‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the Subaru Telescope invite visitors to the center for Tsukimi, or moon viewing, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28. ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the Subaru Telescope invite visitors to the center for Tsukimi,
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the Subaru Telescope invite visitors to the center for Tsukimi, or moon viewing, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28.
Tsukimi is a Japanese custom honoring the full moon, where families gather to celebrate the beauty of the moon with food and drink. Traditionally susuki (pampas grass) or other autumn flowers are decorated in a vase, and dango (dumplings), satoimo (taro potatoes) and sake are offered to the moon.
“Tsukimi comes from a Chinese harvesting festival that was adopted in Japan during the Heian period,” explained Ramsey Lundock, Subaru Telescope public outreach associate. “It began as a harvest celebration, but in many countries the tradition has continued to modern industrialized times.”
The night will include a 6 p.m. Moons of our Solar System live sky presentation in the planetarium, followed by a presentation of moon stories in other cultural paradigms, meteorite and lunar science exhibits, and moon viewing on the ‘Imiloa grounds, if weather permits. A traditional snack of mochi will be available for the participants, and the Sky Garden Restaurant will be open until 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10, with various member discounts. Call 969-9703. Visit www.imiloahawaii.org.
The Subaru Telescope is an 8.2-meter optical-infrared telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan of the National Institutes of Natural Sciences.
