NSF Excludes TMT From $3.9B Budget, Cuts Funding for Other Hawaii Telescopes

Hawaiʻi Astronomy Stares Into The Abyss Of Federal Cuts

In addition to the TMT, proposed federal funding cuts threaten the world-class Keck and Gemini observatories, the solar telescope on Maui and UH's Institute for Astronomy.

National Science Foundation defunds long-stalled controversial Thirty Meter Telescope

The National Science Foundation will no longer fund the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope planned for construction atop Mauna Kea, instead choosing to back its international competitor, the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile. The decision, revealed Friday in the NSF’s fiscal year 2026 budget request under the Trump administration, could be the death knell for the $3 billion TMT project and its future viability. The president had sought to slas…

Editorial: TMT fading, but keep astronomy lit | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Many were deeply disheartened to learn that the National Science Foundation has defunded Hawaii’s Thirty Meter Telescope project. Still, they also should feel hopeful that, despite this tragic setback, the remaining astronomy installations atop Mauna Kea will retain support for their public and educational benefits.

NSF excludes TMT from $3.9B budget, cuts funding for other Hawaii telescopes

The National Science Foundation's latest budget proposal has significant implications for Hawaii's telescopes.

National Science Foundation defunds long-stalled controversial Thirty Meter Telescope - West Hawaii Today

The National Science Foundation will no longer fund the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope planned for construction atop Maunakea, instead choosing to back its international competitor, the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile.