MEDIA RELEASE

March 16, 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of the very first science observations made by the Keck I telescope on Mauna Kea. The Observatory’s discoveries about our Universe alongside its unsurpassed technical innovations have made it the premier observatory on Earth.

Friends of Keck Observatory are organizing a series of programs to commemorate the 20th year and what scientists have accomplished.

Keck Observatory 20th Anniversary Science Meeting

Date: Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15
Times: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 a.m.-noon Friday
Location: The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

In a rare all-star gathering of Keck Observatory’s scientific community, the conference will feature presentations describing an unprecedented legacy of astronomical discoveries alongside previews of Keck innovations to come. Relive our two decades of a scientific revolution in progress presented by the astronomers who are making it happen.

Price Includes: Meeting both days, Continental Breakfast and Mid- Morning Beverage Break each day, Lunch Thursday and Afternoon Break on Thursday. Shuttle Service from area resorts to and from daily meetings.

“Astronomy Live! Tonight” hosted by Timothy Ferris

Date: Friday, March 15
Time: 7-9:30 p.m.
Location: The Fairmont Orchid

In its first 20 years, Keck Observatory, the leading ground-based astronomy facility has delivered discoveries that have forever changed our understanding of the cosmos. Join us in a spectacular outdoor setting for an evening under the stars with our host Timothy Ferris, premier science writer and best-selling author leading an engaging conversation with Keck’s All Star presenters: Mike Brown, Richard Ellis, Alex Filippenko, Raja Guhathakurta, Andrea Ghez and Geoff Marcy. Add to this star gazing with the West Hawaii Astronomy Club, a live feed from the Observatory, and this will truly be a memorable night.

Price Includes: Admission to Wine and Dessert Reception. Shuttle Service to and from area resorts.

Welcome to our Universe: Keck Observatory’s Open House
Date: Saturday, March 16
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Open to the Public Location: Keck Observatory Headquarters,
65-1120 Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea

Put your learning caps on for this unique collection of hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and presentations brought together by Keck Observatory staff excited to share with the public what it takes to be the world’s greatest Observatory.

NOTE: VIP early admission available for Keck Week registrants – see registration form. Shuttle Service to and from area resorts.

Star Struck: Keck Observatory Fundraising Gala

Date: Saturday, March 16
Time: 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Location: The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Tonight we celebrate the Observatory’s achievements and honor its greatest supporters. This grand event will feature a live auction of a few spectacular items, a gourmet dinner, live music with ManoaDNA, and remarks by special guests. Funds raised from the Gala will support the Observatory’s newest telescope innovations, technologies that will sustain Keck’s leadership in ground-based astronomy for decades to come.

Price Includes: Admission to Gala Dinner and Shuttle Service to and from area resorts.

Keck Tennis Match

Date: Sunday, March 17
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: The Fairmont Orchid Tennis Stadium

Watch an exhibition match with Keck astronomers playing against Friends of Keck on the Resort’s stadium style tennis courts. This is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Hawaii while supporting the frontiers of Discovery.

Price Includes: Shuttle Service to and from area resorts, refreshments and an opportunity to see your favorite astronomers at play!

Contact with special host Jon Lomberg

Date: Sunday, March 17
Time: 7 p.m.
Free and Open to the Public Location: Kahilu Theatre

People from all over the world were moved by this star- studded 1998 feature film based upon the work and inspiration of the late astronomy ambassador Carl Sagan. Join us for a wonderful screening of the classic film hosted by Jon Lomberg, distinguished artist, science illustrator and developer of the Big Island’s Galaxy Garden.

Appropriate refreshments available for sale at event. Shuttle Service to and from area resorts.

Hawaii Astronomy

Date: Monday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 19
Times: To be advised
Locations: Various

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to more than a dozen astronomical research and education centers, including a state-of-the-art Planetarium. In keeping with our island’s spirit of aloha, we invite you to explore for yourselves such programs as the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and the Galaxy Garden.

— Find out more:

Home