After the many criticisms and protests received during the past year in Hawaii, the Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT) project has been moved to another site. The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled to cancel the permit of TMT in Mauna Kea. Knowing the huge gain that the project brings to the local residents aside the country's development, it's a loss for Hawaii and a gem for India.
India was not the first choice of TMT project. It was Hawaii. But the proposed project has met criticisms and protests when it was on the process of getting permission from the Hawaii Supreme Court. The reason for cancellation was the site where the project is deemed to be installed last year. Many critics considered Mauna Kea a sacred place, especially for the residents living there. The Supreme Court decided to cancel the construction of the project as the Board of Land and Natural Resources had improperly approved the permit, according to Hawaii Tribune Herald.
Recently, Daily Mail reports that the international project has been moved to Ladakh, India. As stated, the inspection team will be heading to the new site to avoid the delay further as the state of Hawaii is looking permission renewal. It is expected that the project may be delayed by about 18 to 24 months.
The TeCake reports that India has 10 percent share or $212 million investment in TMT project, which also includes China, Japan, Canada and The US. This project is being handled by the country's Ministry of Science and Technology and Department of Atomic Energy.
The report also mentions that Hawaii's rejection of the project is a 'loss' of the state. Building of TMT will open several doors for many local people, aside from the development of the country.
TMT is said to be the largest optical and infrared telescope in northern hemisphere, which will reinforce several huge discoveries vital for future generations. The project will help the scientists to study the Universe better, including the early stages of the Universe as well as the undiscovered planets and other fainter objects in the Solar System.
Additionally, TMT also aims to see the Universe clearly as its adaptive optic system can help correct the image blur caused by Earth's atmosphere. Once installed, Thirty-Meter Telescope will be the highest altitude among existing ELTs, and will be the second largest telescope in the world.
