Faulkes Telescope North

Faulkes Telescope North is a research instrument with a 2-meter mirror diameter installed at roughly 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) elevation on Mount Haleakalā on Maui. Its location above the clouds and above most of Earth's atmosphere allows it to work with minimal atmospheric distortion and deliver sharp, clear images.

The telescope began operations in 2003 as part of the Faulkes Telescope Project, built by technology specialists affiliated with Liverpool John Moores University. It was established to support research while providing educational access to space observation for schools.

The telescope connects students and educators across the United Kingdom with hands-on research opportunities through remote observation during school hours. Its role has enabled thousands of learners to work with real observational data and develop their scientific skills directly.

The instrument is accessed from Earth primarily at night, as observations are conducted remotely by schools and research groups from their own locations. Those wishing to visit the site should know that it functions as a working research facility and access may be restricted.

In 2013, the telescope captured images of the Herschel Space Observatory during its final mission phase, documenting the conclusion of a successful scientific undertaking. Those photographs show how Earth-based telescopes can monitor and track satellites in space.

Location: Maui County

Elevation above the sea: 3,052 m

Diameter: 2 m

Part of: Faulkes Telescope Project

Website: http://faulkes-telescope.com

GPS coordinates: 20.70700,-156.25753

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41