Mauna Kea Observatory
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Seal of the University of Hawai'i System
The Mauna Kea Observatory is one of the world's premier astronomical research facilities located on Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawai'i, USA. Founded in 1967, the Mauna Kea Observatory is part of the University of Hawai'i System and consists of various multi-national astronomical instruments. Located on a dormant volcano, the facilities are at an altitude of 13,796 feet (4205 meters) above sea level. The altitude and isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean allows for unobstructed views of space without the interference of man-made light sources. The seeing statistics show that Mauna Kea is the second best location for optical and infrared astronomy after Dome C, Antarctica.
Dormitories and a cafeteria are located below the summit at 9300 feet (2835 meters) above sea level, and a visitor information station is located at 9200 feet (2775 meters). The Mauna Kea Observatory is so high, scientists and other visitors are required to stay at the lower level for a day to acclimate to atmospheric conditions before reaching the summit.
Telescopes
Telescopes found at Mauna Kea Observatory are funded by government agencies of various nations. The University of Hawai'i itself directly administers two telescopes. In total there are twelve telescopes at or around the summit of Mauna Kea.
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- California Submillimeter Observatory (CSO): Caltech
- Canada France Hawai'i Telescope (CFHT): Canada, France, University of Hawai'i
- Gemini North Telescope: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Australia, Argentina, Brazil
- Infra-Red Telescope Facility (IRTF): NASA
- James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT): United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands
- Subaru Telescope: Japan
- Sub-Millimeter Array (SMA): Taiwan, United States
- United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT): United Kingdom
- One receiver of the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA): United States
- W. M. Keck Telescopes: University of California, California Institute of Technology and the NASA
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Resources
- University of Hawai'i System (http://www.hawaii.edu/)
- Mauna Kea Observatory (http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/)
Webcam
- Mauna Kea Webcam (http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/misc/summitview.html)