The University of Hawaii has initiated the first science operations for its new robotic laser adaptive optics system, Robo-AO-2. This advancement represents a significant leap in astronomical observation techniques, enabling sharper images of celestial objects by correcting atmospheric distortions. The system operates with minimal human oversight, allowing the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (IfA) to capture clearer images of hundreds of objects each night.
Christoph Baranec, a prominent astronomer at IfA, leads the Robo-AO-2 project. He expressed the importance of this milestone, stating, “Making Robo-AO-2 operational represents years of dedicated engineering and innovation.” Baranec’s contributions to adaptive optics technology have positioned the University of Hawaii as a pioneer in developing tools that enhance observations, which are later used in larger telescopes and space missions.
Upcoming Celestial Events
In December, Hawaii’s night skies will feature spectacular celestial events, including the Geminids meteor shower. This meteor shower, considered one of the best of the year, is expected to peak on the night of December 13 into the early hours of December 14, offering stargazers the chance to witness up to 120 meteors per hour. Unlike many meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminids come from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon and will be visible across the sky, radiating from the constellation Gemini. The optimal viewing time will be after midnight in areas with minimal light pollution.
Additionally, the winter solstice on December 21 will mark the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Following the solstice, days will gradually lengthen.
Star Families and Cultural Significance
As the nights lengthen in December, two notable Hawaiian star families, Kalupeakawelo and Makali‘i, will illuminate the evening sky. Kalupeakawelo, also known as the Kite of Kawelo, can be prominently seen near the center of the sky in early evening. This star line is part of the four great navigational star lines of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, marked by the Great Square of Pegasus, symbolizing the body of the kite as it soars above.
Surrounding Kalupeakawelo are the W-shaped constellation of ‘Iwakeli‘i (Cassiopeia) and the houselike Kamo‘i (Cepheus) to the north. The legend of Kawelo, a Kauai chief, adds cultural depth to this star formation, celebrating his supernatural abilities in a kite-flying contest that amazed onlookers.
Rising higher in the eastern sky during December is the Makali‘i star cluster (Pleiades), a brilliant collection of blue stars deeply intertwined with Hawaiian culture. The appearance of Makali‘i marks the onset of the Makahiki season, a time of peace, rest, and harvest. Observers can spot Makali‘i near the eastern horizon shortly after sunset, climbing steadily throughout the night.
In addition to these star families, both Saturn and Jupiter will shine brightly in the southern sky. While Saturn’s iconic rings are visible through telescopes, Jupiter will be easily seen with the naked eye. Stargazers using binoculars can also spot Jupiter’s four largest moons, previously observed by Galileo in 1610.
For early risers, Hawaii offers the opportunity to observe the full size of the Ka‘iwikuamo‘o constellation before dawn. This constellation, stretching from the North Star (Hokupa‘a) to the Southern Cross (Hanaiakamalama), will rise in the southeast about an hour before sunrise. Its cultural significance is profound, as it is linked to navigation between the southern islands and Hawaii.
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii serves as a hub for informal science education, showcasing the intersection of astronomy and Hawaiian cultural heritage, celebrating both realms as parallel journeys of human exploration. The launch of Robo-AO-2 and the upcoming celestial events in December highlight the University of Hawaii’s role in advancing astronomical science while fostering a deeper connection to the stars that have guided countless generations.
