25th Anniversary of
IRTF and UKIRT
October 2004 became the 25th Anniversary of the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) and United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT). The occasion was celebrated with a banquet at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, a special Historical Discussion Panel, and public summit observatory tours. Among the many dignitaries in attendance, were discussion panelists John Jefferies - first Director of IfA, William Brunk - former NASA scientist who awarded the contracts for the 88-inch teleswcope and IRTF to the IfA, Eric Becklin - first Director of the IRTF, Terry Lee - first Director of the UKIRT, Jim Harwood - performed first site testing at Mauna Kea, and former software engineer for the IRTF, Jerry Smith - project manager for the construction of the IRTF and Hans Boesgaard, chief engineer for the construction of the IRTF.
UKIRT Director Andy Adamson addressing guests at the Dinner Banquet Eric Becklin (Eric the Infrared), Bob Joseph and Terry Lee Steven Beckwith, Don Hall and Rolf Kudritzki
IfA Directors John Jefferies, Don Hall and Rolf-Peter Kudritzki The current staff of the IRTF pose for this portrait in the Hilo Kukahau'ula Courtyard IRTF Division Chiefs present and past: Alan Tokunaga, David Morrison, Eric Becklin and Bob Joseph
John Jefferies, the UH Institute for Astronomy's first Director speaks IRTF Foreman Lars Bergknut explains his work during the public summit tour, as ET looks on Watson talking about the UKIRT during the public summit tours
Historic Discussion Panelists Hans Boesgaard, Gerry Smith, Jim Harwood, Eric Becklin, John Jefferies, Bill Brunk, Terry Lee and Tom Geballe