NASA Infrared Telescope Facility

The NASA Infrared Telescope Facility contains a 3-meter telescope designed for capturing infrared light from celestial bodies through high-altitude observations at Mauna Kea.

The facility began operations in 1979 to support NASA's Voyager missions and later transformed into the national research center for infrared astronomy in the United States.

The telescope operates within Mauna Kea Science Reserve, sharing space with twelve other astronomical facilities that form a global research network in Hawaii.

Scientists allocate fifty percent of observation time to planetary science research, examining objects within our solar system through specialized infrared detection instruments.

The telescope's infrared capabilities enable researchers to detect heat signatures from distant objects, revealing information about celestial bodies hidden from conventional optical telescopes.

Location: Hawaii County

Website: http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu

Website: http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu

GPS coordinates: 19.82630,-155.47300

Latest update: May 11, 2025 05:10