To the future ADVERTISING To the future There are three ways to mount a telescope: on the ground, on an aircraft, in space. The airborne option is not a consideration. The bone of contention here is the ground on which
To the future
There are three ways to mount a telescope: on the ground, on an aircraft, in space. The airborne option is not a consideration. The bone of contention here is the ground on which the Thirty Meter Telescope is to be mounted is a sacred location to many.
Ever since Hubble was launched and repaired, thanks to some very talented astronauts, space-borne telescopes have proven invaluable.
Several years back, when Hubble had a problem focusing, NASA was on the verge of deorbiting it, but due to a massive global outcry, they kept it operational.
All that would be needed on the ground would be a network of antennas with a data link, which would present a very minimal footprint, with a satellite constellation in a geostationary position.
Research organizations could train with various space agencies to provide their own orbital telescope technicians, because by the time they iron out the bugs, going into space should be much more commonplace. Earth-based astronomers would still be employed.
As for deliveries, they could be launched on the same rocket that supplies the space station. Another launch option would use the same type vehicle that was designed to deliver multiple warheads at different locations, permitting a cluster of telescopes to be deployed autonomously.
What (economist Thorstein) Veblen said about dealing with institutions in 1899, such as government and education, has not changed one iota. “Institutions are products of past process, are adapted to past circumstances and are therefore never in full accord with the requirements of the present.”
Moving into the future is difficult for some. I’m giving the benefit of the doubt. It isn’t like you have to convert to metric. Yet!
Dave Kisor
Pahoa
Giant pyramid
Mauna Kea looks like and resembles a great, giant pyramid that nature made.
TMT, the monster telescope, looks like and resembles a giant cyclops eye that scientists made.
Do you want to see what the two together would look like? Then look at the reverse side of a dollar bill. Your eyes will find it.
Everett Franco
Paauilo
Make a wise choice
I am not sure about why humanity seems to be obsessed about going back to the Dark Ages. It is not just happening here in Hawaii but around the world.
The Islamic state is an extreme example. Here, it is the energy in opposition to the TMT project.
It appears that the opposition is based on beliefs from the time of Kamehameha I and reverting to the kapu system and the belief in a multitude of gods. During that period, certain places were considered sacred while others were not.
King Kamehameha II did away with the kapu system and the belief in multiple gods and the idea that some places were more sacred than others. Why would anyone want to throw out the more enlightened approach that he instituted in favor of going back to to the less enlightened approach of his father?
There is no aloha in the actions of many of the TMT protesters, particularly when they threaten and intimidate those who have a different opinion.
Personally, I am sick and tired of this ongoing battle over something that should be a no-brainer. To me, every square inch of the ‘aina is sacred. Science is about discovery, not exploitation. Knowledge is always a good thing, even when it comes to learning things we would rather not learn.
Either this project goes forward without further disruption, or the world will look upon Hawaii in a less favorable light. The choice is yours. Choose wisely.
Harlan Hiltner
Spiritual Options
Pahoa
‘Make do’
Mahalo to you, Ida S. Perez, for writing your letter in Wednesday’s paper titled “Tossed aside.” When someone is quick to make judgment of the Hawaii nei ignoring that this is Hawaiian culture and ‘aina, you will be tossed aside.
If research is that important, then they should pay attention to what mankind has already done to the planet and find a way to make do with the reality we are trying to live with. We don’t need to go any further in research through greed or power.
Lynise Tarring
Hilo
