The UHM
Hawaiʻi Space Flight Laboratory (HSFL) had a key role in the first attempted space launch from Hawaiʻi in November 2015. Though the launch was unsuccessful, the years of research and work leading up to it created a foundation that has put Hawaiʻi on the aerospace map. HSFL is currently preparing for five space launches in the next two years with more opportunities on the horizon.
Microbes dominate Earth. Given that nearly every habitat and organism hosts a diverse constellation of microorganisms--its "microbiome"--understanding that complex system could transform ideas about the natural world and launch innovations in agriculture, energy, health, the environment and more.
Vog, or volcanic smog, poses a serious threat to the health of Hawaiʻi's people as well as being harmful to the state's ecosystems and agriculture. A paper published this month by SOEST and
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory researchers details the development and utility of a computer model for the dispersion of vog.
The relationship between La Niña and rainfall in Hawaiʻi has changed--recent La Niña years have brought less-than-normal rainfall. Because previous La Niña events brought excess rainfall to the state in the past, the new information has important implications for agriculture, water resource management and more.
Over 6,000 students, teachers, families and community members joined us for the biennial two-day event. SOEST researchers offered 90 nearly exhibits--giving visitors a chance to explore ocean, earth and planetary sciences through hands-on activities, demonstrations and displays.
Jennifer Wong-Ala was
honored for her presentation at the 2015 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
Annual Science Conference in Copenhagen. The
award citation noted, "The presentation had a clear message, with good graphics, and was very well presented. The work presented was engaging and holds interest for researchers working on the subject."
