Local students interacted with leading scientists around the world Wednesday at the International Astronomical Union’s exhibit hall at the Hawaii Convention Center.
The students participated in hands-on demonstrations and talk with scientists and engineers from the Mauna Kea observatories, NASA, the European Space Agency, the National Science Foundation, and other observatories and research institutions from around the world.
“They’re doing hands-on science activities with the actual scientists, which is really cool, instead of just learning from their teachers,” said Roy Gal of the UH Institute for Astronomy, “so they’re experiencing science in a different way, and we hope to get them excited and thinking about careers in science and engineering.”
Another interactive science event for students is scheduled for next Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Other activities open to the public include:
Free shows at the Hokulani Imaginarium at Windward Community College, 7:30 and 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 6
ExoWorld Ceremony and public talk, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 11: Voting in the selection of names for some newly discovered exoplanets (planets around other stars), followed by talks by guest speakers on “The Development of Modern Astronomy in Hawaii” and “The Black Hole in the Galactic Center” (registration required, click here for free tickets)
Stargazing party at Ala Moana Beach Park, sundown, Thursday, Aug. 13
For more information, go to http://astronomy2015.org.