UH Institute for Astronomy

08/22/2026

Tonight’s Tanabata Festival is cancelled due to the approaching Tropical Storm Moke. Stay safe!

Due to expected weather conditions throughout the weekend, the 2026 Tanabata Block Party has been canceled. We encourage you to be prepared and stay updated on the latest guidance from public officials as this storm develops.

Mahalo nui for your support, and we hope to see you at future events across Hawaiʻi Island.

08/12/2026

Our Solar Wind Sherpas, lead by IfA astronomer Shadia Habbal, are on the ground in Spain to take scientific observations of the solar corona during this eclipse! They’ve been traveling the world for 30 years to help unravel the mysteries of the Sun’s super-hot, wispy outer layers and how they impact Earth.

06/29/2026

IfA alumnus Gagandeep Anand was named the 2026 Outstanding Young Scientist by the Maryland Science Center.

06/24/2026

06/23/2026

04/30/2026

IfA graduate Gagandeep Anand is the 2026 Maryland Outstanding Young Scientist!

Congratulations to Dr. Gagandeep Anand of the Space Telescope Science Institute who was named the 2026 Maryland Outstanding Young Scientist!

The Maryland Academy of Sciences recognized Dr. Anand for groundbreaking research about the universe’s structure and evolution: https://news.stsci.edu/4ucX58v

04/26/2026

Awesome liquid nitrogen demo courtesy of - making pog at our open house today!

04/09/2026

The value of attending professional conferences can't be underestimated for students. Sharing their work, developing a sense of belonging in the field, and networking all lead to students wanting to continue working in astronomy. Conferences can be varied, from astronomy to engineering to computer programming.

One goal of the Workforce Development Opportunities Support Fund is to make travel stipends available for students who've completed research projects with mentors from IfA and across the Maunakea Observatories

https://give.uhfoundation.org/schools/UniversityofHawaiiFoundation/uh-giving-day-2026/pages/Manoa/astronomy?campaign_view=true

04/08/2026

Nothing beats first hand experience at a telescope, whether it's observing, working on an engineering project, developing the technical skills to keep a facility operational, or understanding how the front office works.

The goal of our new Workforce Development Opportunities Support Fund is to fund an array of opportunities for students to experience what it's like to work in an observatory. For Mila and Leilani observing at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility provided an unforgettable opportunity to collect data, work with the fantastic IRTF team, and operate the instruments themselves.

Mahalo for your support!

https://give.uhfoundation.org/schools/UniversityofHawaiiFoundation/uh-giving-day-2026/pages/Manoa/astronomy?campaign_view=true