Search for massive star formations with scientist Harriet Parsons at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Parsons will focus on massive star formation in the W51 cloud complex that is found in the
Search for massive star formations with scientist Harriet Parsons at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo.
Parsons will focus on massive star formation in the W51 cloud complex that is found in the constellation of Aquila. The complex is located at a distance 15 times farther away than the famous Orion Nebula and lies along the Sagittarius arm of our galaxy, the Milky Way.
These two factors pose many challenges to astronomers trying to uncover the secret to one of the most active star forming regions in our galaxy. Using existing and new data from the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope atop Mauna Kea, it is possible to examine current star formation in this dynamic region (a result of colliding clouds) and make predictions for the future of this complex.
Parsons moved to Hilo just over a year ago to work for the Joint Astronomy Centre as a support scientist.
General admission is $8. ‘Imiloa is at 600 ‘Imiloa Place in Hilo, off Komohana and Nowelo streets at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Science and Technology Park. For more information, visit www.imiloahawaii.org, or call 969-9703.
This is her first job since completing her Ph.D. at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK. In her spare time, she enjoys paddling for Puna Canoe Club.
Host Shawn Laatsch , ‘Imiloa planetarium manager, 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.
