Astronomers focus on exploding star
Astronomers using the Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea have trained their attention on a rare celestial event, a stellar explosion in a neighboring galaxy.
The supernova began Wednesday in the Pinwheel Galaxy and astronomers at Keck and the Lick Telescope in California have confirmed it is a Type 1a supernova, which usually occur in very distant galaxies.
Having one appear so close is an opportunity to look for clues to the underlying cause. Astronomers hope to get a very precise location so that they can look at Hubble Space Telescope images and see whether there was anything there before, perhaps a red giant star.
Squadron leaves tonight for Afghanistan
Nearly 200 Marines and sailors from a Hawaii-based helicopter squadron are due to deploy to Afghanistan for seven months.
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 is scheduled to leave Marine Corps Base Hawaii this evening.
The unit is being sent to South Helmand province to support Marines on the ground who are participating in ongoing stabilization, security and counterterrorism efforts.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Governor helps dedicate water pipe
Gov. Neil Abercrombie joined Kauai Department of Water officials Saturday in dedicating a new West Kauai water main servicing West Kauai Medical Center, Waimea Canyon Middle School, the West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center and area neighbors.
The $2.1 million project is part of the water department’s Water Plan 2020 — a long-range plan for upgrading aging water pipes and meeting increased water demand — and was paid for by a $1.4 million appropriation from the state Legislature and Build America Bonds issued to the department.
Abercrombie hailed the new 12-inch water main as evidence of government agencies working together to ensure that critical infrastructure is maintained throughout the state.
Koga Engineering and Construction did the work, which included furnishing and installing materials for the installation of nearly 5,000 linear feet of water pipes.
Meeting to address harbor update plan
The state is holding a public meeting this week to discuss a plan to update Kawaihae Commercial Harbor on the Big Island.
The meeting is scheduled to be held Monday at the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory in Kawaihae.
The state Department of Transportation says it will ask for the public’s input to determine facility needs at the harbor. The state will also accept comments on the Kawaihae Commercial Harbor Development plan, which includes short-term improvements recommended in the 2035 master plan.
More details are available at www.hawaiiharborsplan.com.
