Institute for Astronomy

University of Hawaiʻi

 

Latest News & Updates

Hilo AstroDay is May 3rd!

Craving more space? 🚀 AstroDay 2025 is landing at Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo for its 23rd orbit around the Sun! Hosted by Maunakea Observatories, this FREE ʻohana-friendly science celebration is blasting off on Saturday, May 3 from 10a-4p with...

UH astronomer finds the universe could be spinning

A new study in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society by researchers including István Szapudi of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Institute for Astronomy suggests the universe may rotate—just extremely slowly. The finding could help solve one of...

Award-winning UH astronomer who studies alien worlds named fellow

Karen Meech has spent her career chasing big questions—like how habitable worlds form and whether or not life exists beyond Earth. Now, the University of Hawaiʻi astronomer has been named a 2024 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS),...

New UH fellow to help boost planet-hunting tech

The University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy (IfA) will soon welcome Nour Skaf, a rising star in the field of extrasolar planet research whose work has earned international acclaim. Recently named one of eight notable 51 Pegasi b Fellows by the Heising-Simons...

UH Astronomers Uncover Risks to Planets That Could Host Life

A groundbreaking study has revealed that red dwarf stars can produce stellar flares that carry far-ultraviolet (far-UV) radiation levels much higher than previously believed. This discovery suggests that the intense UV radiation from these flares could significantly...

Up to $85M from NASA for UH management of Maunakea telescope

The IfA has been selected by NASA to continue to operate the agency’s Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) on Maunakea, a primary asset in NASA’s planetary defense system.

What we do

Research

Our Astronomers  study everything from the Sun to the structure of the Universe, using the best observing sites in the world

Develop

We create cutting-edge instrumentation and technology, and innovative surveys to study the ever-changing night sky

Educate

Our world-class degree programs include a PhD in Astronomy, an undergraduate BA in Astronomy, and a BS in Astrophysics

Engage

Our extensive public outreach program brings astronomy to our community, and our news stories highlight the latest discoveries

Our Vision

To be the premier institution for astronomy research and education, locally, nationally, and internationally, that is respectful of the local culture.

Our Mission

The University of Hawai‘i is located in the most diverse community and environment in the world. We are a globally recognized center of learning and research, with a kuleana to serve the people and places of Hawaiʻi and our neighbors in the Pacific.  The IfA’s mission is to advance scientific understanding of the origin and nature of the universe, by conducting high-impact research, developing new technologies to observe the cosmos, defending the planet from potentially hazardous asteroids, and sharing knowledge of astronomy through education and outreach, in particular engaging with the native Hawaiian community.

Our Values

  • Valuing science as a way to illuminate our place in the universe
  • Maintaining the integrity of the scientific process
  • Revering the natural environment, including the dark skies
  • Respecting Native Hawaiian practices and philosophies
  • Affirming the international character of academic research
Aerial view of telescopes on Maunakea

Astronomy in Hawaii

Institute for Astronomy