What does the Japanese art of paper folding have to do with helping scientists find and study Earth-like planets in other parts of our universe?
What does the Japanese art of paper folding have to do with helping scientists find and study Earth-like planets in other parts of our universe?
Join Dr. Julien Lozi with the Subaru Telescope/National Observatory of Japan for a presentation called “How Origami Can Help Us Explore Other Worlds” at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 for ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s next Maunakea Skies program.
In parallel with the discovery of exoplanets, mathematicians, scientists and engineers have started to deconstruct the science hidden in origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. Origami applications have been developed across numerous fields, including medicine, robotics, energy, automotive engineering, architecture, and, of course, astronomy and space exploration.
With designs for unfolding giant structures, solar panels, new types of lenses or even cheap propulsion systems, origami can help find and study Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of nearby stars — and maybe one day help travel to one of these exoplanets, Lozi explains.
Lozi is senior optical scientist at the Subaru Telescope/National Observatory of Japan. Born in France in 1985, he was introduced to origami and astronomy at the age of 10 and avidly pursuing both subjects ever since. While studying optics and lasers for his master’s degree in France, he began to see the parallels between origami and optics.
The Maunakea Skies program will be hosted by ‘Imiloa Planetarium technician, Emily Peavy, who will provide observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawai‘i, and point out prominent constellations and stars visible during this time of year.
‘Imiloa’s monthly Maunakea Skies planetarium presentations are offered the third Friday of each month. Cost is $8 for Individual, Dual, Kupuna and Family members; $6 for Patron members; free for Silver, Gold and Corporate members. Nonmember rate is $10.
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii is located at 600 ‘Imiloa Place in Hilo. For tickets or more information, visit www.imiloahawaii.org, or call 969-9703.