Astronomy

New research using Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array observations together with data from NASA Infrared Telescope Facility atop Mauna Kea show water in Halley-type comet 12P/Pons-Brooks matches that in Earth’s oceans, strengthening theory that comets helped make our planet habitable.

The newly identified object, dubbed 3I/ATLAS, is suspected to be a comet and should show increasing activity as it gets closer to the sun, but it will never get warm enough to be seen by the naked eye. And it poses no risk of hitting Earth.

University of Hawaiʻi’s 2.2-meter (88 inch) telescope on Maunakea was recognized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Milestone program for its role in shaping astronomical research worldwide.

It will be the third Mauna Kea observatory decommissioned under the university’s Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan, following Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Hōkū Keʻa Observatory, both completed in 2024.

A team at the Institute for Astronomy uncovered rare events when massive stars at least three times the mass of the Sun are shredded by supermassive black holes. 

At age 48, UH Hilo student Raven Kromer will be interning at NASA to study the icy terrain of Jupiter’s moon Europa, hoping to find insights into the potential for life beyond Earth.

It’s a Memorial Day Weekend full of culture and remembrance on the Big Island. There’s a comedy show, guacamole contest and even a showing of the silent movie that started it all at the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo 100 years ago coming up this week, too. Check out the top 10 now!

Stars are not silent, and like musical instruments, stars resonate with natural frequencies that astronomers can “hear” with the right tools. Asteroseismology allows scientists to use these frequencies to probe the interiors of stars. 

More than 30 organizations will host demonstrations, games and activities that highlight astronomy, robotics and natural sciences.

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!