The University of Hawaii has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in astronomical observation with the launch of initial science operations for its new robotic laser adaptive optics system, known as Robo-AO-2. This innovative system, developed by the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (IfA), significantly enhances the clarity of images captured from the night sky by correcting for the distortions caused by Earth’s atmosphere.
Christoph Baranec, the leading astronomer behind Robo-AO-2, emphasized that the project represents years of dedicated effort in engineering and innovation. “Making Robo-AO-2 operational demonstrates how University of Hawaii facilities continue to pioneer technologies that eventually make their way to the world’s largest telescopes and space missions,” he stated. The system is designed to operate with minimal human oversight, allowing astronomers to observe hundreds of celestial objects each night with unprecedented sharpness.
Celestial Events in December
In addition to the technological advancements, December offers a wealth of celestial phenomena for stargazers in Hawaii. The renowned Geminids meteor shower, regarded as one of the year’s premier meteor displays, will peak on the night of December 13 into the early hours of December 14. During this event, observers can catch sight of up to 120 meteors per hour. Unique among meteor showers, the Geminids originate from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, in contrast to the more common comet-based showers. The meteors can be seen radiating from the constellation Gemini, with the best viewing conditions occurring after midnight in areas free of light pollution.
As December progresses, the winter solstice on December 21 will mark the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, after which days will gradually lengthen.
Hawaiian Star Families Illuminate the Sky
The long nights of December also provide an opportunity to observe two significant Hawaiian star families: Kalupeakawelo and Makali‘i. Kalupeakawelo, known as the Kite of Kawelo, will dominate the early evening sky. This star line, part of the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s navigational stars, is marked by the Great Square of Pegasus. Surrounding Kalupeakawelo are the W-shaped constellation of ‘Iwakeli‘i (Cassiopeia) and the houselike Kamo‘i (Cepheus). The legend of Kawelo, a Kauai chief renowned for his kite-flying skills, adds cultural depth to this celestial formation, reminding observers of the ingenuity and ancestral knowledge of Hawaiian navigation.
Rising higher in the eastern sky, the Makali‘i star cluster, also known as the Pleiades, presents a brilliant array of blue stars. This cluster holds significant cultural importance as an indicator of the Makahiki season, a time for peace, rest, and harvest in Hawaiian tradition. The appearance of Makali‘i, in conjunction with natural markers like the arrival of the kolea birds, signals this season of abundance. Stargazers will find Makali‘i sparkling near the eastern horizon just after sunset, climbing steadily throughout the night.
Adding to the December spectacle, the planets Saturn and Jupiter will shine brightly in the southern sky. While Saturn’s iconic rings are best viewed through a telescope, Jupiter, the brighter of the two gas giants, is easily visible to the naked eye. Observers with binoculars can also discover Jupiter’s four largest moons—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—first documented by Galileo in 1610.
In the early morning hours, Hawaii’s early risers can observe the constellation Ka‘iwikuamo‘o, which will rise in the southeast approximately one hour before sunrise. This constellation, spanning from the North Star (Hokupa‘a) to the Southern Cross (Hanaiakamalama), carries deep cultural significance, as it has guided voyages from the southern islands to Hawaii for generations.
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii continues to serve as a hub for exploring astronomy and Hawaiian culture, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these disciplines as they reflect humanity’s ongoing journey of exploration.
As the University of Hawaii enhances its observational capabilities with Robo-AO-2, stargazers and researchers alike stand poised to gain new insights into the cosmos while celebrating the rich astronomical heritage of Hawaii.
