Spain Invests €400 Million to Revive the Thirty Meter Telescope Amid Trump’s Cancellation Talks

On July 23, Diana Morant, Spain’s Minister of Science, announced that the Spanish government is prepared to invest up to 400 million euros (about $471 million) to ensure the continuation of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). This ambitious astronomy project is currently facing potential cancellation due to budget cuts in the U.S.

Morant expressed, “Spain wants to be the future home for astronomy and astrophysics. We have the capacity and the political will to make this happen.”

Originally, the TMT was set to be built on Hawaii’s Mauna Kea, renowned for its pristine night skies and excellent weather. However, the project’s future became uncertain when the Trump administration suggested eliminating funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) that supports the TMT’s development.

To counter this setback, Spain has offered to relocate the TMT construction to the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Morant highlighted that this project could not only lead to the telescope being built but also create jobs and boost the local economy for years to come.

Interestingly, the TMT isn’t the only large telescope project on the table. The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), which is being built in Chile, is also vying for funding. Both telescopes were designed to work together, providing a comprehensive view of the universe by observing different hemispheres. However, with the funding strains, their futures remain uncertain.

Recent budget proposals from the Trump administration highlight significant cuts across various scientific projects. For example, the NSF could see its workforce drop from over 330,000 scientists to approximately 90,000, and some facilities, like LIGO and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, may face reduced operations or closures altogether.

Spain’s proactive approach contrasts sharply with the tightening of science budgets in some countries. Morant emphasized that Spain remains a welcoming haven for scientific endeavors, positioning itself as a hub for innovation and research.

Moreover, moving the TMT from Mauna Kea could ease tensions with local Hawaiian communities, where the mountain holds sacred significance for many. In the past, proposed telescope constructions faced protests and backlash due to cultural concerns.

Thus, Spain’s offer could not only salvage a vital scientific project but also promote international collaboration in space exploration, fostering deeper understanding of our universe.



Source link