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UK Infrared Telescope (UKIRT): Comprehensive Description and Analysis - Dictionary of Space Technology and Observatories

UK's Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) is situated atop Mauna Kea in Hawaii, standing tall among the largest infrared telescopes. This ground-based device operates from the peak of the volcanic mountain.

Infrared Telescope from the United Kingdom (UKIRT) - Comprehensive Description and Analysis -...
Infrared Telescope from the United Kingdom (UKIRT) - Comprehensive Description and Analysis - Encyclopedia of Telescopes and Observatories

UK Infrared Telescope (UKIRT): Comprehensive Description and Analysis - Dictionary of Space Technology and Observatories

United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) Continues to Illuminate the Infrared Universe

The United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT), located on the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii, is a valuable resource for astronomical research. This ground-based telescope, one of the largest infrared telescopes in the world, has been in operation since the late 1970s and is currently managed by the University of Hawaii.

The UKIRT offers remote observing capabilities, allowing researchers from around the world to control the telescope and collect data from anywhere in the world. With its unique capabilities and location on Mauna Kea, the UKIRT has played a key role in the study of the infrared universe.

The UKIRT has been used to study the formation and evolution of galaxies, the properties of exoplanets, and the structure of star-forming regions. Its capabilities have also allowed it to study objects that are too cool or obscured to be seen in visible light, contributing to the discovery of new objects such as brown dwarfs and distant quasars.

The UKIRT is equipped with a variety of instruments that allow astronomers to study a wide range of astronomical phenomena. It is primarily used for conducting observations in the infrared spectrum, and its large 3.8-meter primary mirror provides excellent resolution for these studies.

Researchers can submit proposals to the UKIRT's observing time allocation committee to access the telescope for their studies. Successful applicants are granted access to the UKIRT for their observations, and they can also access archival data collected by the UKIRT for previous studies.

The future of the UKIRT remains uncertain, but its unique capabilities and location make it a valuable resource for astronomical research. The current operator of the UKIRT, the Joint Astronomy Centre (JAC), continues to maintain and operate the telescope, ensuring that it remains a valuable tool for astronomers for years to come.

In conclusion, the UKIRT is a powerful and unique instrument that has played a significant role in the advancement of astronomical research. Its remote observing capabilities, large primary mirror, and location on Mauna Kea make it a valuable resource for studying the infrared universe. Whether it continues to operate in the future or not, the UKIRT has left a lasting impact on the field of astronomy.

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