# Institute for Astronomy

> astronomical research unit of the University of Hawai'i

**Wikidata**: [Q604599](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q604599)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_for_Astronomy_(Hawaii))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-for-astronomy

## Summary
The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) is an astronomical research unit and research institute within the University of Hawaiʻi System. Founded in 1967 and based in Honolulu, Hawaii, it serves as the university's primary organization dedicated to astronomical research.

## Key Facts
- Also known as: IfA
- Founded: 1967
- Location: Honolulu, United States (Coordinates: 21.3075, -157.81138888889)
- Parent Organization: University of Hawaiʻi System
- Type: Research center, research institute
- Operates: Haleakalā Observatory
- Website: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/
- Wikipedia Title: Institute for Astronomy (Hawaii)
- Wikidata Description: "astronomical research unit of the University of Hawai'i"

## FAQs

### Q: What is the Institute for Astronomy?
A: The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) is the astronomical research unit of the University of Hawaiʻi System. It was founded in 1967 and is located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

### Q: Where is the Institute for Astronomy located?
A: The Institute for Astronomy is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. Its coordinates are 21.3075 latitude, -157.81138888889 longitude.

### Q: What observatory does the Institute for Astronomy operate?
A: The Institute for Astronomy owns and operates the Haleakalā Observatory.

### Q: When was the Institute for Astronomy founded?
A: The Institute for Astronomy was founded in 1967 as part of the University of Hawaiʻi System.

### Q: Is the Institute for Astronomy part of a larger university?
A: Yes, the Institute for Astronomy is part of the University of Hawaiʻi System, a college and university system founded in 1907 and headquartered in Honolulu.

## Why It Matters
The Institute for Astronomy serves as the primary astronomical research organization within the University of Hawaiʻi System, positioning Hawaii as a significant hub for astronomical study. The state of Hawaii is home to some of the world's most important observatories due to its remote Pacific location, high elevations, and stable atmospheric conditions. By operating facilities such as the Haleakalā Observatory on Maui, the IfA plays a critical role in ground-based astronomical observation and data collection. Its work contributes to the broader scientific understanding of the universe and reinforces the University of Hawaiʻi's standing in the global research community. As a specialized research institute focused solely on astronomy, it provides dedicated infrastructure, expertise, and academic leadership in a field that requires highly specific environmental and technical resources.

## Notable For
- Being the dedicated astronomical research unit of the University of Hawaiʻi System
- Owning and operating the Haleakalā Observatory, a major astronomical observation facility
- Strategic location in Honolulu, Hawaii, providing access to exceptional observation conditions
- Operating as a specialized research institute focused exclusively on astronomy since 1967

## Body

### Organizational Structure
The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) is classified as both a research center and a research institute. Its primary purpose is to conduct research in the field of astronomy. It functions as a constituent unit of the University of Hawaiʻi System, which was established in 1907 and is headquartered in Honolulu.

### Location and Facilities
The institute is located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu in the United States state of Hawaii. Its geographic coordinates are 21.3075°N, -157.81138888889°W. The institute owns and operates the Haleakalā Observatory, a significant astronomical facility.

### History
The Institute for Astronomy was founded in 1967. It has operated continuously as part of the University of Hawaiʻi System for over five decades, serving as the system's primary vehicle for astronomical research and observation.