Conversations with high-end physicists and astrono-mers tend to take on a theoretical, almost quasi-religious tone.

They work in worlds of thought and experiment that are nearly impossible for the ordinary mortal to understand. They are attempting, in effect, to explain the unexplainable, to make sense out of the unfathomable.

When you are trying to figure out the origins of the universe, it is tough not to slip into otherworldly terms.

But these same scientists, with many from the University of Hawai'i at the forefront, are equally engaged in work that is very real, very concrete and very understandable.

It has been reported by the International Astronomical Union that a global effort will be launched to step up and sharpen the search for space objects that could be on a collision course with Earth.

The University of Hawai'i, which already has its Pan-STARRS project focused on this work, will be a key player in the international effort.

Pan-STARRS, which stands for Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System, continuously scans the sky for objects that might be headed our way. The hope is that through early detection, scientists will have time to divert the object or otherwise keep it from hitting Earth.

This is no small matter. The very survival of life as we know it could be in play if a large enough object collides with our planet.

There are plans to build four state-of-the-art Pan-STARRS telescopes on Mauna Kea within the footprint of an existing UH telescope.

In addition to probing for galactic threats, these telescopes would provide valuable information for a variety of scientific and astronomical experiments.

There is plenty of controversy over the expanding astronomical facility atop Mauna Kea, with legitimate concerns being raised about the impact of this work on cultural, environmental and even recreational uses.

These concerns must be addressed in a serious and respectful way. But to the extent advanced science such as the full Pan-STARRS project can move ahead in a cooperative relationship with those other uses, it should do so.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but the fate of the Earth could hang in the balance.