What makes the Thirty Meter Telescope a game-changer for astronomy?

In summary, the paper discusses the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory, which is planned to be built in Hawaii next to the Keck telescope with first light expected in 2027. Despite delays due to legal hurdles, the telescope is expected to have 10 times the resolving power of the Hubble and contribute to significant advancements in astronomy and cosmology. However, it will face competition from other large telescopes such as the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Extremely Large Telescope. With the addition of the James Webb Space Telescope and Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, the next 10 years in astronomy are expected to bring major collaborative achievements.
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This paper; https://arxiv.org/abs/1806.02481, The Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory facilitating transformative astrophysical science, provides an update on plans for the thirty meter telescope. This monstrosity is to be built next door to the Keck in Hawaii and is slated for first light in 2027. As discussed in the paper, the instrument will be capable of phenomenal sensitivity and provide insight into some very interesting issues confronting astronomy and cosmology. Construction has been delayed due to legal hurdles dating back to 2011 that have only been recently cleared. It is expected to have about 10x the resolving power of the Hubble.
 
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Then its delays means the smaller Giant Magellan Telescope (24.5 m) will beat it by 4 years and the larger Extremely Large Telescope (39 m) will beat it by 3 years - unless something else delays these projects, of course.

Astronomy in 10 years won't be what it is today with these three monsters.
 
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1. What is the purpose of the thirty meter telescope?

The thirty meter telescope (TMT) is a ground-based observatory designed to study the universe and provide answers to fundamental questions about our existence and the origins of the universe. It will have the ability to capture images 12 times sharper than those taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and observe the faintest and most distant objects in the universe.

2. Where will the thirty meter telescope be located?

The TMT will be located on the summit of Maunakea, a dormant volcano in Hawaii. This site was chosen after careful consideration of multiple factors, including weather conditions, accessibility, and minimal light pollution.

3. How will the thirty meter telescope be different from other telescopes?

The TMT will have a primary mirror that is 30 meters in diameter, making it one of the largest and most advanced telescopes in the world. It will also use adaptive optics technology to correct for distortions caused by Earth's atmosphere, allowing for sharper and more detailed images.

4. When will the thirty meter telescope be operational?

The TMT project has faced several delays and legal challenges, but it is currently expected to be operational in the mid-2020s.

5. What impact will the thirty meter telescope have on the local environment and community?

The TMT project has faced criticism and protests from some members of the local Hawaiian community, who view the construction of the telescope as a violation of their cultural and spiritual beliefs. However, the TMT project has also made efforts to mitigate its impact on the environment, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing a habitat restoration plan.

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