Astronomy on Tap Comes to Hawaiʻi

Gemini astronomer André-Nicolas Chené shares his passion for astronomy with a standing-room-only crowd at the Hilo Town Tavern.

Gemini Public Information and Outreach intern Sylvia Kowalski along with Gemini astronomer Meg Schwamb put their heads together to organize the Big Islandʻs inaugural Astronomy on Tap at the Hilo Town Tavern. Astronomy on Tap is a worldwide program that “combines the powers of space and spirits,” according to Sylvia. Meg and her colleague Emily Rice started the Astronomy on Tap program in 2012 in New York City and it has since grown to more than 15 cities including sites in the US, Canada, and Taiwan.
 
It was standing room only as four Gemini astronomers presented mini-talks that were interspersed with astronomy themed drinks, trivia contests, and bar games! Talks from the February 23rd program included:

• Tales from the Outer Solar System – Meg Schwamb
• Asteroseismology: A Celestial Shake ʻn Bake – Atsuko Nitta
• Star-Eating Monsters: Fact or Fiction? – Alison Peck
• Vanishing into the Darkness… – André-Nicolas Chené