description Pan-STARRS Overview
The Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) is a wide-field astronomical imaging facility located atop Haleakalā on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Operated by the University of Hawaii, the system is specifically designed to conduct broad digital surveys of the night sky. Its primary mission is to identify and track near-Earth objects, including potentially hazardous asteroids, but it also monitors stellar explosions and other transient phenomena. The observatory utilizes massive gigapixel digital cameras to continuously capture and map large areas of the sky.
help Pan-STARRS FAQ
What does Pan-STARRS look for in the night sky?
Pan-STARRS repeatedly surveys wide areas for moving or changing objects. Its work includes detecting near-Earth asteroids, comets, supernovae, variable stars, and other astronomical transients.
Where are the Pan-STARRS telescopes located?
PS1 and PS2 operate near the summit of Haleakala on Maui, Hawaii. Both are 1.8-meter wide-field telescopes run by the University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy.
What does the name Pan-STARRS stand for?
Pan-STARRS means Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System. The name reflects its combination of broad sky coverage and repeated observations that reveal objects moving or changing over time.
Did Pan-STARRS discover the interstellar object Oumuamua?
Yes. The Pan-STARRS1 telescope detected 1I/Oumuamua in October 2017, after it had passed closest to the Sun, and follow-up observations showed that it was on an interstellar trajectory.
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