Stargazing $1.3 billion Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) gets approved

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The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) has received a significant boost with a new five-year, $250,000-per-year grant from the National Science Foundation, marking an important milestone in its development. The total cost of the TMT is projected to exceed $1 billion, making the grant a small yet meaningful contribution. Some experts express skepticism about the feasibility of constructing telescopes larger than 20 meters, but there is optimism about overcoming technological challenges. The discussion highlights the belief that advancements in technology can push beyond perceived limits. The TMT represents a major step forward in astronomical research and exploration.
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The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), a giant observatory that astronomers hope to build by the end of this decade, is expected to cost at least $1 billion. So a grant of $1.25 million may seem miniscule. Nonetheless, the backers of TMT are viewing a new 5-year, $250,000-per-year grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) as a significant milestone.

http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2013/03/thirty-meter-telescope-gets-smal.html
 
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I've once heard a senior astronomer claim that anything beyond 20 meters is technologically not feasable. But I hope they'll overcome all the difficulties, because this is just too exciting!
 
stargazer3 said:
I've once heard a senior astronomer claim that anything beyond 20 meters is technologically not feasable. But I hope they'll overcome all the difficulties, because this is just too exciting!

Hence, "senior" - Just like the Victorian minds (18-19th century) told Einstein that he was full of crap. Although this is merely one example. In my opinion, life will perpetually continue to advance technology into more complex and astounding measures.
There are only the limits we set and make real, the universe knows of no such limits.
 

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