The National Science Foundation (NSF) is facing a crucial decision on whether to advance the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) to the final design stage by September. This project is in competition with a telescope project in Chile for limited NSF funding. Initially, the NSF had planned to support two “extremely large telescopes,” including the TMT and the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile, with apertures ranging from 25 to 100 meters. However, the cost of each project has now risen to nearly $3 billion.
In February, the NSF’s National Science Board imposed a $1.6 billion limit on the foundation’s investment in extremely large telescopes. NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan stated at a board meeting in May that the next step is to assemble an expert panel to evaluate each project. This process aims to gather essential information to help determine which project should be advanced to the final design stage.
Panchanathan clarified that the decision to conduct a reverse site visit and convene a panel does not equate to a commitment to construct any telescopes at this time. The panel will be tasked with assessing various aspects of each project, including progress, partnerships, risks, government models, scientific value, opportunities for early career scientists, and public engagement. The panel will also evaluate the impact of supporting a project on agency resources during the design, construction, and operation phases.
Although the panel has yet to be fully formed, Panchanathan anticipates receiving a report from them by the end of September. This report will play a crucial role in helping the NSF make an informed decision on whether to advance the TMT or the telescope project in Chile to
