description Subaru Telescope Overview
The Subaru Telescope is an 8.2-meter optical-infrared facility situated on the summit of Maunakea in Hawaii. Inaugurated in 1999, it is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) and utilizes a prime focus design with active optics to capture wide-field images of the night sky. Astronomers use the facility for large-scale surveys studying areas like galaxy formation, dark matter, and exoplanets. Its name is derived from the Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster.
help Subaru Telescope FAQ
Why does the Subaru Telescope have an 8.2-metre mirror?
Its large single-piece primary mirror collects enough light to study extremely faint and distant objects. Active support systems continually control the thin mirror's shape as the telescope moves.
What is the Hyper Suprime-Cam on the Subaru Telescope used for?
Hyper Suprime-Cam is a wide-field optical camera mounted at Subaru's prime focus. Astronomers use it for large surveys of galaxies, dark matter, transient objects, and the distant Solar System.
Why was the Subaru Telescope built on Mauna Kea?
Mauna Kea offers high altitude, dry air, and stable atmospheric conditions favorable for optical and infrared astronomy. The location is also culturally sacred to Native Hawaiians, making telescope activity there a continuing matter of stewardship and debate.
Who operates the Subaru Telescope?
Subaru is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. It began scientific operations around the time of its 1999 inauguration and serves researchers from Japan and international partner institutions.
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