Astronomers bargain for use of 'sacred' site

Author:

Reichhardt, Tony

Title:

Astronomers bargain for use of 'sacred' site

Periodical:

Nature

Year:

2001

Volume:

410

Pages:

1015

Subject:

Sacred sites Astronomical observatories Mauna Kea controversy

Summary:

This document describes the controversy that surrounded the proposed construction of an array of at least four 'outrigger' telescopes that would be built near the large 10-meter Keck telescopes that operate atop Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii. This array would link the two Keck telescopes and allow for the telescopes to work together as an optical interferometer. This would improve the ability of scientists to see the fine detail of objects and to search for planets that might exist around other stars. However, due to a Hawaiian movement that objected to the telescopes based on the grounds that the construction of the telescopes desecrates the ancient volcano that is home to the snow goddess of Hawaii, controversy erupted that caused a delay in the construction of the array as astronomers discussed various ways in which this issue might be resolved.

Label:

Mauna Kea - Commentary

Date:

April 26, 2001

Collection:

Periodicals