Despite initial setbacks, the TMT International #Observatory states that the #ThirtyMeterTelescope is still expected to be ready in #Hawaii by 2024. - http://clapway.com/2015/09/23/thirty-meter-telescope-2024/

The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) has recently become a hot topic of criticism and debate. The construction of the astronomical observatory, scheduled to be built in Mauna Kea in Hawaii, was halted in light of protests regarding land clearing at the construction site. Yet, despite these initial setbacks, the TMT International Observatory states that the telescope is still expected to be ready by 2024.

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE (TMT)

The construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope attracted international coverage after October 2014, when angry protesters argued that the surrounding land was sacred to native Hawaiians. Following the incident, the erection of the telescope was set to resume on April 2 and then again on June 24, 2015. However, protests interfered with its launch each time.

Regardless the production of the telescope has continued in the six months following the incidences. And according to TMT board member, Michael Bolte, “activities are running full speed ahead.”

“We have been patient,” Bolte states. “These are real issues in Hawaii. The protesters had the question mark about the state process.”

THE FUTURE OF THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE (TMT)

Although the delays appear to be insignificant in regard to the rest of the project timeline, the Supreme Court is now considering a challenge to the project’s land use permit. If the permit is rejected, the project would need approval from the state’s Board of Land and Natural Resources again.

In the meantime, Bolte has stated that partners around the world in China, Canada, India and Japan, as well as the California Institute of Technology and the University of California are working on separate parts of the project before construction fully resumes. The telescope’s 30-meter-wide primary mirror, for instance, has already been built.

Even if challenges continue to aris, Bolte states that the TMT board will continue to pursue its goals: “I think we’re going to get through all these challenges on Mauna Kea, build this, and this is going to be one of the most productive scientific facilities of this century.”

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Thirty Meter Telescope Expected To Finish By 2024

Incredible Space Observatories I"m Visiting, and Why You Should Too - http://clapway.com/2015/06/23/incredible-space-observatories-im-visiting-and-why-you-should-too/

As you might have read from my piece about Black Holes and Saturn’s Moon, space is my jam. I mentioned McDonalds Space Observatory because it’s the first observatory I had ever been to, and I the only one I’ve ever seen another planet at. I viewed Saturn from one of their massive telescopes and it was just incredible. To be here on Earth and see something so far away in space is amazing. What incredible technology we have in our time to be able to do.

In my many years of observing (the best way I can) space and planning trips for vacations, I’ve come across a few U.S. space observatories that I am planning to visit this year. They are all amazing in their own right; maybe just from the technology they have, or the view from where they sit, but these are some very special observation decks I’d like to call attention to:

The Mauna Kea Space Observatory in Hawaii

The Mauna Kea Observatories in Hawaii are 4,200 meters high and is home to the world’s largest astronomical observatory. Astronomers from 11 different countries operate their massive telescopes, 9 of which are for infrared astronomy, 3 that are for submillimeter wavelength astronomy and 1 that is used for radio astronomy. Mauna Kea, meaning “white mountain,” is exactly that. It is a dormant volcano on the island of Oahu.

Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin

Yerkes Observatory is located in William’s Bay, Wisconsin and was founded in 1897. It is home to the largest refracting telescope ever built. They are one of the only space observatories known for their work in stellar motion and cartography. Astronomer Gerald Kuiper discovered that Titan, Saturn’s Moon, had an atmosphere.

McDonald Observatory in Texas

This viewing site is located in Ft. David, Texas and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. They have 7 different telescopes used for research, a Telescope Park, and public viewing parties for the locals and travelers alike to come and see what they’re working on and view the night skies. They have recently been approved for construction of their new Giant Magellan Telescope. This project will put them on the map with the world’s most powerful optical telescope. While this observatory may not make a Top 10 list for the world just yet, it definitely holds a special place in my heart and is worth a visit. (Pictured in featured image).

There are many other awesome space observatories, not just in the U.S., but also in the entire world. When looking back at the Earth from the Moon, Neil Armstrong said, “I didn’t feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.” The universe is vast, and we are making many strides to learn as much as we can about worlds outside of our own. It’s amazing to be alive in a time where we have the technology to do so, and to have the opportunity to be reminded of the possibility that we are not the all mighty planet that we once thought we were. In a Time Magazine interview in 1995, Carl Sagan said, “There is perhaps no better a demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world.” I think that says it all.

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Don’t have the time to visit all these space observatories but still want to share the gift of space nerdery with your young ones? Space Scouts Summer Adventure may be just the ticket:

 

Incredible Space Observatories I"m Visiting, and Why You Should Too