The NASA Infrared Telescope Facility: A Dedicated Telescope for Planetary Astronomy
Abstract
The NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) is a dedicated 3.0-m infrared telescope for planetary science. It is located at the summit of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii. Important capabilities of the IRTF include: (1) Remote observing from any location, including Europe; (2) Instrument changes during the night can be accommodated; (3) Observing periods as short as one hour can be scheduled; (4) Daytime observing is supported; and (5) Unique instrumentation for planetary science are available. Providing groundbased support of planetary missions is the main objective of this facility.
- Publication:
-
EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011
- Pub Date:
- October 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011epsc.conf..664T