. Cost is $5 for individual, dual, kupuna and family members. Purchase tickets at the ‘Imiloa front desk or by phone at 969-9703.
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii 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 969-9703.