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The UK Infrared telescope (UKIRT) observatory is the Northern Hemisphere's largest telescope dedicated solely to infrared astronomy.  It is a 3.8 metre classical cassegrain telescope with a thin primary mirror. UKIRT, on Mauna Kea, is owned and operated by STFC, via its Joint Astronomy Centre in Hawaii.

The observatory is equipped with a powerful infrared survey camera (WFCAM) which has been designed specifically to carry out large-scale survey observations under the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) programme.  Korean astronomers have access to UKIRT observing whilst Japanese and ESO scientists have access to the UKIDSS.  Current STFC planning for UKIRT extends through 2013. 

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.

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).