Update from UKIRT

In December 2009, the Science and Technology Facilities Council announced that as part of its science prioritisation, the United Kingdom Infra Red Telescope, UKIRT, in Hawaii would be subject to a managed withdrawal.

UKIRT

Additional sources of income are being sought by the Joint Astronomy Centre, JAC, which operates the telescope, to support the continued operation of UKIRT. The default situation, should the additional funding not materialise, is that UKIRT will adopt a minimalist mode of operation in late 2010 to allow for phased withdrawal. This will enable the continuation of observations for the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) programme until at least March 2012.

For more information about UKIRT and the JAC, visit the JAC website (link opens in a new window).

Media Contact

• Julia Maddock
  STFC
  Tel: +44 (0)7901 514 975