Friends of the Institute for Astronomy
The Friends of the Institute for Astronomy (FIfA) foster community involvement and develop private funding resources in order to support the people, advance the research, promote astronomy education and public outreach, and enhance the activities of the Institute.
Some of the most exciting science in the world is happening at the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (IfA), and you can be part of it! IfA scientists conduct research into galaxies, cosmology, stars, planets, and the Sun, as well as teaching undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Hawaii. We invite you to become part of the Friends and explore our amazing universe. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Become a Friend
Imperial Stormtrooper checks out Earth's Sun at the Hawaii Geek Meet.
Friends have these opportunities:
- To volunteer your talents to support IfA scientists and astronomy education. For example, you can help with public lectures, programs for community organizations, and the annual IfA Open House.
- To receive notices about public lectures and other events.
- To share astronomical interests with other members.
To become a Friend, all you need to do is provide your name, mailing address, phone number(s), e-mail address, and indicate if you would like to receive information about volunteer opportunities. You will automatically receive notices about public lectures and events.
- E-mail: friends@ifa.hawaii.edu
- Telephone: (808) 956-8566
- Fax: (808) 946-3467
- Mailing Address: Director's Office, Institute for Astronomy, 2680 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822-1897
Become a Donor
We invite all Friends to become donors to support public outreach, education and research at IfA. In the past donations have gone to support the following:
- Purchase a vehicle to transport an inflatable planetarium to schools.
- Bring potential graduate students from all over the world to IfA for interviews.
- Sponsor dinners for guest scientists and graduate students to interact.
- Sponsor awards for outstanding research by graduate students.
- Fund research activities not covered by grants.
Read the IfA Newsletter
Friends interacting with children at the annual IfA Open House.
The IfA publishes a newsletter with articles about the current research projects of IfA astronomers and engineers, as well as a list of astronomy events on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island that are open to the public. The newsletter also includes a column about Friends activities.
Location
The Institute for Astronomy is located in Manoa Valley, up the valley from the main campus and next to the Manoa Public Library and the Manoa Marketplace shopping center. View a basic map or get driving directions.