Thirty Meter Telescope

The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is a proposed extremely large telescope intended for construction on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. With a 30-meter diameter mirror, it promises to revolutionize astronomical research by gathering nine times more light than existing telescopes. The TMT's design includes advanced adaptive optics for clearer images and aims to observe a wide range of wavelengths. However, its construction has faced significant opposition from the Native Hawaiian community, leading to protests and legal challenges. Despite international support and alternative site proposals, the project's future remains uncertain, especially after the U.S. National Science Foundation withdrew funding in 2025.