Why is NSF considering funding a new telescope?
Credit: Gemini Observatory Artwork by Lynette Cook
The field of astronomy is entering a new era. In the next two decades, a new class of telescope — known as Extremely Large Telescopes — can be built with capabilities well beyond that of space-based telescopes.
These new telescopes will explore the signatures of life on other worlds, answering fundamental questions about humans' place in the universe: Is there other life out in the vast expanse of space? Are there other worlds with life that future generations can explore?
NSF is considering a potential future investment in the construction and operations of an Extremely Large Telescope in the Northern Hemisphere, the Thirty Meter Telescope. NSF understands that the possible construction of this telescope on Maunakea, Hawai‘i Island, Hawaii, is a sensitive issue that requires extensive engagement and understanding of various viewpoints.
NSF will not make a funding decision until after it considers the following:
- Public input.
- The environmental review of the telescope.
- The project's technical readiness.
- The project proponent's management capabilities.
- The availability of federal funding.
- The telescope's alignment with other NSF priorities.
Note: A decision by NSF not to go forward with an investment in the construction and operations of the Thirty Meter Telescope could be made at any time, including before the environmental review process has concluded.
Tell us what you think
Tell us what you think
Comment on the Thirty Meter Telescope's environmental review
Comment on the Thirty Meter Telescope's environmental review
At this early stage in its environmental review, NSF is inviting comments on the information provided in its Notice of Intent.
Please submit your comments on the Notice of Intent by the end of the day on September 17, 2022, using the options below:
Send us your comment through the Thirty Meter Telescope Public Scoping comment form.
Address your comment to:
Ms. Elizabeth Pentecost, RE: ELT
National Science Foundation,
Room W9152
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22314
Attend a public scoping meeting hosted by NSF. Presentations will begin at 6:00 p.m. HST, followed by a public comment period inviting oral and written comments.
Hilo: August 9, 2022, at the Grand Naniloa Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Crown Room
93 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI 96720
Naalehu: August 10, 2022, at the Naalehu Community Center
95-5635 Hawaii Belt Rd., Naalehu, HI 96772
Kona: August 11, 2022, at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Kaleiopapa Convention Center
78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Kamuela (Waimea): August 12, 2022, at the Kahilu Town Hall
67-1182 Lindsey Rd., Kamuela, HI 96743
Comments will be accepted during the meetings in writing and verbally. Please contact NSF at least one week in advance of each meeting if you would like to request special accommodations (e.g., sign language interpretation). Comments can also be provided in the Hawaiian language, which will subsequently be translated to the English language to facilitate NSF’s consideration of those comments.
Give feedback on NSF's Draft Community Engagement Plan
Give feedback on NSF's Draft Community Engagement Plan
NSF's Draft Community Engagement Plan outlines additional steps that NSF is taking to engage with the Hawaiian community and other interested members of the public. These steps are designed to provide more opportunities for meaningful and effective public engagement at critical junctures in NSF’s review process.
Hard copies of the Draft Community Engagement Plan will be available at the following libraries:
Oahu
James and Abigail Campbell Library
University of Hawaii at West Oahu
91-1001 Farrington Hwy.
Kapolei, HI 96707
Hawaii Kai Public Library
249 Lunalilo Home Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96825
Hawai‘i Island
Edwin H. Mookini Library
University of Hawaii at Hilo
200 W. Kawili St.
Hilo, HI 96720-4091
Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library
67-1209 Mamalahoa Hwy.
Kamuela, HI 96743
Hilo Public Library
300 Waianuenue Ave.
Hilo, HI 96720
Pahala Public and School Library
96-3150 Pikake St.
Pahala, HI 96777
Kailua-Kona Public Library
75-138 Hualalai Rd.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Kauai
Lihue Public Library
4344 Hardy St.
Lihue, HI 96766
Princeville Public Library
4343 Emmalani Dr.
Princeville, HI 96722
Maui
Kihei Public Library
35 Waimahaihai St.
Kihei, HI 96753
Please submit your comments on the Draft Community Engagement Plan by the end of the day on September 17, 2022, using one of the options below:
Send us your comment through the Draft Community Engagement Plan comment form.
Address your comment to:
Ms. Elizabeth Pentecost, RE: ELT
National Science Foundation,
Room W9152
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22314
Where is NSF in its environmental review process?
Currently, NSF is:
- Conducting public scoping under the "National Environmental Policy Act."
- Initiating the Section 106 consultation process under the "National Historic Preservation Act."
- Inviting public comment on its draft Community Engagement Plan.
If you have questions about the process or have any questions about using the above comment forms, please contact us at EIS.106.TMT@nsf.gov.
Credit: National Science Foundation
Learn more about the proposed telescope
- Read the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine's 2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey.
- Visit the Thirty Meter Telescope project proponent's About page.