United Kingdom Infrared Telescope, Infrared telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii County, US
The United Kingdom Infrared Telescope is an infrared telescope located on Mauna Kea in Hawaii County at 4,200 meters elevation. Its primary mirror spans 3.8 meters across and allows detailed observations of the sky in infrared wavelengths, which are invisible to the human eye.
The telescope was built between 1975 and 1978 and began operations in October 1979. It was initially named the Infrared Flux Collector before it received its current name.
The facility serves multiple international institutions through partnerships between the University of Hawaii, NASA, and various academic organizations across different countries point.
The telescope has been operated remotely from Hilo by astronomers since December 2010, focusing on wide-area sky surveys. The high mountain location provides excellent conditions for infrared observations with minimal air interference.
The instrument houses four specialized Cassegrain instruments that can operate simultaneously for different observations. This multi-tool setup allows astronomers to conduct several studies at the same time without delays.
Location: Hawaii County
Diameter: 3.8 m
GPS coordinates: 19.82250,-155.47069
Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:20
Mauna Kea
342 m
Mauna Kea Observatories
446 m
W. M. Keck Observatory
575 m
Subaru Telescope
661 m
Parker Ranch
29.5 km
HI-SEAS
24.6 km
Akaka Falls State Park
33.5 km
James Clerk Maxwell Telescope
670 m
Hiilawe Waterfall
33.5 km
NASA Infrared Telescope Facility
487 m
Submillimeter Array
791 m
Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope
370 m
AMiBA
33.7 km
Caltech Submillimeter Observatory
511 m
Mauna Kea Trail
3.8 km
Onizuka Center for International Astronomy
7 km
Mauna Kea Ice Age Reserve
2.5 km
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
10 km
UH88
99 m
Isaacs Art Center
30.7 km
Anna Ranch Heritage Center
32 km
Pu'u Huluhulu
15 km
Imiola Church
30.3 km
SPIRou
320 m
Gemini North
225 m
Mauna Kea VLBA station
2.8 km
Laupahoehoe Train Museum
30.6 km
Honoka'a People's Theatre
27.8 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes