The largest infrared telescopes for infrared astronomy are listed in terms of diameter of primary mirror. The infrared spectrum with its longer wavelength than visible light has a number of challenges, especially for ground-based observatories but also in space. Notably infrared radiation is emitted by all physical objects above Absolute Zero temperature so telescopes are subject to local interference.
Overall
Infrared observations from Earth's surface are possible in a limited way but can be very dependent on location and atmospheric conditions. Water vapour in the Earth's atmosphere blocks much of the infrared band, although some limited observations are possible and there is a number of infrared observatories.
Sometimes other optical telescopes can make infrared observations if they are equipped with the right detectors, even if they are not dedicated infrared observatories. For ground-based observatories, the location can make a big difference in how much observation is possible. Name Image Effective aperture Wavelength Coverage Site Year(s) Refs TAO telescope 0.9-38 μm University of Tokyo Atacama Obs., Chile 2024 James Webb Space Telescope 0.6-28.5 μm Space, Sun-Earth L2 2022- VISTA 0.85 – 2.3 μm Paranal Obs., Chile 2008 Emerson, J.P., Sutherland, W.J., McPherson, A.M., Craig, S.C., Dalton, G.B., Ward, A.K. (2005). The Visible & Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy. The Messenger Eastern Anatolia Observatory 0.9 – 2.5 μm Erzurum, Turkey 2024 . DOĞU ANADOLU GÖZLEMEVİ İÇİN GERİ SAYIM United Kingdom Infrared Telescope 0.8 - 20 μm Mauna Kea Obs., Hawaii 1978 Herschel Space Observatory 60-672 μm Space, Sun-Earth L2 2009-2013 Infrared Telescope Facility 0.8 - 25 μm Mauna Kea, Hawaii 1979 IRTF homepage SOFIA 0.3 - 655 μm 747SP; Stratosphere 2010-2022 Wyoming Infrared Observatory 0.4 - 0.8 μm Jelm mountain, 9656 ft. (2943m) 1977 University of Wyoming 2.3-meter Telescope (WIRO)
Space telescopes only
Name Effective aperture cm (in) Wavelength Coverage Year Refs James Webb (JWST) 650 cm 0.6-28.5 μm 2021- Herschel Obs. 350 cm (138 in) 60-672 μm 2009 - 2013 Hubble WFC3 240 cm 0.2-1.7 μm 2009 - Euclid NISP 120 cm 0.92-2.02 μm 2023 - Spitzer 85 cm 3-180 μm 2003 - 2020 Akari 68.5 cm 2-200 μm 2006 -2011 ISO 60 cm 2.5-240 μm 1995-1998 IRAS 57 cm 5-100 μm 1983 JPL: Herschel Space Observatory: Related Missions NEO Surveyor 50 cm 4–5.2 & 6–10 μm 2028 (planned) NASA to Build New Asteroid-Hunting Space Telescope 2019 WISE/NEOWISE 40 cm 3-25 μm 2009-2011 & 2013 - MSX 33 cm 4.3-21 μm 1996 - 1997 SPHEREx 20 cm 0.75 to 5.0 μm 2025 - Spacelab IRT 15.2 cm 1.7-118 μm 1985 Aug Kent, et al. – Galactic structure from the Spacelab infrared telescope (1992).
See also Lists of telescopes Infrared telescope List of largest optical reflecting telescopes Space Flyer Unit Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (all-sky infrared observation on COBE, launched 1989)
References