Pan-STARRS Near-Earth Object Search
Two telescopes on Haleakalā, Maui, that in 2021 found nearly as many near-Earth objects as the rest of the world's observatories combined (University of Hawaiʻi).
Image: NASA (ISS074-E-0480485, April 17, 2026).
Last reviewed: 4 sources cited
Explain Like I'm 10
- Pan-STARRS is two big telescopes on a mountain in Maui.
- Their giant cameras photograph the sky to find moving space rocks.
- Finding them early keeps Earth safe.
The Five W's of Pan-STARRS
Who
The University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy. NASA's An asteroid or comet whose orbit brings it close to Earth's path around the Sun. Scientists track them to make sure none is on course to hit us. Glossary Observations program funds most of its operating cost.
Source: University of Hawaiʻi, Pan-STARRS search for Near-Earth Objects
What
Two 1.8-meter telescopes with huge cameras of 1.38 and 1.47 gigapixels.
Source: University of Hawaiʻi, Pan-STARRS search for Near-Earth Objects
When
Pan-STARRS1 has operated since 2010. In 2021 NASA awarded $15 million for three more years of A rocky object that orbits the Sun, much smaller than a planet. Most are in a belt between Mars and Jupiter. Glossary survey work.
Source: University of Hawaiʻi, NASA awards $15M for Pan-STARRS (Oct 24, 2021)
Where
Near the summit of Haleakalā on Maui, Hawaiʻi.
Source: University of Hawaiʻi, Pan-STARRS search for Near-Earth Objects
Why
Congress asked NASA to find at least 90% of near-Earth objects larger than 140 meters. Pan-STARRS spends most of its time on that search.
Source: University of Hawaiʻi, Pan-STARRS search for Near-Earth Objects
Impact Statement
Agency solution · active
As of 2021, Pan-STARRS found nearly as many near-Earth objects and potentially hazardous asteroids as the rest of the world's observatories combined, and nearly 60% of the largest ones, over 140 meters across (University of Hawaiʻi, 2021).
Source: University of Hawaiʻi, NASA awards $15M for Pan-STARRS (Oct 24, 2021)
For Further Information: University of Hawaiʻi, Pan-STARRS search for Near-Earth Objects
Pan-STARRS discovered ʻOumuamua, the first known interstellar object (University of Hawaiʻi).
How This Saves People & the Planet
For People
Pan-STARRS data are available to the world, and its search protects people from a possible asteroid impact (University of Hawaiʻi).
Source: University of Hawaiʻi, NASA awards $15M for Pan-STARRS (Oct 24, 2021)
For Nature
The survey's mission is to protect the Earth from a catastrophic asteroid impact, which would threaten wildlife and habitats as well as people (University of Hawaiʻi).
Source: University of Hawaiʻi, NASA awards $15M for Pan-STARRS (Oct 24, 2021)
Get Involved With Pan-STARRS
Want to go deeper? The University of Hawaiʻi has the full Pan-STARRS story.
For Further InformationRelated Solutions
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Help This Work
This is a public mission, so there is nothing to donate. You can explore its free data or join a citizen science project.