Many remarkable astronomical discoveries have resulted from scientific observations across the realms of the electromagnetic spectrum that lie beyond the domain of human vision.
Many remarkable astronomical discoveries have resulted from scientific observations across the realms of the electromagnetic spectrum that lie beyond the domain of human vision.
Learn more about this fascinating technology at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s Maunakea Skies talk at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 with Mark Rawlings, support scientist at the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (East Asian Observatory).
The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all different forms of light and energy, ranging from low energy radio waves through visible light that humans can see, to high energy gamma rays. People take advantage of some of the more familiar parts of the EM spectrum in day-to-day lives, when using a microwave to warm up food or tune in to a local radio station.
Other portions of the EM spectrum, such as infrared, radio and submillimeter wavelengths, allow astronomers to make fascinating discoveries about the universe.
Infrared observations, for example, pierce the cloudy veils of stellar nurseries and offer a view of stars in the process of being born, while radio and submillimeter telescopes allow astronomers to image some of the coldest places in the universe and glimpse the tiniest molecules — even the afterglow of the Big Bang itself.
During his talk, Rawlings will focus on telescopes that observe at the longer wavelengths — the radio, submillimeter and infrared ranges — and discuss their complementary roles in observing the “interstellar medium,” the material between stars.
Despite being invisible to the human eye, the humble mixture of dust and gas that make up the interstellar medium is a fundamental component of the Universe and is actually central to the formation of galaxies, stars and planets. Come learn about astronomers’ unexpected adventures and ongoing struggles to capture the faintest of signals from distant clouds in deep space.
Hosted by planetarium technician Emily Peavy, ‘Imiloa’s monthly Maunakea Skies program includes observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawaii, with the audience able to view prominent constellations and stars visible during this time of year. Maunakea Skies planetarium presentations are on the third Friday of each month. General admission tickets are $10, $8 for members (member-level discounts apply). Pre-purchase tickets at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by phone at 932-8901.
For more information about ‘Imiloa, visit www.ImiloaHawaii.org.