Spain has stepped in to revitalize a stalled project to construct the largest telescope in the Northern Hemisphere on Mauna Kea in Hawaii. The new funding offer and a proposed new location on La Palma Island have breathed new life into the international Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) initiative.
Originally planned for Mauna Kea, a site sacred to Hawaiian Indigenous communities, the project faced setbacks due to environmental and cultural concerns. Spain has now pledged €400 million ($648 million) to support the construction of the TMT on Roque de los Muchachos in La Palma, part of the Canary Islands. Despite not being as high as Mauna Kea and having less clear weather, Roque de los Muchachos is considered a viable alternative location.
While Spain’s offer provides a new opportunity for the TMT project, there are still challenges ahead. Environmental groups in the Canary Islands, such as Ben Magec-Ecologists in Action, have expressed opposition to the telescope’s relocation to Spain. The project organizers must now navigate these concerns and ensure stakeholder engagement to avoid past mistakes and facilitate smoother progress.
The TMT is part of a select group of “megatelescopes,” aiming to enhance astronomical observation capabilities. With plans dating back over two decades, the TMT has garnered support from various countries, including Canada. The telescope’s proposed location on Mauna Kea was chosen for its high elevation and optimal viewing conditions, although opposition from Native Hawaiians has led to construction delays and increased costs.
The recent withdrawal of U.S. support and redirection of focus towards other telescope projects have further complicated the TMT’s future. As the project faces uncertainties and financial challenges, the importance of inclusive planning involving Indigenous communities is underscored. Lessons from the TMT project emphasize the significance of respectful consultation and collaboration to ensure the success and sustainability of large-scale initiatives on Indigenous lands.
