What’s up at the Institute for Astronomy?As you look to the night sky, you may be gazing at the answers to some of life’s greatest mysteries. The brilliant patchwork of stars can teach us about the laws of nature, according to Dr. Joe Ritter, a physicist at the University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy (IFA) Advanced Technology Research Center (Maikalani) in Pukalani. Dr. Ritter’s logic is one that has been embedded in the Hawaiian culture for centuries, as King Kala-kaua emphasized the study and practice of astronomy throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and cooperative science with all nations around the globe. Honoring his legacy, the IFA adopted the name “Maikalani,” which means “from the heavens,” and also carries a cultural meaning of “things we gain from the cosmos.”
But as Ritter and his colleagues at the IFA keep an eye on the sky, there are other forces at work—literally—within the walls of the brand new Upcountry facility. From astrophysics to evolutionary biology, the IFA is a nexus for research and discovery in several fields, which provides a rare opportunity for scientists from a variety of disciplines to compare notes and work together. And as one of the top science programs in the world, the IFA has made invaluable contributions to education, research and discovery in the fields of instrumentation, astronomy and physics. Some may imagine a laboratory stuffed with bubbling test tubes and goo-filled containers, but the IFA facility is a labyrinth of spacious classrooms and tidy advanced research labs. And, according to Ritter, what sets the IFA apart from other research centers is its excellent staff and interdisciplinary approach within an academic learning environment.
While he has an exhaustive list of interests in all natural sciences, Ritter has recently focused on biochemistry and paleobotany in the development of new optical technologies. “Billions of years of evolution have taught us some tricks,” Ritter said. He is currently using advanced instrumentation and nanotechnology to develop materials for a lightweight, inflatable orbital space telescope. In his laboratory at the IFA, Ritter developed a novel material that can convert beams of light into motion, ultimately controlling the shape of the telescope’s mirror—and revealing the mysteries of the universe at 1 percent of the cost of current technologies. This “photonic muscle” technology may also have an impact on modern medicine, possibly saving lives across the globe.
In another project, Ritter and biologist Andrea Baer are working to demonstrate a revolutionary new way of understanding optical communication using one of nature’s most beloved creatures—the butterfly. Baer and Ritter hypothesized that each flap of a certain butterfly’s wings is a coded form of communication, and while that may sound simple enough, this “secret language” is actually related to techniques used to study objects in outer space. And, Baer said, “Understanding butterfly communication may lead to new technologies that could enhance sustainable farming on Maui.”
Ritter has channeled his fervent passion for science and knowledge into a healing mission—for the Earth. “There is no single book with the answers. My goal as a curious human and as an experimental physicist is to use science to understand ‘the nature of nature,’ and to apply this knowledge to help the planet,” he said. “Our new laboratory facilities funded by the state Senate will not only further science… we also work with students, local agencies, educators and technology partners from Hawai‘i, the Mainland and the global community.”
And the IFA has had some good chemistry with the Maui community. “Science can build bridges,” said Ritter. “Green high-tech industries contributed many jobs and $145 million to the Maui economy last year, and the new IFA laboratory will encourage more cooperation, innovation and learning. This will make a positive difference to all of us on Maui.”
According to Ritter, a core value of the IFA is to respect and understand nature, which will not only advance science and technology in many fields, but also benefit the planet. Indeed, his repertoire of scientific discoveries could very well change the world, leaving some of us wishing we hadn’t slept through high school science courses. Ritter has set out to share the magic of the IFA with the island community, encouraging residents to attend monthly public lectures covering a range of fun, fascinating, out-of-this-world subjects. For more information, visit the University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy (IFA) Website at www.IFA.Hawaii.edu.