Thirty Meter Telescope

Astronomy's next generation observatory.

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Recent News

A collection of recent TMT press releases and articles featuring TMT.

TMT Scientist Andrea Ghez Awarded the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Crafoord Prize in Astronomy 2012

01.19.2012

SWEDEN, Jan. 19, 2012 /adapted from RSAS press release/  -- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Crafoord Prize in Astronomy 2012 to TMT scientist Andrea Ghez,... more »

China, India to jump forward in astronomy with participation in Hawaii telescope project
Washington Post

01.11.2012

China and India are catapulting to the forefront of astronomy research with their decision to join as partners in a Hawaii telescope that will be the world’s largest when it’s built later this decade. China and India will pay a share of the construction cost — expected to top $1 billion — for the Thirty Meter Telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea volcano. They will also have a share of the observation time. more »

Stunning Breakthrough for Gemini Telescope Points Way for Thirty Meter Telescope

01.05.2012

Ground-based astronomy has taken a big leap forward today as the Gemini South telescope unveiled the first ultra-sharp image produced using a next-generation adaptive optics system. The Thirty Meter... more »

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts - TMT Board Chair Henry Yang Appointed as Member, President's Committee on the National Medal of Science
Chicago Sun-Times

12.21.2011

President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint TMT Board Chair Henry Yang to the Administration post: Member, President's Committee on the National Medal of Science. Dr. Yang joins several other appointees to key Administration posts. President Obama said, "These fine public servants bring both a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their new roles. Our nation will be well-served by these individuals, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come." Dr. Yang is currently the chair of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, a member of the Kavli Foundation board, and Chair of the Thirty Meter Telescope project. more »

TMT's Jerry Nelson Honored with Franklin Institute Award

12.19.2011

If the success of the people behind the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project is any measure, this planned next-generation astronomical observatory looks set to accomplish a great deal. The latest... more »

Astronomy on a Resurgent Path in India
IndianExpress.com

12.11.2011

The science of astronomy is witnessing a resurgence in India, with the Indian Government pushing for participation in several international projects, said Shrinivas Kulkarni, professor of astronomy and planetary sciences at the California Institute of Technology, US. more »

TMT Scientist Dr. Masanori Iye Honored with the Medal with Purple Ribbon
Subaru telescope

11.26.2011

On November 15, 2011, Dr. Masanori Iye was decorated with the Medal with Purple Ribbon (Shiju Houshou). This honor was given to him not only for his excellence in leading cutting-edge research in astronomy but also for his numerous contributions to the academic world during his lengthy career. Dr. Iye is currently the Director of the TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope) Project Office of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). more »

Thirty Meter Telescope reception held at Washington Place
UH Hilo Chancellor's Blog

11.16.2011

Governor Neil Abercrombie and University of Hawai‘i President MRC Greenwood hosted a reception on Nov. 11 at Washington Place, Honolulu, for officials and community leaders associated with the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope. Among the guests were TMT officials, representatives from Big Island and astronomy communities; federal, state and UH officials; and benefactors. UH Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney attended. more »

Inspiration Is The Ultimate Goal

10.20.2011

A chance encounter and pitch from Holualoa PTO Treasurer Kari Kimura turned into a new laptop computer from the Thirty Meter Telescope for Holualoa Elementary School's First Robotics Program. more »

India May Join Mega Telescope Project with INR 800 Crore Aid
HT Media/Mint

10.10.2011

Indian equipment and technology could play a stellar role in Nobel-worthy astrophysics discoveries in the next decade. A massive, proposed telescope at Hawaii is likely to see contributions worth around INR 800 crore from India, the highest yet by the country in this area, a sign of its rising assertiveness in international high-technology experiments. more »