One of the most fascinating elements of modern astronomy is the stream of recent exoplanet discoveries — planets circling other stars. Extensive research and development is underway to better understand how these planets are formed, as well as discovering the
One of the most fascinating elements of modern astronomy is the stream of recent exoplanet discoveries — planets circling other stars. Extensive research and development is underway to better understand how these planets are formed, as well as discovering the formation of planets within our own solar system.
Learn more about the formation of planets and other related science phenomena at 7 p.m. Friday during the next Maunakea Skies talk at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. John Rayner, director of the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Maunakea, will lead the presentation.
Rayner also will discuss how the IRTF is providing supporting observations for NASA’s own Juno spacecraft, which is orbiting Jupiter with the goal of measuring the planet’s overall structure and composition and increasing our understanding of how it was formed.
Jupiter is by far the largest planet in the solar system and knowledge of its properties is key to understanding the formation of the solar system and possibly other planetary systems. Rayner will describe the Juno mission and the role of this spacecraft in this epic quest for knowledge.
Rayner obtained his education in the U.K. with a degree in physics from Kings College, University of London, and a Ph.D. in astronomical instrumentation from the University of Edinburgh.
He has been building infrared instruments at IRTF for the past 27 years and is commissioning a high-resolution infrared spectrograph, optimized for observing star and planet-forming disks, planetary atmospheres and comets.
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 take place 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.
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, at 600 ‘Imiloa Place, is a world-class center for informal science education on the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus. Its centerpiece is a 12,000-square-foot exhibit hall, showcasing astronomy and Hawaiian culture as parallel journeys of human exploration guided by the light of the stars.
For more information, visit www.ImiloaHawaii.org.
