Our World: Observatories on Mauna Kea

Learn all about the optical telescopes on the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Find out why astronomers prefer the thin atmosphere found here and compare Earth-based telescopes to space telescopes like Hubble.

Background Information

Grades K through 8

• NASA NASA Infrared Telescope Facility
• NASA JPL NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility atop Mauna Kea, Hawaii
• National Public Radio On a Stunning Hawaiian Mountain, the Fight over Telescopes Is Nearing a Peaceful End
• University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy IRTF -- NASA Infrared Telescope Facility