Join Dr. Alan Tokunaga, director of the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, for his talk “Exploring Small Worlds” at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s next “Mau-nakea Skies Talk” at 7 p.m. Aug. 21. ADVERTISING Join Dr. Alan Tokunaga, director of the NASA Infrared
Join Dr. Alan Tokunaga, director of the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, for his talk “Exploring Small Worlds” at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s next “Mau-nakea Skies Talk” at 7 p.m. Aug. 21.
The discoveries of dwarf planets Pluto, Ceres, Vesta and the Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko made by spacecraft have expanded our understanding of these amazing worlds in our solar system. These places also are observed by the telescopes on Mauna Kea. Tokunaga will discuss how the 3-meter IRTF contributes to observing these distant regions.
Tokunaga, raised on Maui, studied astronomy at State University of New York at Stony Brook. His research specialty is building infrared instruments and infrared observations of solar system objects, young stars and the interstellar medium. He presently is leading an effort to build an infrared spectrograph for the IRTF.
The IRTF is funded by NASA to make observations that are needed to support planetary missions. The telescope is operated by the University of Hawaii through a contract with NASA.
The “Maunakea Skies” program will be hosted by ‘Imiloa planetarium staff member Emily Peavy.
To register, purchase tickets and for more information, visit the ‘Imiloa front desk or call 969-9703.
