IAU’s 2015 General Assembly Hosts Public Astronomy Events in Hawai‘i | Press Releases

iau1507 — Press Release

23 July 2015, Paris

IAU’s 2015 General Assembly Hosts Public Astronomy Events in Hawai‘i

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) will host its triennial 2015 General Assembly from 3–14 August. In addition to welcoming over 2500 astronomers from 75 countries, the conference will also offer several events for the local community, free and open to the public.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) will host its 2015 General Assembly from 3–14 August at the Hawai‘i Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. The triennial conference will welcome over 2500 astronomers from 75 countries around the globe to the General Assembly. The assembly marks the first time the event will be held in the state of Hawai‘i, and is hosted by the American Astronomical Society, who chose to propose Hawai‘i as the location in 2009.

General Assembly participants will address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in a number of specialised areas. As a result of the event, the IAU expects an exciting exchange of scientific knowledge, international collaboration, as well as important advancements for the astronomical community and beyond.

“The IAU is delighted to bring our triennial General Assembly to the state of Hawai‘i, a place that is truly special in the astronomical community as one of the foremost sites for astronomical research in the world,” said Thierry Montmerle, General Secretary of the International Astronomical Union. “We look forward to introducing thousands of astronomers to these beautiful islands and their cultural traditions while showcasing Hawai‘i as a key location for world-class science.”

The 2015 IAU XXIX General Assembly is expected to be one of the largest professional astronomy conference in the IAU’s history. It will be the first General Assembly to be held in the United States since 1988.

In addition to welcoming over 2500 astronomers from 75 countries, the conference will also offer several events for the local community, free and open to the public. Highlights include:

Stargazing Parties
Monday, 3 August, and Thursday, 13 August at sundown
Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
Families and friends are invited to come together and enjoy an evening beneath the stars. For the ultimate stargazing experience, telescopes and astronomy experts will serve as guides to the night sky.

Public Astronomy Talks
- Tuesday, 4 August, 19:30–20:30
  Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
  He Lani Ko Luna, A Sky Above: “In losing the sight of land, you discover the stars”
  Kālepa Baybayan, Pwo (master) navigator, Imiloa Astronomy Center, Polynesian Voyaging Society
  Registration is required for this event as capacity is limited. Book your free ticket here: https://uhifa.ticketbud.com/askyabove
- Monday, 10 August, 19:30, along with a book signing starting at 19:00
  University of Hawaii Manoa Art Auditorium, 2500 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI 96822
  What is Relativity
  Jeffrey Bennett, author of a number of famous children's science books. Info on the tour is at http://www.bigkidscience.com/relativity-tour/
- Tuesday, 11 August, 19:00–21:00
  Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
  
  NameExoworlds Ceremony
  This public event will begin with an announcement by the IAU of the beginning of the public voting for the NameExoWorlds contest. Beginning in August 2013, the IAU established a contest to involve the public in the selection of names for some newly discovered exoplanets; planets around other stars. The voting will be initiated at this special ceremony that will precede the two scientific talks.
  
  The Development of Modern Astronomy in Hawaiʻi
  Dr Günther Hasinger, Director, Institute for Astronomy
  
  The Black Hole in the Galactic Centre
  Dr Andrea Ghez, University of California Los Angeles
  
  Registration is required for this event as capacity is limited. Book your free ticket here: https://uhifa.ticketbud.com/blackhole

Interactive Science Events for Local Students
Wednesday, 5 August and Wednesday, 12 August, 10:30–12:00 and 13:00–14:30
Hawai‘i Convention Center — Exhibit Hall, 1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
500 local students will enjoy hands-on activities with world-class astronomers from around the globe.
Free Planetarium Shows
Thursday, 6 August, 19:30 and 20:00
Hokulani Imaginarium at Windward Community College, 45-720 Keaahala Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Cosmic Rays and Maunakea Between Earth & Sky
Enjoy free planetarium shows presented by the Malargüe Planetarium and hosted by the Hokulani Imaginarium at Windward Community College.
GTTP International Teacher Training Workshop
Saturday-Sunday 8–9 August 2015, 08:30-17:30
Institute for Astronomy – University of Hawaii, 2680 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822-1839, USA
The annual Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP) workshop for local and international teachers and educators will take place during the General Assembly. from 8 to 9 August 2015. All GTTP teacher training support Common Core Math Standards and New NGSS Science Standards.
Entrance fee for teachers is 35$. Register at: http://handsonuniverse.org/ghou2015/registration/
Astronomer Classroom Visits
Daily during school hours
Various classrooms across the state
IAU members will visit local classrooms to speak with Hawai‘i students. Educators may request a classroom astronomer online at www.astronomy2015.org/events#public.

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 10 000 professional astronomers from almost 100 countries. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.