Thirty-Metre Telescope is the next-generation astronomical observatory that is scheduled to begin scientific operations on Mauna Kea, Hawaii.
India will soon be part of the team building one of the most advanced optical telescopes in the world. Prof Siraj Hasan, director of Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, said India might soon become a partner of the team that will be building the Thirty-Metre Telescope (TMT) in California, USA.
TMT is the next-generation astronomical observatory that is scheduled to begin scientific operations on Mauna Kea, Hawaii.
“There are currently three mega optical telescopes being built — European Extremely Large Telescope, Giant Magellan Telescope and the TMT — which will be ready around 2020-2024. We have sent a letter of interest stating that we want to be partners in the project,” said Hasan.
The TMT project began in 2003 through a partnership between the Association of Canadian Universities for Research in Astronomy (ACURA), the University of California (UC), and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
Hasan said that India (Department of Science and Technology), which is currently part of the project as an observer, will in effect become a 10 per cent partner if the modalities are worked out.
“We will contribute to the project by building various components that will go into the telescope, such as mirrors,” he said.
He elaborated that it will take at least two years for India to officially become a partner. “We are hoping that the funding for TMT will be one of the major projects that will be a part of the 12th Five-Year Plan,” he said.
The TMT telescope, when completed, will reportedly be able to observe galaxies and stars at the edge of the universe. “It has a huge collecting area. We will get to see extra solar planets and can even capture images of other planets the size of Earth. It will also be able to give us a glimpse of the earliest stars,” he explained.
India had announced in June 2010 its decision to join the TMT project as an observer. Last year, it said it would become an active participant if India-made components were used in the mega telescope project.
India’s invested a lot
Prof Trinh Xuan Thuan, professor of astronomy at University of California, Berkley, gave a lecture in Bangalore on Sunday on the role played by man in the universe. He also praised the Indian Space Programme.
“India has invested a lot in science and education, more than any other developing nation. This has to be credited to the vision of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru,” he said.
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