Astronomy

Astronomers using W. M. Keck Observatory at Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island have found compelling evidence of a dark matter-deficient dwarf galaxy, FCC 224. The discovery challenges the traditional cosmological paradigm, which assumes dark matter is a fundamental component in galaxy formation.

Tour participants learn about the scientific, cultural and environmental importance of the mauna and then actually visit the inside of one of the telescopes atop the summit.

Many of the events and activities around the Big Island during the next week will focus on tradition, talent and taddies. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do now!

Image of delicate structure of veiled NGC 2040 open cluster of young stars captured by Gemini South telescope, the other half of the International Gemini Observatory that includes Gemini North atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island.

The winter storm that blew through the state at the end of the week fortunately didn’t blow away or wash out any of the multitude of events happening around the island, some of which are going on right now!

Called the Prime Focus Spectrograph, it features about 2,400 prisms scattered across the extremely wide field of view available at the Subaru Telescope’s primary focus, allowing for simultaneous spectroscopic observation and dramatically enhancing its efficiency.

As another year comes to a close, revelry and talk of auld lang syne will abound — reminiscing about times long past for old times’ sake. But no matter what you do to celebrate this New Year’s, be safe, be responsible and do it together.

Earth and its constant cosmic companion have their final closest encounter of the year tonight. Moonrise is between 5;40 and 5:43 p.m. today, depending on where you are on the Big Island, but the moon will still look full through Sunday morning in case you miss it.

“This black hole is having a feast,” said astronomer Julia Scharwächter.

Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, may offer new insights into planetary atmospheres, climates, and even the potential for life beyond Earth.

There are plenty of other events and activities happening around the Big Island that can keep you and the family busy. Check out out top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

Many across social media platforms posted their photos from the cosmic alignment that placed the moon between the sun and Earth, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Second partial solar eclipse of the year visible from the islands will already be underway as the sun rises. Get a great picture from the solar showcase and send it to Big Island Now to have it included in a community photo gallery.

The jet megastructure dates to a time when our universe was 6.3 billion years old, or less than half its present age of 13.8 billion years.

The annual event encourages moon enthusiasts and curious people around the globe to come together and learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in celestial observations and honor cultural and personal connections to Earth’s constant companion.

Survey observations using the Subaru Telescope’s ultra-widefield prime focus camera have revealed that there may be a population of small bodies further out in the Kuiper Belt waiting to be discovered.

The sunset summit proposal was recorded by the unmanned observatory’s front door camera at about 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13. The whole engagement event took about a minute or so, and at the end, the future groom stood up, the couple hugged and then kissed.

Moonrise is at 7:10 p.m. today, so find a good spot to observe this extra special lunar event. After all, how often do we have this good of weather in East Hawai‘i to see the sky from sea level? The moon will be in the full phase for about 3 days, however, so if you miss tonight’s super action, you do have a little more time.

Findings suggest that powerful radiation —  some12 times stronger than previously thought — could seriously impact a planet’s ability to sustain life.

The telescope funding comes from the NASA Near-Earth Object Observations Program.