Life exists in a myriad of wondrous forms, but if you break any organism down to its most basic parts, it's all the same stuff: carbon atoms connected to hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and other elements. In the quest to discover life beyond our planet, astronomers focus on detecting these molecules in the birthplaces of stars. In this talk, Federica will explain how ground-based spectroscopy is utilized for this purpose, and how determining the ages of stars can aid in identifying potentially habitable planets outside of our Solar System.

Presenter: Federica Chiti was born in Pistoia, a small town near Florence, Italy. She moved to the UK to study Physics and Astrophysics at the University of Dundee. After obtaining her Bachelor degree, she started her Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa in 2021. Her research focuses on star formation and stellar evolution. She is also involved with teaching programming at the undergraduate level and mentoring local high school students as part of the Maunakea Scholars Program. 

5:00pm: Pre-concert reception with complimentary wine | 5:30pm: Start time

RSVP: Required by September 4.

Parking: Across the street in two municipal lots, as well as street parking throughout the Kaimuki area. Please do not park in front of the store, it's reserved for quick store pickups.

Note: The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

Questions: Email us at info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.