Q: What are the funding sources that raised $1.4 billion to build a Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaii? We already know other stars and galaxies exist, so what new knowledge or future benefits justify such a cost?
—Tony Gardner, Cumming
A: Foundations and universities are among the contributors that have given or pledged funding to the telescope that is being built in Hawaii. The Thirty Meter Telescope Observatory Corp., which was founded in 2003, is a nonprofit organization.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the University of California and the California Institute of Technology have contributed to the projected $1.4 billion project. Canada has pledged $243.5 million over 10 years.
Scientific groups in India, Japan, China and the U.S. are building components for the telescope, which is scheduled to open on Mauna Kea, on the big island of Hawaii, in 2023.
Construction started last month after being initially delayed because the dormant volcano is one of the “most sacred and revered sites of the Hawaiian people,” Hawaii Magazine wrote.
Demonstrators initially blocked construction equipment, leading Gov. David Ige to become involved. The University of Hawaii manages the land at the top of the mountain.
TMT will be larger than existing visible-light telescopes.
It “will provide extremely sharp images that will allow astronomers to see much fainter and more distant objects than possible with existing telescopes, and to study them in greater detail,” the telescope’s website states.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
About the Author
