University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy

Open House 2008

Sunday, April 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What caused the solar system to have a shaking fit?

What kind of telescope should I buy for the kids?

How do you stop a falling egg from breaking?

Can I see the sunspots on the Sun?

Does "dark matter" matter?

For answers to these questions, head for the annual UH Institute for Astronomy Open House on Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at IfA's Manoa headquarters on Woodlawn Drive.

Listen to short lectures about what's been happening in astronomy recently, including the detection last month of the biggest explosion ever seen. Learn how to measure the temperature of a star and how to classify galaxies according to their appearance.

There will also be demonstrations of how things behave in a vacuum and how astronomers can see in the dark.

Children will have the opportunity to play Astro-Jeopardy, simulate a Mars landing using a raw egg, and travel through space in our StarLab planetarium. There will be telescopes available to view the Sun, as well as demonstrations of what causes the seasons.

Other Oahu astronomy groups that will be represented at the open house will include the Hawaiian Astronomical Society, Ironwood Observatory and the Bishop Museum.

Admission and parking are free.

Use these links for more information about activities and lectures, and to see the poster.