APRIM Conference

2023-08-13

Captain’s Log, Stardate 60163.5:

I embarked on a one-week mission to the 2023 Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM 2023) in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, at the BIG PALETTE FUKUSHIMA. With a recurrence once every three years, APRIM is a pivotal gathering in the astronomical society of the Asia-Pacific region. The conference’s auspicious commencement was marked by a speech from Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess Akishino.

BIG PALETTE FUKUSHIMA, the conference place

Koriyama, renowned for its connection to astrophotographer Akira Fujii (藤井　旭), served as a fitting backdrop for the exploration of celestial wonders. Fujii’s captivating works adorned the meeting place, inspiring attendees and honoring his memory.

Stardate 60165.5: Excursion to Hoshinomura Observatory

The mission’s trajectory led to Hoshinomura Observatory (星の村天文台). A singular chance to visit a local observatory compelled my choice. The legacy of Akira Fujii continued to resonate here, with Director Ono, a compatriot of Akira Fujii. He shared the ethereal beauty of a sword forged from Meteoric iron from Arizona. Though a glance at their 65 cm reflector telescope was marred only by the nebulous weather obscuring our view of the sun, the experience remains etched in memory.

Director Ono showing the sword forged from meteoric iron

The 65 cm reflector telescope in Hoshimomura Observatory

Stardate 60165.8: Banquet

Our gathering resonated to the chords of “ALMA,” a creation by the Japanese Rockband ACIDMAN, serving as this conference’s theme song. Our collective enjoyment of the song served as a fitting celebration of our shared passion for the stars.

Stardate 60166.7: New Alliances and Discoveries

This conference provides a valuable occasion to forge alliances with astronomers beyond the realms of planet formation and exoplanets. I shared insights from our last mission towards the T Tauri star SR 21, and got suprised by the increasing astronomical projects from Southeast Asia. Their projects, from the meteor survey network in Tajikstan to the Evanescent Wave Coronagraph EvWaCo developed in Thailand, have left an indelible impression.

Final Transmission: Stardate 60167.7

With the conference’s conclusion, our sights turn to the next gathering in Hong Kong, three years hence. From shared scientific pursuits to cultural connections, this mission has enriched our understanding of the cosmos and the people who explore it.

Yanagi out.