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| Volume 5, Issue 3 Malaki (March) 2010 | |
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Aloha mai!
Welcome to 'Imiloa's monthly membership e-newsletter, Kilolani. Please send your comments and feedback to our Membership and Development Office at membership@imiloahawaii.org or call (808) 969-9732.
'Imiloa Astronomy Center is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and on these holidays: King Kamehameha Day and Independence Day (Fourth of July). We're closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
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Calendar of Events at a Glance -- details provided below
Every Saturday: Keiki Kilohoku Korner activities from 9:30 am to 11:00 am
10:00 am Legends of the Night Sky: Orion (through March 20);
Tycho to the Moon (starts March 27)
March 3: Science Rocks! after-school program
March 10: Science Rocks! after-school program
March 19-22: 'Imi Na'auao Wayfinding and Navigation Crew Training Workshops
March 20: Maunakea Skies Lecture Series at 7:00 pm
March 24: Science Rocks! after-school program
March 26: Member Appreciation Event and Preview:
3D Sun and Awesome Light 2 ( Click here to view the 3D Sun trailer!)
March 27: Tycho to the Moon premieres at 10:00 am
March 31: Science Rocks! after-school program
April 6-9: Merrie Monarch Festival Workshops at 'Imiloa
June 1-4: Science Rocks! Summer Camp for Girls
June 8-11: Science Rocks! Summer Camp for Boys
September: Celebrate Museums Month
October 8-10: 3rd Annual Hilo Wayfinding and Navigation Festival
October 30: Halloween Spooky Science Hall - CSI Edition
December 3: 3rd Annual Member Mahalo Holiday Party
Questions about any of the above events? Call our front desk at 969-9703.
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| Image of the Month |
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The Whirlpool Galaxy Revisited
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Click here for the explanation of our March Image of the Month!
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| Did You Know...? |
| The common link between telescopes and your camera? |
 Telescopes around the world and in space use the same technology found in your digital camera. Both contain charge-couple devices, or CCDs, which gather light and converts it into digital signals. Essentially, telescopes like those on Maunakea as well as the Hubble Space Telescope, are specialized digital cameras!
Why does 'Imiloa spell Maunakea as one word?
 The University of Hawai'i at Hilo College of Hawaiian Language recommends one word, "Maunakea" as the proper Hawaiian usage. Maunakea is a proper noun -the name of the mountain on the Island of Hawai'i. "Mauna Kea" spelled as two words is really referring to any white mountain - it is a common noun (vs. the proper noun).
The one-word version is also specific to the "Mountain of Wakea," the proper name of this mountain as addressed in the Kumulipo Chant of Creation and throughout 'Imiloa's exhibits.
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| Membership News |
| Welcome to our Newest Membership Team Member! |
 Carla Kuo has joined 'Imiloa Astronomy Center as Membership Assistant. She will be helping to build and support our membership program and advance 'Imiloa's mission to celebrate Hawaiian culture and Maunakea astronomy. Prior to joining 'Imiloa, Carla was a junior extension agent at UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources in Manoa where she was involved in the Hawai'i Areawide Fruit Fly Pest Management Program.
Carla graduated from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo in 2000 with a BA in natural sciences and from the World Medicine Institute in 2005 with a MA in acupuncture and oriental medicine. She lives in Hilo with her husband Mason and daughter Lia.
Welcome, Carla!
Member-get-a-Member
Buy three, get one free! Through March 15, get three of your pals to become members of 'Imiloa and you will receive a free Family Membership!
You'll also be entered to win a FREE planetarium facility rental and show of YOUR choice for you and 120 of your friends (a $500 value)! To qualify, be sure your friends tell the front desk that you referred them.
Call the 'Imiloa Membership Office at 969-9732 for more information or email us at membership@imiloahawaii.org.
Coming Up: Membership Appreciation Event and Preview
 On Friday, March 26, 'Imiloa will be hosting a special members-only appreciation event and preview of 3D Sun and Awesome Light 2. See the trailer of 3D Sun here.
Members will also be able to see a live performance of Maui and the Sun, make their own solar bead bracelets, use spectroscopes, paint the color of stars and learn about star types and life zones. Live entertainment, pupus and refreshments will be provided. Members should be receiving their special invitations via email or post very soon!
If you have any questions about membership, contact Nico Verissimo, our Membership and Fund Development Manager, at 969-9732 or Carla Kuo, Membership Assistant, at 969-9719.
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| Upcoming Events and Activities |
Family Science Night - Journey through the Universe 
Bring your family to 'Imiloa for a Journey through the Universe experience! On Wednesday, March 3, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, this FREE public event will include Planetarium shows and educational programming in Moanahoku Hall. The 'Imiloa Exhibit Halls will also be open.
In the Moanahoku Hall:
Kevin Caruso "Working in Space"
A hands-on look for the whole family at what it takes to work in the space environment. Learn about many non-astronaut jobs in the space program and witness a blast-off demonstration. Feel the many layers of a real space suit and smile as a volunteer wears the World's Cheapest Space Suit. Come and discover why revisiting the Moon is so important for future journeys to the planet Mars.
Drs. Tim and Stephanie Slater "Looking at the Universe with New Eyes"
There are many creatures on the Earth who don't see like we do: insects, snakes, dogs, and others. In this playful presentation, families are invited to join us as we consider what the world might look like if we had the ability to look at it with "different eyes." Use an infrared camera to look at the world differently, and be prepared to share what you know, and to "see" yourself in a different light.
Scott Fisher "A Talk Story Hour about Discoveries from Mauna Kea Observatories"
From the planets in our own Solar System, to galaxies on the other side of the Universe, the telescopes on Mauna Kea make new discoveries almost every time they look into the sky. Learn about many of the new and exciting breakthroughs made from the observatories here on the Big Island. Participate in "Stump the Astronomer" where the audience can ask questions about their favorite astronomy topics.
This is a free public event! Please join us!
Coming up! Merrie Monarch Workshops at 'Imiloa
 Enjoy the 3rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival Workshops at 'Imiloa. 'Imiloa has partnered with the world-renowned Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition to provide special enrichment programs at 'Imiloa from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm on Tuesday through Friday, April 6-9, 2010.
Experience workshops on Hawaiian views of the world as reflected in chanting, how traditional knowledge is passed through mele, the plants used in hula tradition, the creation of traditional hula instruments, and a hula workshop.
Guests from Japan can also enjoy sessions in Japanese using the audio headset system. Audio translations are provided free-of-charge. Mahalo to County of Hawai'i Department of Research and Development and the Hawai'i Tourism Authority for supporting this program.
Keep your eyes and ears open for program details in the near future. |
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| Hawai'i District Science and Engineering Fair |
| Science Fair Winners Announced |
 The 24th Annual Hawai'i District Science and Engineering Fair award ceremony took place February 13 at the UH-Hilo Campus Center Cafeteria. Of the 119 fascinating student projects that entered the competition, many won special awards and 51 students were selected to participate in the upcoming State Science and Engineering Fair on Oahu. The projects were on display at 'Imiloa's Moanahoku Hall for public viewing. Busloads of schoolchildren on excursion from all over Hawai'i came by check it out and visited the 'Imiloa exhibit halls and planetarium.
One of the many outstanding displays was "Photosynthetic Microalgae: A Green Source of Renewable H2" by Megan Kurohara and Hannah Rojeski of Hilo High School (photo, left). Their work explored a totally renewable way to generate hydrogen fuel. The team project garnered a variety of awards including First Place in the Senior Research category.
Many thanks go out to HPM, the Robert and Alice Fujimoto Foundation, HELCO, the Thirty Meter Telescope, Hawai 'i Island Economic Development Board, Science FUNdamentals, Gemini Telescope, the Department of Education, the Uchima, Hapai and Pung families, Drs. Francis Dean and Karou, Dr. Rose Tseng, and Fair Director Marlene Hapai for their generous contributions and continued support of the event.
Science Fair Winners:
Senior Research
First Place - Megan Kurohara and Hannah Rojeski (Hilo High School)
"Photosynthetic Microalage: A Green Source of Renewable H2"
Second Place - Malia Kodis (Waiakea High School)
"Diversity of Foliar Fungal Endophytes in Wild and Cultivated Metrosideros polymorpha Inferred from Environmental
PCR and ITS Sequence Data
Third Place - Nolan Kamitaki (Waiakea High School)
"Gene Dosage and Expression in Human Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines"
Honorable Mention - Juan Chen Li (Waiakea High School)
"Evaluating an Enrichment Method for Detecting Ralstonia solanacearum"
Junior Research
First Place - Cody Hamane (Hilo Intermediate School)
"Native vs. Invasive: Survival of the Fittest"
Second Place - Timon Skinner (Hilo Intermediate School)
"Bollard Testing: Measuring Propeller Thrust"
Third Place - Mikiko Takato (Hilo Intermediate School)
"Can Strawberry Guava Prevent Bacterial Growth?"
Honorable Mention - Ian McQuate (Waiakea Intermediate School)
"Nitrogen-Fixing Tree Leaves as Fertilizer for Crops Grown in Cinder"
Junior Display
First Place - Asia Helfrich and Caitlin Yanni (Connections Public Charter School)
"Flesh Eating Disease"
Second Place - Olivia Brinkman (Connections Charter School)
"Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatments"
Third Place - Nathan Tripp, Korey Palmerton, and Juslynne Fernandez (Pahoa Intermediate School)
"The White Monarch Butterfly"
Honorable Mention - Sarina Wyrick (St. Joseph School)
"Geothermal Power!"
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| New Website! |
| Visit us Online |
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| Bank of Hawaii Museum Store |
| Check out our new items! |
The Galileoscope has arrived at 'Imiloa! This high-quality, low-cost telescope kit was developed for the International Year of Astronomy 2009 by a team of leading astronomers, science educators, and optical engineers. With this easy-to-assemble, 2 inch diameter, and 25 to 50 power achromatic refractor telescope, you can see the celestial wonders that Galileo sighted over 400 years ago. With the Galileoscope, you can observe the four moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, the phases of Venus, lunar craters and mountains, countless stars, and much more!
Get your own Galileoscope for $34.95 - it's a great bargain! The Bank of Hawaii Museum Store has a wonderful selection of new and unique items, ready to delight everyone. Remember to bring your 'Imiloa membership card to receive your member's 10% discount!
The Bank of Hawaii Museum Store is open Tuesdays through Sundays, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you have any questions, please call 969-9764.
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| Sky Garden Restaurant |
| Delicious Buffets Overlooking the Bay |
 Hungry? Come on over to the Sky Garden Restaurant for a delectable meal with a side of beautiful views! Restaurant owners Andy and Lin are offering sumptuous buffets starting at $12.50 for lunch, $20.00 for dinner. Don't forget, as a member, you'll receive a 10% discount!
Lunch Buffet:
Tuesday-Thursday $12.50
Friday-Sunday $14.50
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Dinner Buffet:
Thursday- Sunday $20.00
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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| Keiki Programs and Opportunities |
Saturday's Keiki Kilohoku Korner
The Keiki Kilohoku Korner is held every Saturday from 9:30 am - 11:00 am for the visitors who come to see Legends of the Night Sky: Orion or Tycho to the Moon (as of March 27), our 10:00 am keiki planetarium shows. Educational activities take place in 'Imiloa's atrium area. Storytelling, science demos, or experiments will be offered weekly.
Science Rocks! at 'Imiloa |
Bring your keiki to 'Imiloa's Science Rocks! educational, interactive after-school program from 2:30 pm to 5:15 pm. With exciting new topics, Science Rocks! is held every Wednesday that school is in session through May 19, 2010. This program is tailored for students in grades 4-6.
March 3: Geometry of Nature
March 10: Heat & Thermodynamics
March 24: Science of Cool
March 31: Combustions & Reactions
Each session is limited to 20 students and enrollment is necessary, costing $15 per session, with a "pay-as-you-go" policy. For more information, please call our School Programs Coordinator, Gail Loeffler, at 969-9729. |
Camp 'Imiloa Science Rocks! for Boys and Girls
 Give your children the opportunity this summer to explore science, math and culture while having FUN! Our Camp 'Imiloa Science Rocks! programs are totally hands-on, as our campgoers will be building with wind tubes, constructing functional V8 engine models, examining the world around them using telescopes and microscopes and even learn about sound while playing in a marimba performance!
There will be a Camp 'Imiloa Science Rocks! for Girls and another one just for the boys hosted at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. The camps will only be open to students in grades 3 - 6 (as of January 1, 2010).
 Camp dates: Camp 'Imiloa Science Rocks! for Girls June 1 - June 4, 2010 (8:00 am - 12:00 noon)
Camp 'Imiloa Science Rocks! for Boys June 8 - June 11, 2010 (8:00am - 12:00 noon)
Camp tuition includes science supplies and is $110 for non-members, $100 for members. Daily drop-ins may be available depending on space availability at $30 per day (membership discount does not apply).
For more information, please call our School Programs Coordinator, Gail Loeffler, at 969-9729.
STARBASE HAWAII Comes to 'Imiloa
 Calling all future aviators! STARBASE Hawaii will be coming to 'Imiloa in June and July for their FREE Summer 2010 FSX Three Day "Intro to Flight" programs. Soar above the Hawaiian islands with STARBASE's flight simulators and learn about mission planning, flying safety, aircraft design, and so much more!
Intro to Flight dates:
June 22 - 24 (9:00 am - 2:00 pm)
June 29 - July 1 (9:00 am - 2:00 pm)
July 20 - 22 (9:00 am - 2:00 pm)
This schedule of programs are open to the first 15 students grades 6-8. Students need only bring their lunches, snacks and drinks.
To inquire about or register for these and other STARBASE programs, please call STARBASE Hawaii at 808-982-4298 or email at starbasehi@gmail.com. |
| March Skies 2010 |
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Highlights from the Night Sky |
Mercury is not visible this month, as it is in conjunction with the Sun.
Venus is low on the horizon during the last half of the month, just after sunset. Look for it within 30 minutes of the sun's setting.
Mars is visible a good portion of the evening and is starting to dim from its bright appearance in January.
Jupiter re-emerges mid-month, just prior to sunrise. Look for it early in the morning.
Saturn reaches opposition this month and is visible from sunset to sunrise. The rings continue to open up, making them more and more spectacular each month this year.
On March 20, the Sun will cross directly over the Earth's equator. This moment is known as the Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. Translated literally, equinox means "equal night." Because the Sun is positioned above the equator, day and night are about equal in length all over the world.
March's Celestial Calendar
Tuesday, March 2 Makulu (Saturn) 8° north of the Moon
Sunday, March 7 Kaloakukahi (Last Quarter Moon) at 5:42 am
Thursday, March 11 Hoku'ulapina'au (Mars) appears stationary
Sunday, March 14 Ukaliali'i (Mercury) in superior conjunction
Monday, March 15 Muku (New Moon) at 12:01 pm
Wednesday, March 17 Hokuloa (Venus) 7° south of the Moon
Saturday, March 20 Vernal Equinox 8:32 am
Sunday, March 21 Makulu (Saturn) at opposition
Tuesday, March 23 'Olekukahi (First Quarter Moon) at 2:00 am
hursday, March 25 Hoku'ulapina'au (Mars) 5° north of the Moon
Monday, March 29 Hoku (Full Moon) at 5:25 pm
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| March Maunakea Skies: "The New Solar System: the Down-sizing of Pluto and New Frontiers in Our Solar System" |
Saturday, March 20, at 7:00 pm in the planetarium
The ever-popular Maunakea Skies is back again at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. Dr. Richard Crowe will host this month's Maunakea Skies on Saturday, March 20, at 7:00 pm. He will be joined by Dr. Chad Trujillo, an astronomer at Gemini Observatory. Dr. Trujillo's topic will be: "The New Solar System: the Down-sizing of Pluto and New Frontiers in Our Solar System."
In the last decade, our picture of the solar system and its outskirts have changed dramatically. Once thought to be a lonely place only inhabited by Pluto and the occasional comet, we now know that there are a vast number of icy asteroids in Pluto's neighborhood. The largest of these is Eris, sometimes called the "10th Planet" because it is larger than Pluto. Dr. Trujillo will talk about how he helped to discover Eris, why astronomers decided to demote Pluto from its planetary status, and what it and some of its neighbors might look like when the New Horizons spacecraft visits them in 2015.
 Dr. Chad Trujillo is an Astronomer at Gemini Observatory in Hilo. He obtained a BS in Physics from MIT in 1995 and a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Hawai'i in 2000. After work as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech he joined Gemini in 2003. At Gemini, he has been involved in Adaptive Optics guiding with both natural stars and laser beacons. His research interests involve the outermost regions of the solar system. His recent work includes co-discovery and surface measurements of several of the largest Kuiper Belt Objects including the so-called "10th Planet" Eris, the most distant object known in the solar system.
The Sky Garden Restaurant will be open from 5:00 to 8:00 pm for dinner.
Maunakea Skies will be held the third Saturday of each month and will replace the Directors' Lecture Series held for the International Year of Astronomy in 2009, which was included as a sponsorship during that special time. With the completion of the IYA2009, 'Imiloa's monthly talks again require an admission fee. Admission is $8.00 for non-members and $5.00 for members.
For more information on Maunakea Skies, please visit us online. The Maunakea Skies Series begins at 7:00 pm and is on the third Saturday of every month. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance.
Questions? Please feel free to call Shawn Laatsch, 'Imiloa's Planetarium Manager at 969-9735 or our front desk at 969-9703.
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| In the Planetarium |
IBEX: Search for the Edge ends on Friday, March 26
Join scientists who are investigating the boundary between our Solar System and the rest of our galaxy. Designed for visitors with an appreciation for the challenges of space science and a desire to learn more about science research, IBEX: Search for the Edge follows the creation of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX).
IBEX: Search for the Edge plays every day, Tuesday through Sunday until March 26, at 1:00 and 3:00 pm, in the 'Imiloa planetarium.
Legends of the Night Sky: Orion ends on Saturday, March 20
This colorful and entertaining program is the world's first traditionally-animated fulldome movie. The show takes an imaginative look at the stories and legends about Orion, the great hunter of the winter sky. It's an ideal show for family audiences and younger viewers.
Legends of the Night Sky: Orion is presented every Saturday at 10:00 am and is supplemented with the Keiki Kilohoku Korner, held from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Last show on Saturday, March 20. Catch it before it's gone!
Friday Night Music Shows
Our Friday night music shows will be discontinued until further notice. We are currently working on a new program for Friday nights. Please feel free to send us feedback and/or suggestions!
Tycho to the Moon - NEW planetarium show!
 Come and meet Tycho, a dog who doesn't just howl at the moon, but wants to go there! Blast off on an amazing ride into space with Tycho and his young friends Ruby and Michael. Learn about night and day, space travel, the phases of the Moon and features of the lunar surface. Take a close-up look at the Sun, watch the effects of gravity, see the Earth from space and watch meteors shoot across the night sky. Tycho to the Moon will be shown Saturdays only at 10:00 am beginning March 27.
3D SUN - NEW planetarium show!
 Here comes the Sun! See it up close in dazzling, high-definition 3D. Leading NASA scientists take you behind the scenes to tell the story of the Sun and why a greater understanding of this dynamic star is of crucial importance to us all. Stand above the Arctic circle and witness the most brilliant auroras on Earth. Take a ride on a solar blast from Sun's surface to Earth's Magnetosphere. Witness the most powerful explosions in the solar system - equal to the force of a billion megaton nuclear bombs. And find out how these explosions disrupt electronic equipment, create geomagnetic storms and influence weather patterns on Earth.
View 3D Sun teasers and trailers here.
Experience 3D Sun at the 'Imiloa Planetarium starting Saturday, March 27 at 1:00 pm and 3:00pm (replacing IBEX on the Tues-Sun Planetarium schedule).
Awesome Light 2 - NEW 3D planetarium show!
 Awesome Light is back and in 3D with a new installment featuring Caltech Submillimeter Observatory, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, Harvard Smithsonian Submillimeter Array, and the Very Long Baseline Array. Awesome Light 2 showcases radio and submillimeter astronomy and how this area of astronomy reveals discoveries not possible in visible light. 'Imiloa's second planetarium show production and distributed by Sky Skan, Inc., Awesome Light 2 will soon be available to planetariums around the globe. Check it out beginning Saturday, March 27 at 2:00 pm; it will replace Awesome Light 1 on our regular Tues-Sun Planetarium schedule. |
| Ways to Give |
| Charitable Estate and Tax Planning with 'Imiloa
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"My wish isn't to mean everything to everyone but something to someone."
~Dr. Ali Javan, Physicist & Inventor
 Whatever your wish may be, now is a great time to invest in what is important to you and make a difference in someone else's life. From enhancing your family's financial future to helping fund field trip opportunities for keiki to visit the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, the UH Foundation would like to help you achieve your goals using tax-wise estate and tax planning strategies.
'Imiloa is fortunate to have the services of the University of Hawai'i Foundation Office of Estate and Gift Planning to serve our friends, alumni and other supporters. The UH Foundation is available to provide complimentary gift and estate planning consultation to supporters of 'Imiloa, the University, and their tax and financial advisors. Together we can make life more meaningful for you while transforming the lives of others. Receive your Charitable Estate and Tax Planning packet today! Email us at giftplanning@uhf.hawaii.edu or visit www.UHFLegacyGift.org. You can also contact our 'Imiloa Development Office at 969-9732. Thank you! |
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'Imiloa Astronomy Center
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To ensure delivery of `Imiloa Astronomy Center e-mails to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add membership@imiloahawaii.orgto your address book.
If you or someone you know isn't receiving Kilolani on a regular basis, please call us at (808) 969-9732 or email us at membership@imiloahawaii.org so we can investigate for you!
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'Imiloa Astronomy Center
Membership and Fund Development Office
600 'Imiloa Place Hilo, HI 96720
Nico Verissimo - Membership and Fund Development Manager
(808) 969-9732
nverissimo@imiloahawaii.org
Carla Kuo - Membership Assistant(808) 969-9719 ckuo@imiloahawaii.orgFront Desk Superstars(808) 969-9703 Center Hours:Tues-Sun 9 am to 4 pm Closed Mondays Front desk: (808) 969-9703 Sky Garden Restaurant:Open Tues-Sun 9 am to 4 pm Dinner: Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun 5 pm to 8 pm (808) 969-9753 Mahalo nui loa for your support of 'Imiloa! |
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