‘Imiloa presenting scientist representing Very Long Baseline Array

We’ve all seen black holes popping up in science-fiction movies and even in some “end of the world” theories, but do black holes really exist and, if so, can we find them?

The answer is yes — with the help of telescopes from around the world, including observatories on Mauna Kea.

Learn more about black holes and how we can spot them by linking telescopes around the globe to create “A Telescope the Size of the Earth” during ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s next Maunakea Skies talk at 7 p.m. Friday with Alison Peck, representing the Very Long Baseline Array on Mauna Kea.

In April 2017, astronomers worked together to combine advanced technology in an extraordinary technique called Very Long Baseline Interferometry, linking ground-based instruments around the world to create, in effect, one giant telescope called the Event Horizon Telescope. The EHT will deeply explore and target the supermassive black hole that resides at the center of the Milky Way.

The goal of this ambitious collaboration is to capture the first image of a black hole’s event horizon, which is the point where light no longer can escape the object’s gravity.

Peck will discuss the circumstances that cause black holes to form and some of the methods astronomers use to detect these exotic objects in space.

Peck, who serves as a scientist at Gemini Observatory, has an extensive history of undertaking complicated projects in radio astronomy.

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.