Starry Heavens Newsletter
May 2015
Cultural Astronomy
All ancient people looked at the sky. After all, there were no computers, television or social media--this was the ultimate "reality show". Stories told around campfires and public squares reflected social values of the times, entertaining as well as teaching basic knowledge of seasons, time and navigation. Aside from the wonder and beauty of the heavens, ancient astronomers brought their observations and knowledge to guide daily life, and some created amazing monuments and structures that served as important tools to their civilizations.
Not all societies built megalithic monuments--some cultures that explored, like the ancient Polynesians, developed highly sophisticated methods of wayfinding that didn't require permanent structures or even mechanical instruments. These explorers traveled throughout the Pacific, passing the knowledge from generation to generation through oral traditions.
In May and June, the Imaginarium is proud to feature two programs highlighting two different cultures known for their superior accomplishments in astronomical knowledge.
Tales of the Maya Skies focuses on the ancient Mayan culture's monuments and contributions to astronomical knowledge. This fulldome program is scheduled on May 29, and weaves the ancient stories of the Mayan people with beautiful imagery and graphics.
On June 26, we invite you to see
Maunakea Between Earth and Sky at 7pm.This locally-produced planetarium program about the culture and science surrounding Maunakea was written to present an unbiased view of the mountain and its significance to both the astronomical and Hawaiian communities. We hope that this program will provide information to those who are seeking more knowledge on the current controversy.
* * * * *
April showers bring May...sunshine?
On another subject, while the saying is, "April showers bring May flowers", here in Hawaii that seems almost funny since we have flowers all year long. Our tropical climate and position on the planet give us a nice year-round exposure to sunlight, enhancing our floral displays.
On the way to the summer solstice, the sun climbs higher in the sky. Day by day it moves toward its highest point at the Tropic of Cancer, or 23.5 degrees north latitude. As it gets closer to the first day of summer, the Hawaiian Islands (at around 21 degrees north) will experience
kau ka la i ka lolo, or the two days out of the year the sun shines directly at zenith. Everywhere within the tropic zone will have the same experience at some point during this period, but Hawaii is the only U.S. state in this region.
What does this mean? It could mean that you can impress your friends and family by pointing out that on these two days--one in May, the other in July--a vertical pole or structure will NOT have a shadow at a specific time around noon. For those local times and places, check out our
Sky Information page.
Kau ka la i ka lolo is also called "Lahaina Noon", a name coined by the Bishop Museum as part of a contest held in 1990. "Lahaina" translates as "cruel sun", for good reason: make sure you use your sunscreen while checking out this phenomenon!
* * * * *
May Schedule
Below is the schedule for the month: more information on programs and updates to our schedule are posted on our
website or our
Facebook page.
Wednesday, May 13 – 7:00pm
Stargazing (Live program in the Imaginarium with Krissie Kellogg.)
SATURDAY MATINEES:
Saturday, May 23 – 2:00pm*
One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
Saturday, May 23 – 3:00pm*
Cowboy Astronomer
*NOTE: tickets for each show sold separately
DOUBLE FEATURE NIGHT:
Friday, May 29 – 7:00pm*
Tales of the Maya Skies
Friday, May 29 – 8:15pm *
Sounds of the Underground
*NOTE: tickets for each show sold separately
Call (808) 235-7433 for reservations.
"Housekeeping" note: although we recommend reservations for our programs, our published reservations line does NOT take calls or messages after 4pm on Fridays or on holidays. However, we DO have limited seats available on a first come, first served basis. Please plan on coming early (at least 30 minutes prior to the show) if you need a walk-in ticket.
You may find more details regarding these programs on our
website, or call the Imaginarium office at (808) 235-7350.
Or follow Imaginarium news via
our Facebook posts.
* * * * *
As always, we welcome your feedback or questions, or if you would like more information regarding our
Adopt-a-Show sponsorship. Please feel free to phone or e-mail us at the contacts provided at the end of this newsletter.
Reservations
Due to limited seating, we recommend making reservations for our programs.
Call (808) 235-7433 between 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday.
(Reservation phone line is not available on weekends.)
Please note: Credit and debit cards are not accepted at the box office. An ATM is located on campus behind the Imaginarium building, next to The Hub coffeeshop.
Please arrive at the Imaginarium at least 30 minutes before showtime. Reserved tickets must be picked up at the Imaginarium box office
at least 15 minutes prior to start of program. Unclaimed tickets are released for sale to walk-in customers on a first come, first served basis.
Aloha,
Carolyn Kaichi, Imaginarium Manager
(808) 235-7350
kaichic@hawaii.edu
