New Sketches of Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Released

Media Release:

Following the successful conclusion of the Thirty Meter Telescope’s Environmental Impact Statement and Final Design Review of the observatory enclosure, TMT worked with acclaimed science animator and producer Dana Berry on a new, more accurate set of renderings of the observatory and its support building as they will appear on Mauna Kea.

Top View of TMT Complex

These renderings accurately portray the observatory with a reflective dome. This aluminized coating was selected to help the observatory maintain a constant temperature and to blend in with the surrounding environment. The dome will reflect the color of the local lava field during the warmer months and will appear white when snow covers the top of the mountain.

The new images also demonstrate how the support building and access road will utilize native rock and colors to better match the local environment.

Side View of TMT Complex

The telescope will be sited on the northern plateau of Mauna Kea at a location known as 13 North within Area E. This section of the mountain, which was identified as the preferred site for a next-generation optical observatory in the 2000 Mauna Kea Reserve Master Plan, is below the summit and its predominant geologic feature is a basalt lava flow. This particular rock has weathered to a reddish hue, which influenced the exterior appearance and color choices of the observatory.

China Joins Thirty Meter Telescope Project

Media Release:

The National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) has joined the Thirty Meter Telescope Project (TMT). As an Observer, China will participate in planning the development of what will be the world’s most advanced and capable astronomical observatory.

“The TMT is delighted to take this exciting new step forward in our relationship with the National Astronomical Observatories of China,” said Henry Yang, chairman of the TMT board and Chancellor of the University of California, Santa Barbara. “We appreciate their interest in contributing to this important international endeavor, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Chinese astronomical community in fostering China’s collaboration in the TMT project.”

“We believe that the Thirty Meter Telescope will provide an otherwise unattainable opportunity for the Chinese astronomical community to make significant discoveries, perform cutting-edge science, and advance technological development,” said Jun Yan, director of the NAOC. “We believe our joint effort will foster a successful collaboration on this world-class project, and we hope to build high-technology, core components of the telescope.”

“As the first step in a three stage process, Observer Status provides a framework for the detailed discussions needed to establish full partnership in the construction and operation of TMT,” according to Edward Stone, vice chair of the TMT board and Caltech’s Morrisroe Professor of Physics.

“We warmly welcome our Chinese colleagues, who will expand the international involvement in the Thirty Meter Telescope Project,” said Professor Ray Carlberg, the Canadian Large Optical Telescope project director and a TMT board member. “This new collaboration broadens the pool of talent and demonstrates the interest of national governments in TMT.”

When completed in 2018, the TMT will be the first of the next-generation of ground-based optical observatories. This revolutionary telescope will integrate the latest innovations in precision control, segmented mirror design, and adaptive optics to correct for the blurring effect of Earth’s atmosphere. Building on the success of the twin Keck telescopes, the core technology of TMT will be a 30-meter segmented primary mirror. This will give TMT nine times the collecting area of today’s largest optical telescopes and three times sharper images.

The TMT has begun full-scale polishing of the 1.4-meter mirror blanks that will make up the primary mirror. TMT also has developed many of the essential prototype components for the telescope, including key adaptive optics technologies and the support and control elements for the 492 mirror segments.

The TMT project has completed its $77 million design development phase with primary financial support of $50 million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and $22 million from Canada. The project has now entered the early construction phase thanks to an additional $200 million pledge from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Caltech and the University of California have agreed to raise matching funds of $50 million to bring the construction total to $300 million, and the Canadian partners propose to supply the enclosure, the telescope structure, and the first light adaptive optics.

China to Co-Op on TMT Project?

BEIJING: Astronomers from China and the United States are considering cooperating on the world’s largest telescope, through which scientists will have a deeper insight into the very early stages of the universe…

…”It is a big undertaking and it will define the future of astronomy and astrophysics for about 60 or 70 years, so it will automatically involve a large international community,” said Caltech president Jean-Lou Chameau in an interview with Xinhua on Friday…

…but no final decision has been made for China’s participation.

Canada and Japan have signed up to the TMT project, which needs total financing of US$1 billion…

…China has observer status on the TMT project, and will become a partner after signing a memorandum of understanding and agreeing on commitment of funds….

Full Article: China, US Discuss co-op on world’s largest telescope (China Daily)

*Update* Mainland Videoblogger On Assignment for TMT Opposers? Millilani Trask Responds to Him… Others on Hidden Camera?

Just ran across a bunch of clips that have been posted by someone who is obviously posting youtube clips to make a buck and isn’t happy with the TMT project.

Before I go on and show the featured videos… I’ll pass on a few of his other youtube clips he has posted:

Alien Human Sperm Theft:

Is Making War on Iraq Like Making a Sandwich?

So without passing along judgment and just posting some of the previous stuff the guy has posted… here are some of his anti TMT videos he is now posting.

Here is what Millilani Trask gave the guy (part1):

Part 2:

And a very weird interview by the Waiakea High School Golf Coach a guy wearing a Waiakea High School golf shirt that appears to be done via hidden camera (I say this because he never looks in the camera once):

There are some other videos that you can find on his youtube site regarding this matter.

Looking at what he covers… he obviously is some sort of paid lobbyist… DESPITE Telling the coach above he wasn’t in the first part of the clip!

UPDATE:

I have been told that the guy wearing the Waiakea Golf Shirt is not a coach on the team.  It is interesting how the camera pans to the Logo a few times though.

Bio of the Film Maker:

Name: John Sefick
Age: 69

Filmmaker for the last 5 years. I am a retired federal agent.

Hometown: Rio Rancho New Mexico

Interests and Hobbies: Astronomy founder of Chaco Canyon Observatory

TMT Meeting in Pahoa (Just Random Pictures)

*Blog* CHOP! My bad folks… still learning my new phone…

Attended tonights TMT meeting at Pahoa Elementary for a brief time… was running late for everything today… go figure I run late to something right next to where I’m living.

I’ll just assume that the majority of the presentation was the same one that was given in Hilo… so I’ll pass the buck to Tyler over at the Hilo Living Blog on the report from the night before… My brain has been scatter brained for the last few days with a lot of things going on.

For a detailed report of what the first meeting included, see “Hilo Living Blog” post “Stunning Shift in Hawaii’s Astronomy“.

I’m at the TMT meeting now.

The tide has turned.  I believe more people are in support in Puna for the TMT then are against… of course it is always the folks that are most outspoken against things in the first place to make a fuss about things.

Trust me on this… I’m the “king” of making fusses.

You can follow see my pictures below that were tweeted live on twitter.  I only had my cell camera so the pictures aren’t the greatest.

This post was edited, because I meant to send it to my twitter account and not my blog… so be it!

1. TMT observatory and access way http://twitgoo.com/v1h441 minutes ago from twitgoo

2. Mauna Kea summit from southeast http://twitgoo.com/v1goabout 1 hour ago from twitgoo

3. TMT mid level facility headquarters and satellite office http://twitgoo.com/v1ghabout 1 hour ago from twitgoo

4. What is the TMT http://twitgoo.com/v1fqabout 1 hour ago from twitgoo

5. How did the universe begin http://twitgoo.com/v1fkabout 1 hour ago from twitgoo

6. Mauna Kea kuahiwi ku hao I ka maile http://twitgoo.com/v1cnabout 1 hour ago from twitgoo

7. Visual overview TMT visual impact mitigation http://twitgoo.com/v1cjabout 1 hour ago from twitgoo

8. Visual overview TMT observatory visualizations http://twitgoo.com/v1c8about 1 hour ago from twitgoo

9. TMT observatory details http://twitgoo.com/v1c3about 1 hour ago from twitgoo

10. Acces way options to proposed TMT site http://twitgoo.com/v1c1about 1 hour ago from twitgoo

11. History of astronomy in Hawaii at TMT meeting http://twitgoo.com/v1brabout 1 hour ago from twitgoo

12. Crowd at TMT meeting in Pahoa http://twitgoo.com/v1bpabout 1 hour ago from twitgoo

13. @hawaii247 at TMT meeting in Pahoa http://twitgoo.com/v1bmabout 1 hour ago from twitgoo

14. Renee siracusa speakingt at TMT meeting in Pahoa http://twitgoo.com/v1bdabout 1 hour ago from twitgoo

15. Richard Ha speaking at TMT meeting in Pahoa http://twitgoo.com/v1b7about 1 hour ago from twitgoo

Mayor Kenoi Urges a Respectful Dialogue on Mauna Kea Telescope

Media Release

Hawai’i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi today urged all parties in the debate on the Thirty Meter Telescope to engage in a respectful dialogue as the community works toward a collaborative decision on the project.

“In this time of economic hardship for many County of Hawai’i residents, it is critical that the community pull together to search for a solution that benefits our island and our neighbors,” Mayor Kenoi said. “I know that all of the participants in this discussion sincerely want the best outcome for our community, and we owe it to each other to debate the project in a reasoned, respectful way.”

While the Big Island hosts some of the most sophisticated star-gazing technology in the world, Mayor Kenoi said that until now the youth from the island have had little hope of participating in the science and discovery happening on Mauna Kea.

That will change only when Hawai’i Island students are offered exceptional science and math education at the earliest grades, Mayor Kenoi said. It is critical that any additional projects on the mountain be harnessed to provide the foundation in science education that will allow Hawai’i youngsters to grow up to be the engineers, mathematicians and physicists who make astronomy on the mountain possible.

University of Hawai’i President David McClain recently announced that the TMT would bring a community benefit package of $1 million a year to the Big Island that would help fund children’s education.

“As a parent, I want exciting science education career opportunities for our young people so they can dream big about the future,” Kenoi said. “As a Hawaiian, I believe we can preserve our culture, protect our environment and support astronomy. As your mayor, I hope to facilitate compromise and find common ground.”

UH President: “I can say that should TMT come to Mauna Kea, the Hawaiian community and community-at-large will benefit through an annual $1 million community benefit package…”

Richard Ha recently posted a post on his blog entitled “TMT is Pono” where he talks about a community meeting where they created some radio spots for the Thirty Meter Telescope project.

Wayne Joseph and I left a comment for Mr. Ha and the response that he gave me is very pleasing.

Statement from UH President David McClain:

After discussions with academic and community leaders on the Big Island, and review with the Board of Regents, I can say that should TMT come to Mauna Kea, the Hawaiian community and community-at-large will benefit through an annual $1 million community benefit package, which will provide funding for locally chosen and managed educational programs on Hawai’i Island. This will begin once all permits for the project have been received.

The compensation to the University of Hawai’i, which is expected to begin at “first light”, will be split equitably between a higher education package to be used for selected initiatives of the University of Hawai’i at Hilo and Hawai’i Community College on Hawai’i Island and observing time for University of Hawai’i scientists.

David McClain
President
University of Hawaii

Tomorrow: Community Sign Waving Event in Support of Thirty Meter Telescope

Media Release

WHAT: Community Sign Waving Event in Support of
Thirty Meter Telescope

WHEN: Friday, June 12, 4 pm – 6 pm

WHERE: Fronting the King Kamehameha Statue at Hilo Bayfront

The community is invited to come and rally support for the Thirty Meter
Telescope this Friday as the proposed $1.2 billion Thirty Meter Telescope Project prepares to present its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the island wide audience next week.

Community supporters will have TMT Yes! buttons, signs and t-shirts on hand for sign waving supporters.

We are encouraging our Big Island ohana to come out and support this
once-in-a-generation opportunity to show that our island is united in its support of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Bring the entire family.

Richard Ha’s Hamakua Springs Farm is supplying the first 150 supporters with a clamshell of grape tomatoes.

For further information contact Laura Aquino at Current Events (808)
326-7820.

Neil Abercrombie on Supporting the TMT Project… Video

I missed the first 20 seconds of this video where Hawaii Tribune Writer Peter Sur asks Congressman Abercrombie if he supported the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project:

Department of Public Works Blackballing of Bloggers Tied to TMT Project, Saddle Road and the Military?

I can’t do anything but copy and paste this whole article written by Andy Parx over at Got Windmills.

Although Hawai`i County officials claim the blackballing of journalist/bloggers on the Big Island was over before it began one of, if not the main target of the policy says that’s just more shibai.

“I was the one directly targeted by this directive” says Aaron Stene of the Kona Blog in a comment left on yesterday’s column on the subject.

“The troubling aspect of this debacle” he wrote “is the fact the directive seems to be still in effect. I have had a hard time talking to DPW and the county council ever since this directive was released.”

But according to a Big Island source the derivation of the ban may go back to a rather innocuous video posted by Dave Corrigan of the Big Island Video News last August and is apparently related to the controversy over the expansion of the new Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea.and Stene’s campaign in support of it in the face of local and kanaka maoli oppostion.

The video shows the repaving of the “Saddle Road” across the Big Island and is also controversial because opponents of the telescope say it is being done not for the pubic but to enable not just the expansion. of the observatory on what Hawaiians consider sacred land but extensive miliary operations in the area.

That video was followed by a post by Stene in Septembers and many more since arguing with opponents but giving them a platform at his popular blog to oppose the project and claim “a military connection to the science going on on Mauna Kea” and that. “the road is mostly used by contractors and not the general public” among other objections.

According to our source, author of the policy DPW spokeswoman Noelani Whittington was still concerned enough about the original video and apparently the discussion on Stene’s blog to still be bringing it up in conversations in December

Though the connection to the ban may or may not be true, Stene thinks it’s far from over.

In a post yesterday he wrote

“(I)t makes me wonder if Noelani and the DPW had a hidden agenda here…. (I)t seemed this directive was targeted mostly at me. I had by far interfaced with the DPW more often than Damon (Tucker) and David (Corrigan)”.

Those are the other two whose blogs were singled out by Whittington when she banned department personnel from interacting with blogger/journalists on the island.

He continued saying:

On a related note, she tried calling me yesterday and tried to kiss my ass by acting all apologetic for doing this. I tried to remain civil even though it was very hard to do so on my part. However I refused to accept her apology for her actions….

There is one more troubling aspect of this debacle. I’ve had a hard talking to DPW, county council ever since this directive was released. Thus it seems in my case I highly doubt this directive has been withdrawn.

But the saddle road may not be the only controversial project Whittington apparently didn’t want publicly debated. Stene concludes by saying

Lastly, it seems there is a lack of communication between the HDOT and DHHL to minimize the impact of the Waimea bypass, according to this WHT article. If there was better communication the concerns of the DHHL homesteaders would’ve been addressed years ago. Thus this much needed highway wouldn’t be delayed once again

As to Tucker his response to the article was a lot more defensive after Whittington’s slight of his and other reporter/bloggers’ professionalism, as was reported in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald article yesterday that broke the story by obtaining Whittington’s six page policy written policy.
.
In his Open Letter to Department of Public Works Spokeswoman Noelani Whittington, Tucker wrote

Ms. Whittington, thank you for insulting Aaron, Dave and Myself with your little knowledge of our backgrounds in today’s article written by Jason Armstrong in the Tribune Herald….

I guess you just assume some of us lack experience because we blog in a blogging format and not in the traditional news sense?

Here is just a little of my Experience… Sorry I got out of the field more then a decade ago and switched to Education:
1 Year Advertising Manager on Mainland1 Year Lay-Out Editor (Hilo)2 Years Reporting (Mainland/Hilo)1 Year Writing Press Releases for the State Legislature…

I myself have never asked DPW for any information. Any information that I have found on them… was already published. I don’t have some “Deep Throat” working for me at your office lady… get a grip!

I know you don’t know who I am… but had it not been for my father-in-law telling me that you are an OK person (and yes you do know him)… You would have ended up on my Smuck list.

Unlike Kaua`i the Big Island is awash with on-line reporting and general information blogs with no less than a dozen people with varying degrees of reporting experience from Kona to Hilo posting tons of information and opinion on everything from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Kaua`i on the other hand is, with a few notable exceptions, practically devoid of blogs with original news and political commentary and reporting which, when combined with a sycophantic local newspaper that rarely if ever rocks the boat, may explain why the county can get away with their unwritten rules of non-engagement and their tight-fisted hold on what is, by law, public information.

Mauna Kea Comprehensive Mountain Plan (CMP): Keck Engineer Andrew Coopers Commentary

I’m just gonna point you straight over to Keck Engineer Andrew Coopers recent commentary of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Mountain Plan (CMP).

I stand by previous statments that I am still neutral on this project and I myself have not read the CMP.

Mauna Kea Team Discover Methane Gas on Mars… The Video

…The team found methane in the Martian atmosphere by carefully observing the planet throughout several Mars years with NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility and the W.M. Keck telescope, both at Mauna Kea, Hawaii…

More Here

Hotel Mauna Kea (Parody)

I  found this little clip this morning so I thought I’d post it for  for my friends on top of the mountain!

Gets  “real good” at the 1:22 mark:

“Experience the plight of astronomers at the 14,000-foot summit of Mauna Kea! Veteran observers John A., Juan D., Kelly F., Ted K., and Tim Livengood took the HIPWAC spectrometer to the IRTF observatory on the Big Island of Hawaii and were inspired to write the lyrics to “Hotel Mauna Kea”. Here, Juan, Kelly and Ted perform the song and all co-investigators star in this above-the-clouds music video. “Hotel Mauna Kea” is a parody of The Eagles’ “Hotel California” by Felder, Henley, and Frey.”

TMT Poll

I just noticed that worldwide survey was conducted on the best locations for the TMT project.

I had never heard about the survey before today:

So I decided I would run a my own poll.

Many Other Places in the World Ranked Above Mauna Kea for Sky Watching

I hope the planners and designers of the TMT read this particular blog.

It has been said to me by people that work up on Mauna Kea that the TMT should go atop Mauna Kea because it’s the best place in the world for it to go.

I just read this article which mentions 8 other places that are better for sky watching:

1. McDonald Observatory, United States

2. Stonehenge, Britain

3. Abu Simbel, Egypt

4. Caribbean Islands

5. Pisac, Peru

6. Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Canary Islands

7. Sherbrooke, Canada

8. Slovenia

9. Hawai’i (the Big Island), Hawaii, United States

10. Sark, Britain

Mauna Kea Visitors May Need to Take Class

A draft summary of a comprehensive management plan for Mauna Kea, which includes mandatory education for users of the mountain, has been released by the University of Hawaii and related agencies…

More Here

This sounds almost like the same type of thing that visitors to Haunama Bay have to go through before using the bay.

Office of Mauna Kea Management Looking for Executive Director

I certainly don’t meet the qualifications, however, it appears that the Office of Mauna Kea Management is looking for a Executive Director.

…Minimum qualifications: J.D. degree or master’s degree in a natural resources field, business administration, public administration, political science or closely related field appropriate to the above duties, functions, and responsibilities from an accredited university or college. At least a combination of 5 years experience, as an administrator, executive, legislator, lawyer, and/or other similarly responsible, professional position, engaged in policy and plan development, leadership, dispute resolution, and handling issues relating to native Hawaiians. At least one year of experience in the development and execution of policies and programs related to the environmental and cultural management of public lands. Extensive knowledge of Hawaiian cultural issues and natural resource and environmental management issues. Extensive knowledge of legal and regulatory issues surrounding conservation land areas, including but not limited to Hawaiian ceded lands, including current federal and state laws, associated rules and regulations, interpretations, and court rulings. Extensive knowledge of the scientific, cultural and natural resource issues on Mauna Kea. Extensive ability to mediate disputes, resolve differences, and achieve consensus among individuals and/or various government, private and community organizations/groups. Knowledge of long range planning and good management practices. Strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to integrate information from a wide variety of people, organizations and other sources and to use it, through seasoned, expert judgment, to develop creative, innovative, and effective policies, plans, and programs. Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with various government, private and community organizations/groups. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills. Ability to communicate orally and writing at an extremely high level…

More Here

Media Invited to Upcoming NASA SCARAB Tests in Hilo

I wonder if This is the SCARAB that I have  been blogging about!

———-

Media are invited to observe tests of NASA equipment and rover concepts that will demonstrate how astronauts might prospect for lunar resources and make their own oxygen for survival on the moon. The tests will take place Thursday, Nov. 13, starting at 9 a.m. HST outside Hilo, Hawaii. (The TESTS will take place on Mauna Kea and a Caravan will take the media to the testing location)

NASA’s In Situ Resource Utilization project focuses on developing methods for astronauts to take advantage of lunar resources at landing sites on the moon. During two weeks of field tests, NASA will demonstrate prototype systems that could enable a sustainable and affordable lunar outpost by minimizing the amount of water and oxygen that must be supplied from Earth. The Pacific International Center for Exploration Systems, or PISCES, headquartered at the University of Hawaii, Hilo, will host the tests.

Reporters will be able to observe and photograph various tests of a prototype moon rover designed to prospect for ice in lunar craters, and two systems to manufacture oxygen from the lunar soil. Engineers involved in the development of these systems will be available for interviews.

Reporters must contact Kimberly Land at 757-746-4749, or Grey Hautaluoma at 202-358-0668 by Friday, Oct. 31, to R.S.V.P. to attend the event. Access to the test site is restricted and requires a letter of assignment on company letterhead for credentials.

————

Back when I worked on a school paper, I had a “Press Pass” for things like this.  I’m going to give the number a call this morning and see if I can’t somehow get into this showing with just a simple blog? ;)

Hey… Can’t harm anything if they say no … and what an opportunity if they were to say yes!

*edit* I just spoke with Kimberly Land, and they are going to allow me on the site!

For more info visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration

Dawson on TMT Project… “We have not been hearing a lot of ‘no’.”

Sandra Dawson, I met you the other night, and I’m not sure what you heard at the other meetings but what you state in the Advertiser today may be stretching things a bit.

Out of the first 10 or so testifiers I was there for, I heard 7 against and only 3 for.

I don’t understand how you can tell the Honolulu Advertiser the following:

“I have been really impressed by the thoughts and the eloquence of some of the comments,” said Sandra Dawson, TMT Observatory Corp. site manager.

“We have not been hearing a lot of ‘no.’ What we have been hearing is: ‘If you come here, you need to do this,’ or, ‘If you’re going to go up there, have respect for the mountain.’ And that’s something we really want to demonstrate as good neighbors and good stewards.”

I also don’t understand the spin here of trying to divide this into 3 categories of:

…Much of the testimony has been divided roughly into three categories, with some saying the telescope should be built at the other potential site in the mountains of Chile, some welcoming the economic and academic addition to the Big Island, and others wanting no more structures on a volcanic mountain Native Hawaiians consider sacred…

So basically what you are saying… is 2/3 of the people don’t want it on Mauna Kea.

Those wanting no more structures on Mauna Kea… why don’t you just lump those with the ones that want it on Chile?

Trying to make it look like 33% / 33% /33% is just not true…. it’s actually 67% Against and 33 % for unscientifically.

But then again… if you look at my even more unscientific poll it would show people are for it ;)

AKIMEKA Receives Another Military Contract

I blogged about AKIMEKA, TMT and Adaptive Optics here and mentioned the contract that AKIMEKA got a few days ago.

Well it looks like AKIMEKA has received another large contract:

A Frederick-based firm, in partnership with a Hawaiian company, has been awarded an $80 million, five-year contract with USAMRIID at Fort Detrick.Clinical Research Management, based at 411 Aviation Way, will provide support and research services. The local office has a staff of five, said Caylee Ortega, director of business development

The partner, Akimeka Technologies, based in Honolulu, was named the fastest-growing small business in Hawaii by Pacific Business News. The firm had revenue growth of nearly 2,500 percent from 2005 to 2007.