TRINIDAD –The next installment of the “CU in the Community” series will feature a presentation, entitled “The Secrets of Polynesian Navigation,” by CU-Boulder Professor of Astrophysical and Planetary SciencesJohn Stocke at the Massari Theatre at Trinidad State Junior College (TSJC) on Monday, April 4, 2011.

Using only their intimate knowledge of the stars, wind, waves, clouds, colors in the sky and sea birds, the ancient Polynesians explored and settled the largest nation on Earth by successfully navigating over thousands of miles of the Pacific Ocean without the use of compasses or modern navigational aids.  Stocke will explain these ancient techniques and how they were influenced by Polynesian culture and heritage.

Stocke is an extragalactic observer who uses all manner of space-based and ground-based telescopes to study normal and active galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and intergalactic gas. His recent research includes using the Hubble Space Telescope's spectrographs to discover, inventory, and study intergalactic gas clouds and to figure out their relationship to galaxies. This study has led to the first-ever detection of matter in voids.

He also studies the star knowledge of ancient and indigenous cultures and teaches an undergraduate class called "Ancient Astronomies".

Tickets for the 7 p.m. event are $4 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. They can be purchased at the door the evening of April 4th or in advance at the Trinidad Community Foundation at 134 W. Main Street in Suite 24 or Curiosities at 305 W. Main Street. TSJC students and faculty may attend for free with a school identification card.

All proceeds will be given to theTrinidad History Museum’s History Colorado for the Baca-Bloom Heritage Gardens Educational Programs.

The “CU in the Community” series is jointly sponsored by TSJC, Trinidad Community Foundation, Trinidad & Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce, Trinidad Times Independent, and the CU-Boulder Office for University Outreach.