Are there planets like Earth around other stars?
Are there planets like Earth around other stars?
Humans have been asking this fundamental question for thousands of years. Join Brendan Bowler at the next Mauna Kea Skies talk at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center as he discusses how we are the first generation to begin to answer this question using the tools of science.
In 1995, the first planet orbiting another star like our sun was discovered. Since then, nearly 800 exoplanets (extrasolar planets) have been found, creating one of the most exciting and fastest growing areas of research in astronomy. Most of these planets have been found through indirect methods, and only in the past few years have astronomers been able to take images of these solar systems around other stars.
Bowler will review the incredible and unexpected diversity of planetary systems that have been discovered so far. He will describe ongoing efforts to image exoplanets, which teaches us about the structure and composition of their atmospheres, using the largest telescopes perched on the summit of Mauna Kea. He will also share his perspective on the future of the field, including where the next generation of 30-meter class telescopes will take us.
Bowler is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Institute for Astronomy.
He studies the formation of giant planets and the properties of their atmospheres in the infrared using the Keck, Subaru and Gemini-North telescopes. Prior to Hawaii, he dual majored in physics and astrophysics at Tufts University in Boston, graduating with a B.A. in 2007. When not doing research, he enjoys hiking and surfing on Oahu.
Mauna Kea Skies will be hosted by Peter Michaud, Gemini Observatory’s public information and outreach manager. 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 Mauna Kea Skies planetarium presentations are held on the third Saturday of each month. Admission is $8. Get tickets at the ‘Imiloa front desk or by phone at 969-9703.
‘Imiloa is at 600 ‘Imiloa Place in Hilo, off Komohana and Nowelo streets at the UH Hilo Science and Technology Park. Visit www.imiloahawaii.org.