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| Rodrigo Romo, PICES program manager ,will give a talk on using Hawaiian basalt as construction materials simulant for use on the moon and Mars. Photo from PICES |
Rodrigo Romo, Program Manager at PICES - the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems. He will give a presentation on the subject at Imiloa in Hilo on Friday, August 18 at 7 p.m.
Romo explains that basalt is a volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava. Volcanoes in Hawai‘i primarily erupt basalt, and have a relatively high fluidity that favors the formation of lava flows. “We have conducted chemical analysis on the composition of Hawaiian basalt using samples collected at various locations on Hawai‘i Island,” says Romo. “We’ve found that some of these samples closely resemble lunar regolith (fine dust) in composition. This makes our local basalt an ideal lunar simulant, and we are using it to research how we can harness the basalt found on the Moon as a construction material.”
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| PICES Rover, developed to help with construction on a moon or other planet. Photo from PICES |
PISCES has been involved in researching various methods through which Hawaiian basalt can be utilized to produce quality construction materials. This work has been done in collaboration with NASA and Honeybee Robotics, and has led to various research proposals that are currently being evaluated. In his talk, Romo will present an update of the work being done in this field of study.
Romo originates from Guadalajara, Mexico where he obtained his degree in Chemical Engineering. He joined PISCES in 2014 as a Project Manager and has over 25 years of experience in Project Management. He has been interested in space exploration and the development of sustainable materials ever since his experience as a crewmember during Biosphere 2’s second manned mission in the Arizona desert in 1994.
Maunakea Skies presentations are held on the third Friday of each month. General admission tickets are $10, $8 for members (member level discounts apply). Pre-purchase tickets at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by phone at 808-932-8901.
Romo originates from Guadalajara, Mexico where he obtained his degree in Chemical Engineering. He joined PISCES in 2014 as a Project Manager and has over 25 years of experience in Project Management. He has been interested in space exploration and the development of sustainable materials ever since his experience as a crewmember during Biosphere 2’s second manned mission in the Arizona desert in 1994.
Maunakea Skies presentations are held on the third Friday of each month. General admission tickets are $10, $8 for members (member level discounts apply). Pre-purchase tickets at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by phone at 808-932-8901.
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| Raise money for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park by entering the "Zero-Mile Event" at the Rain Forest Runs. |
A ZERO MILE fundraising event across the Volcano Rainforest Runs Finish line on Sat. Aug. 18, will bring income to Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. It will also celebrate the organization's 20-year anniversary.
A statement from Friends invites people to "Walk, roll or crawl across the finish line and receive a beautiful medal celebrating Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's 20 Year Anniversary. Every participant who can traverse the entire zero mile (about 15 feet) through the finish line to a cheering crowd, will receive a Friends' medal. Medals cannot be purchased, you must register and be present to receive."
The fundraiser takes place at Cooper Center in Volcano Village at the race place. Donations to enter are $20 for adults, $10 for those 14 and younger and free for children in strollers. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Friends will have a booth at the Rainforest Run/Zero Mile with new merchandise for sale. We now have keiki sizes, including babies, along with 10 color choices. The booth will be open from 8am - 3pm on August 19 - stop by and see us.
A statement from Friends invites people to "Walk, roll or crawl across the finish line and receive a beautiful medal celebrating Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's 20 Year Anniversary. Every participant who can traverse the entire zero mile (about 15 feet) through the finish line to a cheering crowd, will receive a Friends' medal. Medals cannot be purchased, you must register and be present to receive."
The fundraiser takes place at Cooper Center in Volcano Village at the race place. Donations to enter are $20 for adults, $10 for those 14 and younger and free for children in strollers. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Friends will have a booth at the Rainforest Run/Zero Mile with new merchandise for sale. We now have keiki sizes, including babies, along with 10 color choices. The booth will be open from 8am - 3pm on August 19 - stop by and see us.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram andTwitter.
THE FEDERAL CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT draft, released this week, should be taken seriously, says Sen. Brian Shatz. It's entitled the U.S. Global Change Research Program Climate Change Special Report.
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| Hawai`i is is one of the many places in the U.S. where the average annual temperature rose between 1986 and 2016. Image from U.S. Global Change Research Program Climate Change Special Report. |
Said Schatz, “This report confirms what we already know: climate change is real, it is caused by people, and we need to do something about it. The federal government should not suppress or deny these facts, nor should it try to silence government scientists. Instead, our leaders need to come together to raise the alarm and find a way forward. Congress should lead the way, and we can start by looking at carbon fee proposals as part of tax reform.”
The report states that "Since the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment was published in May 2014, stronger evidence has emerged for continuing, rapid, human-caused warming of the global atmosphere and ocean......The last few years have also seen record-breaking, climate-related weather extremes, the three warmest years on record for the globe and continued decline in arctic sea ice. These trends are expected to continue in the future over climate (multidecadal) timescales.....Since 1980, the cost of extreme events for the United States has exceeded $1.1 trillion, therefore better understanding of the frequency and severity of these events in the context of a changing climate is warranted."
The report states that "Since the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment was published in May 2014, stronger evidence has emerged for continuing, rapid, human-caused warming of the global atmosphere and ocean......The last few years have also seen record-breaking, climate-related weather extremes, the three warmest years on record for the globe and continued decline in arctic sea ice. These trends are expected to continue in the future over climate (multidecadal) timescales.....Since 1980, the cost of extreme events for the United States has exceeded $1.1 trillion, therefore better understanding of the frequency and severity of these events in the context of a changing climate is warranted."
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This graphical representation shows how natural and human activity contributes to chemical composition changes in the atmosphere leading to climate change. Image from U.S. Global Change Research Program Climate Change Special Report. |
The report also shows extreme concern for the arctic ice melting, rising see levels, and warming oceans raising air temperatures. It advises that "Choices made today will determine the magnitude of climate change risks beyond the next few decades."
Schatz points out that the draft of a federal climate report was authored by scientists in 13 federal agencies. "As expected, its conclusions are at odds with the Trump administration’s views. I am deeply concerned the Trump administration is going to try to sabotage this report to prevent the American people from learning the truth about climate change," says the Hawai`i U.S. Senator. Schatz concludes that "With this report at the White House for review, now is the best time to make your voice heard. Add your name to tell the Trump administration not to shut down the federal government’s new climate change report. The American people deserve to hear the facts that the federal government has collected about climate change. We must resist any attempt to dismiss climate change, and we cannot allow the Trump administration to cover up ideas they disagree with by burying this report. I fundamentally believe climate change is one of the most important issues facing our immediate future and generations to come. I hope I can count on your energy and effort in this moment."
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| Pick up the August edition of The Ka`u Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka`u, from Miloli`i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online at www.kaucalendar.com |
PANCAKE BREAKFAST, SATURDAY, AUG. 12, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 9389-7033.
KA`U PLANTATION DAYS begins with a parade from Na`alehu School to Na`alehu Park on Highway 11 this Saturday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m, followed by a gathering at Na`alehu Community Center and park.
There will be food booths, arts and crafts, information booths, games, keiki photos by the police department, tug o war, food contest, lauhala weaving, arm wrestling, archery shoot, silent auction, horseshoes, Hawaiian games, lei making and Hawaiian medicine.
Free, call Ka`u Multicultural Society's Darlyne Vierra or Liz Kuluwaimaka at 640-8740 or 339-0289. Retired teachers who taught in Ka`u will be honored.
KA`U PLANTATION DAYS begins with a parade from Na`alehu School to Na`alehu Park on Highway 11 this Saturday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m, followed by a gathering at Na`alehu Community Center and park.
There will be food booths, arts and crafts, information booths, games, keiki photos by the police department, tug o war, food contest, lauhala weaving, arm wrestling, archery shoot, silent auction, horseshoes, Hawaiian games, lei making and Hawaiian medicine.
Free, call Ka`u Multicultural Society's Darlyne Vierra or Liz Kuluwaimaka at 640-8740 or 339-0289. Retired teachers who taught in Ka`u will be honored.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram andTwitter.
The evening explores evolution of the American jazz saxophone and highlights the historic diversions as America opened up on the East and West coasts with the creation of many styles and personalities. Jazz in the Forest takes place at the Volcano Art Center campus on Old Volcano Highway. The Wine and Beer Room will be open for attendees to enjoy before and after the concert. An area is set aside for dancing. Tickets are $18 for VAC members, $20 non-members. For more information or to register call Volcano Art Center at 808-967-8222.
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Tango and classical music are among the offerings at the Hawai`i International Music Festival concert at Pahala Plantation House on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. |
