Discoveries using the telescopes on Mauna Kea

[randomq]

Broad strokes there, but thanks. What I wonder is if there is anything specifically queued up for the first few observations. Like "she's online, let's take the best picture of the horse head nebula ever" or "finally we can see exoplanet 42!"

[TomK]

randomq - it's far too early for the TMT to plan their first science observations.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

An oldie but goodie from 2013, the BBC Sky At Night lists Keck Observatory’s top 5 discoveries:

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space...scoveries/

[dan d]

The science we lost

UKIRT

Astronomers are missing planet transits in the TRAPPIST-1 system, about 40 light-years away from Earth. The observations, which have to be done at specific times when the planets transit the central star and each other, are part of the ongoing study of the star system that has seven earth-sized planets in orbit, with three of them in the habitable, “Goldilocks” zone where water exists as a liquid and are potentially suitable for life.

Maybe the protesters are helping us, if we cant learn about a plaent we might have to live on , than oh well for the human race.
Aloha


HPP

[MattKarma]

dan_d ... gotta get dat buggas dat painted pluto ... dey lafing at us now.


***Still can't figure out how to spell 'car' correctly***

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

We have now gone
________
5 Days
________

Without a discovery
by Mauna Kea Observatories

[glinda]

The Hawaiians have gone how many days since the loss of the Kingdom?

Lets see, it started on January 17, 1893, maybe you can do the math HOTPE? Lets us know how many days they have been denied their right to self determination.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Here’s an example of the “military use” of Hawaii telescopes, NOT ON MAUNA KEA, but on Haleakala at the AMOS Observatory.

AMOS, along with PAN-STARRS track satellites, orbital debris, and asteroids. The US Air Force operates the XB-37B space plane, shaped like a mini-shuttle. The Air Force keeps everything about the mission classified, so if they can monitor Chinese and Russian satellites they’ll recognize when foreign satellites adjust their orbits and move toward the XB-37.

Example: the Chinese military has located the X-37B in space and is maneuvering satellites to get a closer look at it. If the U.S. gets wind of the operation, spotting the approaching Chinese satellites, it could order the X-37B to change its orbit—ideally over South America—the opposite end of the Earth from China. The X-37B would simply fail to show up at the designated time, forcing the Chinese to reacquire the spacecraft and start the operation all over again.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/militar...disappear/

Personally I view this as a benefit for Americans and Hawaiians. And if AMOS or PAN-STARRS (NOT ON MAUNA KEA) but on Haleakala spot a large incoming asteroid one day? It’s all part of their job description.

[TomK]

Sorry, possibly nothing to do with Mauna Kea astronomy, but then again, it might! Three shows on PBS Hawaii tonight that some might be interested in watching:

1) 8 pm: Ancient Skies - Gods and Monsters - https://www.pbshawaii.org/ancient-skies-...-monsters/

2) 9 pm: NOVA - The Planets: Inner Worlds - https://www.pbshawaii.org/nova-the-plane...er-worlds/

3) 10 pm: NOVA - The Planets: Mars - https://www.pbshawaii.org/nova-the-planets-mars/

[Old Croc]

Asteroid 2019 OK, an estimated 57 to 130 metres wide (187 to 427 feet), came within about 73,000 kilometres (45,000 miles) of Earth this week. Thank goodness the Sacred Mountain was unoccupied so the astronomers couldn't publish a notice and cause panic.