Exploring the Universe with Dr. Norio Kaifu Written by Gayle Olson
During 1998 we were fortunate to attend a dinner hosted by Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii, featuring a lecture by Dr. Norio Kaifu. Professor Kaifu is director of Subaru Telescope, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) and has held position as vice president of International Astronomical Union (IAU) since 1997. A specialist in radio astronomy, infrared astronomy and interstellar matter, Dr. Kaifu has published some 100 papers on astronomy in addition to 15 popular science books. Before joining Subaru in 1990, he was a director, a professor and an associate professor at Nobeyama Radio Observatory, and a senior research associate in Faculty of Science at University of Tokyo. As an amateur backyard astronomer we were delighted to learn of possibilities this new telescope will bring to exploration of universal knowledge. Dr. Kaifu shared his views about design of new telescope, cylindrical in shape, rather than dome, it can be more optimal for wind resistance. The 8-meter diameter glass mirror is only 8 inches thick and has taken six years to construct and polish. The mirror is controlled by two Fujitsu parallel computers, with largest memory capacity in world with 261 supporting structures. 100 times per second computer adjusts mirror to counteract atmospheric turbulence, which we see as twinkling stars. The mirror can be controlled by computer by each second, to obtain best view of deeper universe. Mauna Kea was chosen as a location for new Japanese telescope because of stable weather and easy access.
| | Hurricane Fact SheetWritten by Gayle Olson
Hurricane Fact SheetA hurricane is a large whirling storm that usually measures 200 to 500 miles (320 to 800 km) across. On average each year, six Atlantic hurricanes occur. Sustained winds of 100-150 mph (160-240 km/h) occur with a typical hurricane. Some winds may exceed 200 mph (320 km/h). The eye of hurricane averages 14-25 miles (22-40 km) across. The eye is quite calm as compared to winds in eye wall. The winds of hurricane spin in a counterclockwise direction in Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in Southern Hemisphere. In North Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. Over Western Pacific, typical cyclone season is never quite over.
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