PUKALANI - The Faulkes telescope atop Halea-kala will star at two free events that the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy will present this week. Both programs will feature live feeds from the telescope, weather permitting.
A "Star Light, Star Bright" presentation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Kahului Public Library, with no one admitted after the library closes at 8.
Then, the third annual open house of the institute will unfold from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Pukalani.
Tuesday in Kahului, James "J.D." Armstrong will lead a guided tour of the universe through the Faulkes telescope lens, sharing "some of the most breathtaking sights in space," a library announcement said.
Armstrong is the Maui technology education and outreach specialist for the Institute of Astronomy. He holds a doctorate in solar astrophysics.
The live feed will be projected onto a library screen, with Armstrong explaining what the telescope sees and how it works. The program is suitable for ages 8 and older.
Call the library at 873-3097 as soon as possible if a sign-language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed.
Kahului Public Library is at 90 School St.
Friday in Pukalani, the open house will offer lab tours, fun demonstrations with things like liquid nitrogen, talks on the science being conducted on Haleakala, "Ask a Scientist" sessions and viewing through telescopes.
The open house will be held rain or shine, but weather could affect some activities.
The Pukalani site is called Maikalani, the Maui Advanced Technology Research Center. It is at 34 Ohia Ku St., between Longs Drugs and the Kamehameha Schools Maui campus.
For information on the activities or the institute, call 573-9500.
