China, India to jump forward with Hawaii telescope

China, India to jump forward with Hawaii telescope

HONOLULU (AP) — China and India are catapulting to the forefront of astronomy research with their decision to join as partners in a Hawaii telescope that will be the world's largest when it's built later this decade.

China and India will pay a share of the construction cost — expected to top $1 billion — for the Thirty Meter Telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea volcano. They will also have a share of the observation time.

It's the first advanced telescope in which either nation has been a partner.

"This will represent a quantum leap for the Chinese community," Shude Mao, professor of astrophysics at National Astronomical Observatories of China, said in a telephone interview Wednesday from Waikoloa on the Big Island, where he was attending a meeting of the telescope's scientific advisory committee.

The Thirty Meter Telescope's segmented primary mirror, which will be nearly 100 feet — or 30 meters — long, will give it nine times the light-collecting area of the largest optical telescopes in use today. Its images will also be three times sharper.

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Finally, some good news for a change. Its always good to see that countries can disagree with each others politics yet still come together to advance human knowledge. It will be, once completed, the largest telescope in the world. To top it off they are going to be sharing it with other countries / scientists and will share all data coming from it.

Its going to be about a billion dollars, which will be a boon for Hawaii's economy and some businesses.

One of its primary functions is to look at smaller planets as well as watch how stars form. A larger telescope is planned by the European union as well.

With all the doom and gloom going on in the world, I thought I would share some good news for a change.

Originally posted by Xcathdra
China, India to jump forward with Hawaii telescope

China and India will pay a share of the construction cost — expected to top $1 billion — for the Thirty Meter Telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea volcano. They will also have a share of the observation time.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but is it not a ridiculous idea to build something so expensive on a VOLCANO?!?!

Or is it inactive?

reply to post by domasio


Its the 4th most active volcano in the Hawaiian Island group and does have lava flows. However the last eruption, according to wikipedia, occurred about 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. It doesnt mean it cant erupt tomorrow, but from what I see its one of those active but stable volcanoes for lack of a better term.

Either way its apparently one of the best spots on the globe for an observatory due to remoteness and reduced light pollution.

Either or, I think the risk is worth it if it advances our understanding of the universe. What we observe with that telescope today might save us down the road.

Either or, a very good question.

reply to post by domasio

Mauna Kea is inactive. I live on the slopes, so if it ever blows, I'm done for.

I don't much like the idea of this, personally. The mountain, which is extremely sacred to Hawaiians, has already been marred by several large telescopes. Can't stop "progress" though, I suppose.

Originally posted by VariableConstant
reply to post by domasio

 

Mauna Kea is inactive. I live on the slopes, so if it ever blows, I'm done for.

I don't much like the idea of this, personally. The mountain, which is extremely sacred to Hawaiians, has already been marred by several large telescopes. Can't stop "progress" though, I suppose.

It seems nowadays that "progress" will always come before somebody's traditions, values or sacred beliefs. It's a sad, sad world.

reply to post by domasio


My appologies for giving the wrong info. I misread the source I pulled it from.

again, my bad.

reply to post by VariableConstant


Thanks for correcting the info. I appreciate it.