Hypernova!
Next Maunakea Skies at ‘Imiloa
Hilo, Hawai‘i – ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s own Christopher Phillips will lead a “Hypernova! The Origin of Gamma Ray Bursts” is the topic at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s next Maunakea Skies program Friday, March 21, 2014 at 7 p.m.
Gamma Ray Bursts are some of the most energetic and enigmatic events in the Universe. Mostly found billions of light years from Earth, they have puzzled astronomers ever since their discovery in the late 60’s. Since then observations by ground and space based telescopes have yielded amazing new discoveries about these cosmic catastrophes and introduced us to some of the most extreme physics in the cosmos. We have come to know that these violent outbursts of energy signal a new phase in the evolution of a star and the birth of some of the Universe’s most extreme and enigmatic objects. To understand the gamma ray burst we must first understand the life of a star from birth, to death and beyond. Join Chris Phillips as he journeys into the lives of some of the Universe’s most remarkable inhabitants; and discover the extreme nature of the “Hypernova.”
Originally from the United Kingdom, Christopher Phillips works, both domestically and internationally, as an astronomy educator and professional science communicator. He is now based at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i and is also the voice of Hawai‘i Public Radio’s “Stargazer” segment. As part of his post graduate research at The Open University, UK – Christopher is engaged in the study of the role of science in society and current scientific controversies in astronomy.
Maunakea Skies program will be hosted by Chris Phillips, ‘Imiloa planetarium staff. He will provide observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawai‘i, pointing out prominent constellations and stars one can see during this time of year.
The monthly Maunakea Skies planetarium presentations are held on the third Friday of each month. Cost is $8 for Individual, Dual, Kupuna and Family Members; $6 for Patron Members; Free for Silver, Gold and Corporate Members. Non-member rate is $10. Pre-purchase tickets at the ‘Imiloa front desk or by phone at 969-9703.
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i is located at 600 ‘Imiloa Place in Hilo, off Komohana and Nowelo Streets at the UH Hilo Science and Technology Park. For more information, go to www.imiloahawaii.org, or call (808) 969-9703.
