The 235th AAS conference will include several free public events for astronomy enthusiasts and students

The Hawai‘i Convention Center is welcoming 3,000 astronomers, educators, science writers, and guests for the 235th meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) from Jan. 4-8, 2020. The meeting is a joint gathering with the AAS Historical Astronomy Division and High Energy Astrophysics Division.

The AAS, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America, with a membership of nearly 8,000 physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research and educational interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects comprising the astronomical sciences. The conference will host a variety of special sessions, workshops, invited talks, and prize lectures by distinguished astronomers, including researchers from the University of Hawai‘i and the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Several special events will be free and open to the public.

“Astronomy has a long tradition in Hawai‘i,” says Dr. Kevin B. Marvel, AAS Executive Officer. “From early Polynesian sailors relying on their deep knowledge of the night sky to navigate among the widely separated islands of the Pacific Ocean to today’s observatories on Haleakalā and Maunakea. We are honored to bring world-renowned astronomy researchers together and continue Hawai‘i’s legacy of leadership in science and innovation.”

Free AAS public events:

Stargazing Party at Ala Moana Beach Park, 1201 Ala Moana Blvd.

Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, 7-10 p.m.

Join University of Hawai‘i astronomer Roy Gal and friends at Ala Moana Beach Park for a stargazing party. Astronomy enthusiasts of all ages and levels will marvel at the night sky and learn from recognized experts. Telescopes will be set up at the park. Sponsored by Sky & Telescope magazine.

 

“Physics of Pō” at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave.

Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, 7-8:30 p.m.

This special joint presentation by Larry Kimura of the University of Hawai‘i and Doug Simons of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope will explore the intersection of astronomy and Hawaiian culture by examining the first 11 lines of the 2,102-line Kumulipo, an ancient Hawaiian creation chant. RSVPs are required by visiting aas.org/content/aas-public-talk. Parking is $10 per vehicle at the Center. Sponsored by Associated Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA).

 

Educational Astronomy Event for Honolulu-Area Students at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave.

Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on science demonstrations and speak with world-famous scientists and engineers at the forefront of astronomy research. Open to students in grades 6-12 and junior colleges. Registration is required by visiting aas.org/content/aas-student-education-outreach. Sponsored by Associated Universities Inc. and the American Astronomical Society.

In addition, AAS will host another event for $10 per person:

“The Planets 360” at the Bishop Museum Planetarium, 1525 Bernice St.

Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, 7-9:30 p.m.

AAS meeting attendees and the general public are invited to a special planetarium show entitled The Planets 360, a re-imagining of British composer Gustav Holst's The Planets suite. It uses the Fulldome format to create a sonically driven immersive experience fusing art, music, and science into a 360° spectacle. Afterward, weather permitting, the Hawaiian Astronomical Society will set up telescopes on the observation deck to show visitors celestial highlights of the January evening sky. Admission to the show, including access to the museum and observatory, is $10. Register at http://bit.ly/34dcBFp.

“This meeting provides a unique opportunity to bring together scientists, students, researchers and community members in Hawai‘i to expand our understanding of the universe,” said Teri Orton, general manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by ASM Global.

The meeting will generate an estimated $14.1 million in statewide visitor spending. Additional AAS meeting details and registration information is available at aas.org/meetings/aas235. Media information is available at aas.org/meetings/aas235/press.

The AAS wraps up several major scientific and medical meetings at the Center throughout 2019 and 2020, including the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference in February, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s 50th Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer in March, the American Roentgen Ray Society’s annual meeting in May, the IUTOX International Congress of Toxicology and National Medical Association’s 2019 Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly in July, OceanObs’19 in September, 2019 SACNAS – The National Diversity in STEM Conference in October, and the Health Span Hawaii Summit in November.

About the American Astronomical Society (AAS)
The American Astronomical Society is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. The AAS was established in 1899 and is based in Washington, D.C. Its membership includes about 7,700 physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers and others whose research and educational interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects comprising astronomical sciences. For more, visit aas.org.

About the Hawai‘i Convention Center

“Where Business and Aloha Meet,” the 1.1 million-square-foot Hawai‘i Convention Center provides a spacious, modern and flexible meeting space in the heart of Honolulu – all with an award-winning team and renowned aloha spirit. Conveniently located between East and West, the Center is a global leader for a diverse array of meetings and events, just steps from 30,000 hotel rooms in iconic Waikiki. The Center is a state-owned facility opened in 1998, and is managed by ASM Global. For more, visit HawaiiConvention.com.

About ASM Global

ASM Global was formed from the merger of AEG Facilities and SMG in October 2019, creating a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues. To learn more about ASM Global and the exciting new ways we can serve you, visit ASMGlobal.com.

 

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