Institute for Astronomy

University of Hawaiʻi

Latest News & Updates

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.

UH-discovered asteroid makes close approach to Earth, no impact risk

An asteroid newly-discovered by one of our ATLAS telescopes passed close to Earth, inside the Moon’s orbit, during the evening of June 28.

UH astronomers, Maunakea telescope part of NASA’s $19.5M artificial star mission

IfA astronomers and the UH 88" telescope on Maunakea will play a key role in a newly approved $19.5 million NASA space mission that will put an artificial “star” in orbit around the Earth.

UH astronomers help uncover array of strange exoplanet worlds

An international scientific team, with major contributions by astronomers at the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy (IfA), has announced a new catalog of 120 confirmed and six new candidate exoplanets. They were discovered using NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet...

UH astronomer leads effort to unlock sun secrets during eclipse

Award-winning astronomer Shadia Habbal from the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy (IfA) is gearing up to lead a world-class team of researchers at three North America locations to conduct in-depth observations during this rare event.

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

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Institute for Astronomy

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