‘Imiloa Examines Space Rock Science

Meteoritics, the science of rocks from space, will be the topic of the next ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center Maunakea Skies talk.

Gary Fujihara will present a brief history of man and meteorite, separating fact from myth, leading to the current model of meteoritics, in the ‘Imiloa planetarium at 7 p.m. this Friday, May 16.

Meteorites are rocks that have dropped from space, surviving their fiery deliverance onto the surface of planet Earth, said an ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center release. Unlike the rocks found on the crust of the Earth, however, many have remained pristine and preserved much in the state they began 4.56 billion years ago, helping scientists to establish theories on the formation and evolution of the solar system, the release said.

Fujihara, born in Honolulu, has lived in Hilo since 1980. He heads the Office of Science Education and Public Outreach at UH Institute for Astronomy and has a background in graphic arts, music and computer software engineering.

Fujihara also founded Astro Day, a nationally-recognized event in Hilo that celebrates education and astronomy and attracts more than 15,000 people every year, when he was a telescope operator at Subaru in 2002.

Maunakea Skies program host Chris Phillips will provide observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawai‘i, pointing out prominent constellations and stars that may be seen this time of year.

The monthly Maunakea Skies planetarium presentations are held on the third Friday of each month. Admission is $10. Call 969-9703 or visit www.imiloahawaii.org.