A Message from the Director

by Rolf-Peter Kudritzki

Welcome to the premiere edition of the Institute for Astronomy newsletter. "Na Kilo Hoku" will appear on a quarterly basis to inform you about the fascinating world of astronomy.

The best observatory sites on Earth are located here in Hawai‘i. Many of the exciting discoveries from the giant telescopes on Mauna Kea and the specialized telescopes on Haleakala may be credited to University of Hawai‘i scientists and graduate students. The IfA is an internationally recognized leader in the development of large-format, extremely sensitive optical and infrared detectors. In other words, astronomy at the University of Hawai‘i is a pillar of academic excellence and an engine of economic development in the state.

Our newsletter will give you an opportunity to learn more about IfA activities. Here we will share information about our most recent scientific discoveries, our ideas for future development of astronomical technology in Hawai‘i, our graduate program, and outreach activities. We invite you to ask questions about astronomy and our work.

Aloha,

Rolf-Peter Kudritzki