|
|||
| Joint Astronomy Centre |
|
|
|
| Show document only |
|
Issued by: Inge Heyer, Science Outreach Specialist Images, notes, and contact details appear below. 13 July 2009 A Tale of Two Telescopes: Astronomy With Invisible Light"A Tale of Two Telescopes: Astronomy with Invisible Light" is the topic of a free public lecture on Thursday, July 16 in Waimea and Saturday, July 18 in Hilo. The speaker will be Professor Gary Davis, the Director of the Joint Astronomy Centre in Hilo. Professor Davis will discuss the challenging work of two Mauna Kea observatories: the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) and the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), which saw first light in 1979 and 1987, respectively. Both telescopes observe the heavens using forms of light which cannot be seen with the naked eye, infrared (UKIRT) and submillimetre (JCMT). "I will describe why we do this challenging type of astronomy, why we came to Mauna Kea to do it, and what we have achieved in the last two decades," says Professor Davis. He will also talk about plans for the future for both telescopes, and reflect on the significance of the science of astronomy as a valuable approach to understanding the world we live in. Gary Davis has more than two decades of experience in the development and use of instrumentation for astronomy, both from the ground and from space, from the infrared to the radio wavelengths of the light spectrum. He had been an observer at the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope for 12 years before being named its director in 2002. At that time, Professor Davis was also named director for the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope, as well as the Joint Astronomy Centre, which operates both telescopes on behalf of the United Kingdom Science and Technology Facilities Council. Professor Davis is a specialist in the study of planetary systems, focusing on the measure of the composition of planetary atmospheres using infrared and submillimeter molecular spectroscopy. He graduated from McMaster University and the University of Toronto in Canada and subsequently received his doctorate in physics from the University of Oxford in the UK. He did postdoctoral research at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London. From 1991 to 2007 he was professor of physics and engineering at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. The lecture in Waimea on July 16 takes place at the W. M. Keck Observatory headquarters in the Hualalai Learning Theater at 65-1120 Mamalahoa Highway. The lecture in Hilo on July 18 takes place in 'Imiloa Astronomy Center's 120-seat planetarium at 600 'Imiloa Place, off Komohana and Nowelo Streets at the UH-Hilo Science and Technology Park. In addition to hearing the lecture, guests may also choose to dine before the event at 'Imiloa's Sky Garden Restaurant which will be open for dinner service from 5 pm to 8 pm. For dinner reservations, call the restaurant directly at (808) 935-8888. These two lectures are part of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Directors Lecture Series, developed by the Mauna Kea Observatories Outreach Committee (MKOOC), and hosted by the W.M. Keck Observatory and the `Imiloa Astronomy Center. Images
Professor Gary Davis, Director Joint Astronomy Centre, Hilo, Hawaii. Credit: JAC.
Poster for the July 2009 IYA Directors Lecture Series event with Professor Gary Davis.
The United Kingdom Infrared Telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Credit: UKIRT/JAC.
The James Clerk Maxwell Telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Credit: JCMT/JAC.
The W.M. Keck Observatory Headquarters in Waimea, Hawaii. Credit: Keck Observatory.
The `Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, Hawai`i. Credit: `Imiloa Astronomy Center.
Notes for EditorsInfrared LightInfrared wavelengths are longer wavelengths than light waves. They are typically measured in microns, also called micrometres. One micron is one millionth of a metre, one 10000th of a centimetre, or one 25000th of an inch. Submillimetre LightSubmillimetre wavelengths are much smaller wavelengths than emitted by a typical radio station, but longer wavelengths than light waves or infrared wavelengths. They are typically measured in microns, also called micrometres. One micron is one millionth of a metre, one 10000th of a centimetre, or one 25000th of an inch.UKIRTThe world's largest telescope dedicated solely to infrared astronomy, the 3.8-metre (12.5-foot) UK Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) is sited near the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, at an altitude of 4194 metres (13760 feet) above sea level. It is operated by the Joint Astronomy Centre in Hilo, Hawaii, on behalf of the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council. UKIRT's technical innovation and privileged position on the high, dry Mauna Kea site have placed it at the forefront of infrared astronomy since its opening in 1979. UKIRT is currently engaged in a world-leading infrared sky survey as well as the type of innovative individual programmes described in this press release. More about the UK Infrared Telescope: http://outreach.jach.hawaii.edu/articles/aboutukirt/ JCMTThe James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) is the world's largest single-dish submillimetre-wave telescope. It collects faint submillimetre-wavelength signals with its 15 metre diameter dish. It is situated near the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, at an altitude of approximately 4000 metres (14000 feet) above sea level. It is operated by the Joint Astronomy Centre, on behalf of the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council, the Canadian National Research Council, and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research. More about the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope: http://outreach.jach.hawaii.edu/articles/aboutjcmt/Joint Astronomy CentreThe Joint Astronomy Centre (JAC) operates two telescopes on Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawai`i: UKIRT and JCMT. The JAC operates UKIRT and JCMT on behalf of the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). For JCMT JAC also receives contributions from the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). JAC has 60 local and international staff. Go to outreach.jach.hawaii.edu for more information on JAC, UKIRT, and JCMT. Science and Technology Facilities CouncilThe Science and Technology Facilities Council ensures the UK retains its leading place on the world stage by delivering world-class science; accessing and hosting international facilities; developing innovative technologies; and increasing the socio-economic impact of its research through effective knowledge exchange partnerships. The Council has a programme of public engagement to inspire students, teachers and the public with UK science. The Council has a broad science portfolio including Astronomy, Particle Physics, Particle Astrophysics, Nuclear Physics, Space Science, Synchrotron Radiation, Neutron Sources and High Power Lasers. In addition the Council manages and operates three internationally renowned laboratories: The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, The Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire, and The UK Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh. The Council gives researchers access to world-class facilities and funds the UK membership of international bodies such as the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN), the Institute Laue Langevin (ILL), European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), the European organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) and the European Space Agency (ESA). It also contributes money for the UK telescopes overseas on La Palma, Hawaii, Australia and in Chile, and the MERLIN/VLBI National Facility, which includes the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory. The Council is a partner in the UK space programme, coordinated by the British National Space Centre. W. M. Keck ObservatoryKeck Observatory operates twin 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes located on the summit of Mauna Kea. Made possible by grants totaling more than $138 million from the W. M. Keck Foundation, Keck I telescope began science observations in 1993, Keck II began in 1996. The vision of the Keck Observatory is a world in which all humankind is inspired and united by the pursuit of knowledge of the infinite variety and richness of the Universe. The Observatory operates a small visitor gallery at the telescopes and an information center at headquarters open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www.keckobservatory.org or call 808-885-7887. `Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i`Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i tells dual stories of the renowned Maunai Kea volcano, with its world-famous astronomy and rich traditions of Hawaiian culture. `Imiloa, which means "exploring new knowledge," reflects both the Hawaiian voyages of discovery and the explorations of astronomy. Located on a nine-acre campus above the University of Hawai`i-Hilo, with spectacular views of Hilo Bay, `Imiloa Astronomy Center provides a unique experience for visitors, students, and families seeking to explore the connections between Hawaiian cultural traditions and the science of astronomy. Framed by a rich Polynesian tradition of exploration,`Imiloa is Hawai`i's premier facility for interpreting the deepest mysteries of the Universe, being unraveled by the Mauna Kea observatories -- the world's largest and most important collection of telescopes. `Imiloa inspires and educates, helping us to connect with our origins while we reach for the stars. `Imiloa features interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, group tours, a wonderful store, a cafe, and a full schedule of events. The Center 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) 969-9700 for recorded information, or (808) 969-9703. Media ContactsPlease note that it is best to contact these individuals by email.
Science ContactsPlease note that it is best to contact these individuals by email.
Web links
|
